Joseph Cartron Crème de Mûre des Roncières (18%)

This is a blackberry cream liqueur from Joseph Cartron, bottled at 18% ABV. The fruit fills vats to two thirds of their volume, which are then topped up with spirit and left to macerate cold for four to five weeks, until the colour and aroma of the blackberry have passed into the alcohol. The infusion is drawn off and carefully filtered, then crystallised sugar is added slowly. This lowers the strength naturally and brings out the flavour of the fruit. The nose is fresh and aromatic, with clear fruit and a soft sweetness. The attack is pure and syrupy, the texture balanced and the fruit very dense, ending in gentle spice. It is good over ice, in cocktails, or with crémant de Bourgogne in a Mûre Royale.