Neisson Élevé Sous Bois

An ESB from Neisson, the small family distillery in Martinique founded in 1931 and a longtime favourite. Eleve sous bois means rested at least a year in oak, the ambre tier between blanc and vieux, so this keeps much of a white rum's freshness with just a touch of wood. As an AOC agricole it is fresh-pressed cane juice with no added sugar, bottled at a characterful 50%.

Neisson's reputation rests on pure, expressive cane character, and that shows here. The nose is grassy and fresh, and the palate keeps a vegetal, mineral edge with green olive, more grass and clear agricole snap. The light oak rounds the spirit without masking it, so the green, saline freshness stays central. Honest and unsweetened, this is agricole close to its raw form, dry and vivid rather than rich. The 50% strength carries the aromatics well, making it a fine neat pour for the style's fans and an excellent Ti' Punch base.