Levy Lane Poisson Tamosi Père Labat (Hiali) 2013

This Tamosi release from Levy Lane is a seven year Pere Labat, the rum of the Poisson distillery on Marie-Galante, drawn from a 2013 vintage as a single cask. Made from fresh cane juice rather than molasses and finished in Calvados wood, it pairs Marie-Galante's characterful cane spirit with apple brandy casks, bottled at a robust 57.5% for drinkers who like agricole at high proof.

The Calvados finish suits the style well, layering baked apple and pear over the floral, herbaceous cane base, with licorice and herbs adding complexity. The nose is floral and herbal with orange, the palate turns peppery and woody with a touch of caramel, and the finish runs vegetal, grassy and dry with a tea note. It evolves in the glass and rewards a drop of water. This is depth and personality rather than easy sweetness. For drinkers who enjoy characterful agricoles and are curious about a subtle Calvados twist at high proof, it is a complex, rewarding bottling.