Maison La Mauny Duquesne VAL D‘OR 1943

This Val d'Or appears under the historic Duquesne brand, produced by Maison La Mauny, the heritage Martinique house at Riviere Pilote, made the AOC way from fresh pressed sugar cane juice with no added sugar. An old style bottling aged three years in ex bourbon oak, it drinks with a smoky, autumnal character that sets it apart from cleaner modern vieux.

The nose is smoky and grassy with freshness and wood, while the palate turns roasted and woody, balanced, with vanilla coming through, the finish staying smoky and woody with dried fruit and a barrel note. The smoke and roasted edge divide opinion, prized by some as characterful and old fashioned, found stale and bitter by others, a bottle that carries genuine historical interest alongside the cane. Bottled at 45% and unsweetened, it is a distinctive, smoke laden aged agricole, balanced and fruity at its best, one for drinkers drawn to older, more rustic Martinique styles.