HSE Rozelieures Single Malt Finish 2013

HSE in Martinique is known for adventurous cask finishes, and this 2013 is a three year agricole finished in casks from the Rozelieures single malt whisky distillery. Made from fresh pressed sugar cane juice under the island's AOC and bottled unsweetened at an easy 44%, it sets out to bridge the worlds of agricole and peated whisky.

Matured first in ex-bourbon oak and then finished in those French single malt casks, it carries a clear peat smoke and roasted wood over the grassy cane base, with tropical fruit, vanilla and a dusting of cinnamon filling out the middle and a smoky, lightly spiced finish. The whisky influence is unmistakable yet the agricole character survives beneath it, dry and additive free throughout. It makes an intriguing crossover for drinkers who enjoy peated whisky and cask led agricole alike, a sugar free, smoky meeting point that rewards a little patience in the glass.