Longueteau Sélection Parcellaire No.11 2020

Longueteau, the oldest family-owned agricole distillery still running in Guadeloupe at its Esperance estate, built its Selection Parcellaire range around single cane plots. This No.11 from 2020 is a parcel-specific blanc made from fresh-pressed sugarcane juice rather than molasses, an expression of one piece of the estate's land.

The creole column runs low to keep the green, aromatic congeners in the cut, and the result is round yet vivid: a vegetal, citrus, nutty nose, a palate of white pepper, sugarcane, freshness and roundness, and an oily, nutty, allspice-laced finish. At 55% the spirit is intense and the alcohol makes itself known, so a touch of water or a stint in a Ti Punch suits it well. There is no claimed added sugar. This is a snappy, terroir-led blanc for drinkers who want to taste the difference one parcel of cane can make.