Overview
Brand: Neisson
Origin: Distillerie Neisson, Le Carbet, Martinique, France
Still: Column
Age: Unaged
Finish: n/a
ABV: 50%
After previously reviewing an aged single cask of Neisson rhum agricole, we now take a look at a blanc rhum agricole from the Martinique producer.
Neisson Blanc is an unaged AOC rhum agricole expression that was produced at Distillerie Neisson via Savalle Creole column still. The rhum's base raw material is juice from sugarcane harvested during the January-August harvest season.
While the resulting rhum is not aged, it is rested in stainless steel vats for about 6 weeks, during which time it is slowly proofed down to 50% ABV. This release is bottled in 1 liter format, which is fairly common for blanc agricoles, and much appreciated by rum enthusiasts, including myself!
Appearance
Clear, low viscosity
Nose
Fresh sugarcane, black cherry skin, coconut oil, dandelion
Palate
Fresh sugarcane, golden raisin, star anise, roasted red pepper, fennel
Finish
Medium-long, herbal, vegetal, hot; sugarcane, fennel, green pepper, saltwater, thyme
Rating: 7/10
Summary
At 100 proof, Neisson Blanc shines as an example of well-crafted rhum agricole blanc. Sugarcane notes mix with herbs, fruits, and vegetables to offer a slightly sweet, slightly bitter, but wholly enjoyable profile.
Sugarcane is expectedly dominant throughout sipping, joined by fruit notes of black cherry on the nose and golden raisin on the palate. Hazy coconut oil and earthy dandelion dances along the back of the nosing, and upon sipping, slightly bitter star anise joins roasted red pepper and stinging fennel to compliment the sugarcane. Saltwater, thyme, and green pepper arrive at the tail end of an herbal, hot, and medium-long finish.
This is a great rhum to feature in a Ti' Punch, and really any other cocktail that calls for unaged rhum agricole. It's fairly middle-of-the-road as far this subcategory goes, not pushing boundaries but offering a consistently good experience, every time.
Recommended Cocktails
- Ti' Punch (Traditional recipe, Martinique)