Clairin Sonson (70cl)

An unaged Haitian sugarcane spirit from the village of Sonson in Cabaret, north of Port-au-Prince, produced by Stephan Kalil Saoud and bottled by Velier as part of the 'Spirit of Haiti' range. It is made from syrup of non-hybrid Madame Meuze cane, fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts and distilled in a single pot still over an open wood fire. The spirit is bottled directly at still strength with no dilution, no ageing and no filtration. Clairin is a legally distinct Haitian category, and the exact strength varies by harvest. It is fresh and herbaceous, with cut grass, basil, lemongrass, banana and a white truffle note. The palate is straightforward, fruity and accessible, with pepper and ginger on a long finish.