La Favorite Sélection de fûts 2016

La Favorite Selection de futs 2016 is an aged agricole from La Favorite, one of the last family distilleries within the city of Fort-de-France, made from fresh sugar-cane juice under the Martinique AOC. As a cask selection it carries no added sugar, a vieux-style bottling from the 2016 vintage held at a measured 46%.

Gentle tropical ageing in ex-bourbon oak gives it a notably dry, spice-forward character that opens with time in the glass. The nose carries raisin, wood, cinnamon and a dry edge, the palate turns to bitter orange, cocoa, cinnamon and oak, and the finish stays fruity and woody with roasted, dried-fruit notes. Rather than leaning sweet or fruity, it favours cinnamon, dried fruit, mocha and subtle oak over a clean cane core. At 46% it is composed and dry, a restrained, spice-led aged Martinique agricole that rewards a little patience.