Karukera Black Edition Alligator

Karukera is produced at the Esperance distillery in Guadeloupe, and this Black Edition takes its Alligator name from the deeply charred oak used to age it. Made from fresh cane juice rather than molasses, it spends four years in that aggressive char, which dominates the profile far more than is usual for an agricole. At 45% it sits comfortably between easy sipping and something with a bit of backbone.

The heavy char pushes roasted coffee, vanilla, burnt sugar, chocolate and a wisp of smoke to the front, with the dry, woody cane sitting underneath rather than leading. The palate is woody and spicy, the finish toasted and caramelised. The effect lands closer to a charred barrel bourbon than a grassy blanc, which makes it a useful crossover. Whisky drinkers curious about agricole, or anyone who likes roasted oak and coffee tones, will find a familiar way in here while the cane character waits quietly in the background.