Poisson Père Labat Clos parcellaire les mangles 2021

Poisson, the distillery behind Pere Labat, is a small, well-regarded Marie Galante house known for its classic high-proof blancs, and this is a parcel-specific release, drawn from a single plot of cane named Les Mangles. Distilled from fresh-pressed sugar cane juice and bottled unaged at 61%, it follows the island custom of putting white agricole out at full strength.

The creole column, run low to hold the green congeners, gives a nose of intense fresh cane, cut grass and herbs, with the palate staying fresh, grassy and balanced for the proof. Citrus, lychee and a touch of olive round it out into something aromatic rather than merely hot. It rewards a few minutes of rest in the glass, then shines neat, in a powerful Ti' Punch or in a herbaceous highball. A serious blanc for drinkers who like their cane juice loud.