HSE Cuvée Federica Matta

HSE, distilled at the Distillerie du Simon in Martinique, keeps things light and easy with this Cuvee Federica Matta. It is AOC rhum agricole from fresh pressed sugarcane juice on a column still, rested two years in ex bourbon oak, which places it in the elevage sous bois tier where a little wood softens the young spirit.

Bottled at a gentle 40 percent, it leans soft and approachable. The nose opens on lemon and fresh, vegetal sugarcane before a young, lightly toasted oak folds in, the palate stays soft and toasted with a mild barrel note, and the finish carries spice, dried fruit and a touch of wood, if a little short. Unsweetened and easygoing, this is an undemanding lightly aged agricole, the kind that keeps the cane character while staying smooth. It is at its best in a Ti Punch or an easy cocktail rather than asking to be studied neat.