Famille Ricci Zodiac Cancer 2008

This Zodiac Cancer 2008 is a single-cask Martinique agricole distilled at Distillerie du Simon and selected by Famille Ricci, an independent bottler with an eye for characterful casks. Made from fresh sugar cane juice and aged 15 years in ex-bourbon oak, it is bottled at full cask strength, 60.2%.

Long tropical ageing has given it a broad, pastry-like depth over the cane base, the nose layering oak, vanilla, confectionery and cocoa, the palate carrying oak, cocoa, black pepper and vanilla, the finish woody and spicy with hazelnut and a returning sugarcane note. Unsweetened, with nougat-like confectionery sweetness balanced against fresh green agricole notes and firm wood, it is a powerful, well-spectered older single cask. The high strength makes itself known, so this is one for experienced palates to sip slowly, ideally with a little water to coax out its range.