HSE Blanc

HSE, the Habitation Saint-Étienne, makes this blanc as the gentle, accessible face of its Martinique range. Pressed from fresh sugar cane juice and bottled at a soft 40%, it carries the AOC's cane juice pedigree without the bite of a higher-proof blanc.

Distilled on the column still to keep its green, vegetal character, it leans easy and friendly. The nose is fresh with sugarcane, tropical fruit, floral notes and pineapple, while the palate stays soft with sugarcane, light grass, lemon and a touch of natural sweetness. The finish is light, with cane and a hint of banana and spice. This is an unaggressive introduction rather than a powerhouse, ideal for anyone agricole-curious but wary of the 50% burn. A genuine budget workhorse, it shines in a Ti Punch, a Mai Tai twist or any easy cane juice cocktail.