HSE Rhum Agricole Extra Vieux – Les Forêts – Chantilly 2015

HSE, Habitation Saint-Etienne, is a Martinique house known for its cask finishes and vintages, and this Les Forets release is a 2015 single cask distilled at Distillerie du Simon. As a Martinique agricole it is made from fresh pressed sugar cane juice on a Creole column still under the island's AOC, aged a little over seven years and bottled unsweetened at cask strength of 51.1%.

The distinctive Chantilly oak finish gives this its signature, layering brioche, butter and a creamy, almost salty richness over the grassy agricole core, while grape, tropical and dried fruit and warm spice fill out the palate and butterscotch and oak carry the dry finish. Tropical ageing has built real depth in seven years without losing freshness. The single cask keeps it focused and characterful, a dry, buttery and woody sipper that rewards attention from drinkers who already enjoy the HSE Extra Vieux style.