RHUM DEPAZ - Aged Rum - XO - Cuvée Volutes - 45%
The Depaz distillery, located on the fertile slopes of Mount Pelée, embodies one of the most prestigious signatures of Martinican agricole rum. Founded in 1651 and rebuilt after the 1902 eruption, it relies on an exceptionally rich volcanic terroir, where deep, mineral soils nourish canes with a rare aromatic intensity. The climate, influenced by the trade winds and proximity to the sea, brings freshness and liveliness to the juices that will be distilled. Depaz has forged a powerful, elegant, and perfectly structured style, where the expression of the wood never overshadows the purity of the cane. With its highly mastered blended cuvées, the house cultivates an art of aging that has earned it international recognition. The Cuvée Volutes XO, the flagship of the range, celebrates this spirit by offering a luxurious, deep, and captivating interpretation of Martinican aged rum.
Depaz XO Cuvée Volutes 45% is made from pure freshly pressed cane juice, distilled in a traditional Creole column still to preserve finesse, intensity, and aromatic clarity. The aging takes place over a long cycle, exclusively in oak barrels selected for their fine grain and their ability to bring complexity, smoothness, and structure. Several vintages are blended to reach the desired maturity, with a dominance of rums that have spent more than six years in barrels, some well beyond. This expertly integrated woody patina gives Volutes its identity: a deep, warm rum, sculpted by time but always carried by agricultural liveliness. The choice of bottling at 45% affirms the aromatic breadth without sacrificing softness of texture or balance. A prestigious cuvée, Volutes XO testifies to Depaz’s expertise in the art of aging meditation rums, inspired by the volcanic and maritime breath of Mount Pelée.
On tasting, Depaz XO Cuvée Volutes 45% expresses itself in a deep mahogany robe with copper highlights. The nose is sumptuous, weaving aromas of dried fruits, candied plum, fig, and blood orange, enhanced by notes of noble vanilla, blond tobacco, cocoa, precious wood, and fine spices. On the palate, the attack is ample, velvety, supported by a rich yet perfectly balanced body. The flavors unfold in layers: stewed fruits, brown caramel, roasted coffee, hazelnut shards, and a subtle smoky touch that marks the extended aging. The texture, both dense and silky, is energized by an agricultural freshness that prevents any heaviness. The finish is long, elegant, persistent, with reminiscences of fine leather, dark cocoa, and toasted vanilla. This exceptional XO pairs magnificently with a bitter chocolate dessert, a caramelized banana tart, a refined cigar, or Creole-spiced poultry. It is also savored alone, slowly, as a true spirit for contemplation.
