La Favorite Coeur de Canne

La Favorite's Coeur de Canne is a Martinique agricole from the family-run distillery near Fort-de-France, distilled from fresh sugarcane juice and given a short rest, around two years, in ex-bourbon oak. With AOC Martinique behind it, this is an entry into the dry, grassy world of cane juice, unsweetened and built more for liveliness than weight.

The creole column distils low to keep the vegetal cane congeners, so the nose leads on sugarcane and that unmistakable agricole signature with apricot and fruit alongside. The palate is cane-forward and peppery with vanilla and a light woody edge, the finish earthy and floral with more pepper. It sits softer than a high-proof blanc, which makes it adaptable. Neat it shows the dry grassy snap, while in a Ti' Punch or a longer cocktail the cane and citrus carry cleanly.