HSE VO

HSE, the Habitation Saint-Étienne, is one of Martinique's well-known names, and its VO sits in the permanent range as a friendly entry into aged agricole. Drawn from fresh cane juice and matured three years in ex-bourbon, it carries the AOC guarantee of no added sugar.

Distilled on the column still and aged under tropical conditions, it leans toward a gourmand, pastry-like character at a soft 42%. The nose is full of patisserie sweetness, honey and caramel cream, while the palate brings sugarcane, light oak spice and a peppery edge, the dried fruit and honey carrying through. The finish turns dry and woody with young oak. This is real cane character in an unintimidating package, an honest, good-value vieux that works neatly as an everyday sipper or as the backbone of a more rounded Ti Punch.