Poisson Père Labat – Soleil

Pere Labat is the small-batch Marie-Galante distillery long reputed for its blancs, classically bottled high in the island custom. This Soleil is a fresh white made from fresh-pressed sugar-cane juice, given just a few months of rest in French oak, enough to round it without taking it out of the blanc category, and sits under Guadeloupe's IGP.

Released at 55% with no added sugar, it noses grassy and floral with vanilla and a clear agricole stamp, then drinks on sugar cane, vanilla, citrus and freshness before a finish of florals, cane, mirabelle plum and yellow fruit. That brief barrel rest lends a touch of vanilla and softness while the cane stays bright and lively, and the proof gives it real punch. It is a fine Ti' Punch workhorse, the freshness and citrus made for it, that also holds up to neat sipping for drinkers who like a high-strength, lightly rested island white.