First Impressions
Neisson is one of Martinique's most respected distilleries, and this Eleve Sous Bois — literally 'raised under wood' — is an 18-month oak-aged agricole bottled at 50% ABV in a full litre. The combination of quality, strength, and volume makes it one of the best-value premium agricoles available.
Tasting Notes
The nose is rich with sugar cane character. Sweet vanilla and oak warmth from the 18 months of maturation add depth, while tropical fruit and grassy notes maintain the agricole identity. Gentle spice adds interest.
At 50%, the palate is full-bodied and rich. Sugar cane depth is the foundation, with vanilla sweetness and oak warmth providing maturity. Tropical fruit adds brightness, herbaceous grassiness maintains the cane juice character, and the overall impression is powerful and complex. The 18 months of wood contact has softened the raw edges of the blanc without losing the essential cane character.
The finish is long, with sugar cane richness and oak warmth persisting alongside the characteristic grassy-herbal quality of Martinique agricole.
How to Drink It
Ti'Punch is the classic serve, and this is excellent for it — the 50% ABV gives the drink real presence. Also superb on the rocks, where the oak character opens up beautifully.
The Bottom Line
Neisson Eleve Sous Bois earns an 8 — exceptional quality from a top Martinique distillery at remarkable value. At £55 for a full litre at 50%, the per-serve cost is outstanding. The balance between cane freshness and oak maturity is perfectly judged.
