RUM A1710 - La Perle Brute - Vintage 2022 - Paul Octave Cane - 66%
The A1710 distillery is located on the Habitation du Simon, in François, Martinique, in the heart of a cane landscape swept by the trade winds and open to the Atlantic. An artisanal and independent house, it has chosen to produce micro-cuvées crafted like true pieces of goldsmithing, with full traceability from the plot to the bottle. The work is based on pure freshly pressed cane juice, slowly fermented then distilled in a Charentais copper still hybridized with a column with plates, a rare technical signature in the world of agricole rum. A1710's philosophy highlights the planters and terroirs, notably promoting canes from historic partnerships such as the one established with Mr. Paul Octave in the south of the island. Each cuvée thus tells a precise encounter between a place, a cane variety, and a vintage, far from anonymous blends. La Perle Brute has established itself as the most radical expression of this vision, a characterful white rum designed to reveal the cane in its purest aromatic nudity.
La Perle Brute Vintage 2022 Paul Octave Cane 66% is a raw white agricole rum from distillation, bottled without dilution to preserve all the strength of the heart of the distillation. The cane, from a plot nestled between hills and ravines in the commune of Saint Esprit, is cultivated by Mr. Paul Octave, a flagship partner of the distillery. It features a blend of traditional varieties Noire, Jaune, and Pen Epi Lèt, chosen for their sugar richness and aromatic potential. After very precise pressing, the juice ferments under strict temperature control then is distilled in the copper still equipped with the seven-plate column called La Belle Aline, which allows very precise refinement of vapor selection. The rum then rests in stainless steel tanks to blend and gain harmony before being bottled at 66%, in a limited number of copies. This cuvée is clearly intended for white rum tasting enthusiasts seeking a vintage and ultra-identity expression of the Martinican terroir.
On tasting, La Perle Brute 2022 appears clear and bright, with a surprisingly welcoming nose for such a strength, dominated by fresh cane, candied mango, and exotic fruits, highlighted by peppery, aniseed, and slightly mentholated notes. On the palate, the attack is soft then the power gradually unfolds, carried by a rich matter combining ripe mango, fine hazelnut, and intense cane juice. The texture is ample, glycerinous, almost oily, but perfectly held by a spicy framework and a saline tension that avoid any heaviness. The finish is long, vibrant, marked by accents of peppermint, white spices, and very present cane that persist for a long time. This cuvée is ideally enjoyed neat, slightly chilled, for a contemplative tasting that will highlight all its complexity. It also enhances a dry and precise ti punch, a high-end daiquiri, or tropical mixology creations where its power can express itself. At the table, it brilliantly accompanies a fish ceviche, dorado or tuna carpaccios, spicy Creole cuisine, grilled seafood, or fresh goat and sheep cheeses.
