Longueteau Papillon Brun

Longueteau Papillon Brun is a lightly aged agricole from Longueteau, the oldest family owned Guadeloupe agricole distillery still running, working under the island's IGP. Distilled from fresh sugarcane juice in its creole column at the Esperance estate, it is aged briefly in a mix of new American oak and ex-bourbon wood before bottling at 45%.

The short maturation gives a soft, gently sweet toned amber rather than a grassy white. Caramel, almond and ripe fruit lead the nose, the palate brings sugarcane, cinnamon, vanilla and more caramel, and the finish echoes those caramel, cinnamon and vanilla notes over cane. Early youthful esters fade quickly, leaving a classic, slightly linear but good value vieux with decent length. A soft, approachable lightly aged agricole for drinkers who want gentle, easy Guadeloupe cane character at a fair price.