Depaz

Depaz Rhum is a renowned agricole rum distillery located at the foot of Montagne Pelée in Saint‑Pierre, Martinique. Founded by Victor Depaz in 1917, the estate was rebuilt after the 1902 eruption that devastated Saint‑Pierre and the original plantation site.

Depaz cultivates its sugar cane on mineral-rich volcanic soils, benefitting from Martinique’s tropical climate. The cane—primarily "blue sugar cane" along with other local varieties—is harvested at peak bloom (flech’kann) and immediately crushed using traditional mills powered by an old steam engine. This process produces fresh cane juice (vesou) and bagasse. Notably, the distillery still employs its historic steam engine and traditional presses.

Fermentation lasts approximately 48 hours—slightly longer than at some other distilleries—which helps develop greater aromatic depth and complexity. The cane juice is then distilled in a Creole‑style column still, yielding a distillate at about 70% ABV (before dilution) in accordance with AOC Martinique agricole rhum regulations.

Depaz offers a diverse range of expressions: white rhums (unaged or lightly rested), aged “rhum vieux” such as VSOP (about 7 years), XO (roughly 8–10 years), special finishes (like port‑cask), vintage batches, single cask editions, and prestige cuvées including “Cuvée de la Montagne” and “Cuvée Prestige.” Bottling strength is typically around 45% ABV.

Depaz also prioritizes sustainable practices, utilizing its own plantations and implementing organic farming (certified in recent years). The company uses bagasse (residual cane fiber) for energy, promotes composting, and encourages soil regeneration. Visitors can tour the estate, sample various Depaz rums, explore the gardens and Château Depaz, and learn about the unique terroir.