Depaz Rhum lands in the UK

Depaz is one of Martinique’s leading rums and one of the very few to hold ‘AOC Rum Agricole’ status, and it’s just launched onto British soil. This French West Indian premium rum is produced in a small designated geographical area called Depaz, one of the island’s finest terroir spirits and is pitched as a ‘traditionally crafted rum of exquisite quality and flavour’.

Four different expressions have been launched in 700ml bottles; Depaz Plantation Rum, Depaz VSOP Reserve Speciale, Depaz Grand Reserve XO and Depaz Port Cask Finish. Limited stocks will; be available at specialist spirits retailers and bars around the UK and ehe range will have an RRP of £35 – £55.

This delicious spirit owes its unique flavour to the rich volcanic soil surrounding Mont Peleé, and the shelter it provides from rain clouds brought to Martinique on the eastern trade winds. Harvested each spring amid celebrations, its juices result in a rum of unique character and superb depth of flavour.

Depaz is also defined by its history, which stretches back to 1651 when ‘Chateau Depaz Estate’ was founded; and the resilience of the Depaz family in the face of enormous tragedy. A catastrophic eruption of Mount Peleé in 1902 claimed the lives of 30,000 islanders and destroyed the entire Depaz Distillery. Just one member of the Depaz family survived, with a resolve to rebuild the estate and restart rum production for future generations.

Unlike standard rums which are made with syrups and molasses, Depaz is crafted using only the pressed juice of freshly cut sugar cane. Each expression is smooth, flavourful and perfectly balanced, with different styles and finishes to suit different tastes.

Tasting notes:

• Depaz Plantation Rum (45%ABV, 700ml): matured in oak casks for at least three years. This characterful rum has delicate vanilla aromas, with hints of coconut and chocolate, followed by soft notes of prune, cocoa and cinnamon on the nose.  Distinctive notes of vanilla, candied fruit, coconut, chocolate and prune follow on the palate.

• Depaz VSOP Reserve Speciale (45% ABV 700ml): a unique blend of rums aged for at least seven years in selected small oak casks. On the nose, a perfect blend of chocolate, dried fruit, tobacco and liquorice aromas, with hints of prune, vanilla and soft oak. A beautifully rounded taste, pairing prune notes with hints of soft oak and a long, slightly spicy finish.

• Depaz Grand Reserve XO (45% ABV 700ml): an exceptionally rich, complex yet balanced blend of rums aged between nine and ten years. Spice, chocolate, rose and liquorice aromas give way to prune, vanilla and soft oak notes on the nose. There are flavours of soft, fine vanilla and oak on the palate.

 

• Depaz Port Cask Finish (45% ABV 700ml): matured for at least eight years in selected oak casks and finished for eleven months in Port casks to give a distinctive flavour. Aromas of delicate oak with vanilla, chocolate and ripe fruits on the nose. Flavours of soft oak, followed by vanilla pastry and chocolate on the palate, developing into notes of mature port laced with hazelnut, dried fruits, cocoa and rose jam. A lingering finish with notes of subtle jasmine, coffee and plum.