Habitation du Simon A1710 Bête à feu 2022

A white rum from A1710, the boutique line at Habitation du Simon in Martinique that distils on both pot and column stills. Pressed from fresh sugar-cane juice in the agricole tradition, this Bete a feu is a vintage 2022 blanc bottled unsweetened at a robust 50.9%, cask strength for a white.

The combined pot and column distillation gives it body alongside the classic agricole freshness. The nose is herbal, vegetal and floral with sugar cane front and centre, joined by truffle and herbaceous notes. The palate is silky at first, all sugar cane, citrus and a touch of honey, before a powerful pepper builds and takes over, with bitter lemon zest adding bite. The finish stays citrussy, floral and spicy with a vegetal core. Honest and unsweetened, it is a vivid, high-energy blanc that drinks well neat for the curious and makes a commanding Ti' Punch.