Neisson Zetwal 2023

Neisson Zetwal is a Martinique rhum agricole from one of the island's most admired small family distilleries, founded in 1931 and a longstanding favourite among agricole drinkers. Distilled from fresh pressed sugar cane juice and bottled at 49.4%, Zetwal sits at the refined, elegant end of the house range, an aged expression that trades raw cane snap for polish and depth.

In the Neisson style the spirit is distilled low to keep its cane character, then matured in oak that here lends pastry and confectionery notes, milk chocolate, hazelnut and dried fruits, with bright citrus keeping it lifted and a long, gently spiced finish. It stays dry and unsweetened, letting the wood and cane do the talking. This is a quiet, contemplative agricole for drinkers who value finesse and balance, though it should be said the asking price sits well above the everyday.