{"title":"Depaz","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDepaz Rhum Agricole\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Martinique rum distillery on the slopes of Mount Pelée, producing AOC Martinique Rhum Agricole from fresh sugarcane juice. The volcanic soils of Martinique’s north give Depaz expressions a distinctive mineral and herbal character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/rum\"\u003eAll Rum\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"rhum-depaz-vsop","title":"Rhum Depaz VSOP","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRhum Depaz VSOP. Depaz Distillery, Martinique, French West Indies — a 7-year rhum agricole from the Depaz estate on the volcanic slopes of Mount Pelée, matured in French oak barrels and bottled at 45% ABV, delivering rich and complex flavors of vanilla, woodiness, licorice, citrus, and prunes — the signature expression that demonstrates what seven years of French oak aging does to Martinique's most distinctive estate-grown rhum agricole.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDepaz VSOP is the midpoint of the Depaz aged range — above the Ambré and Vieux expressions and below the XO's 8–10 year blend. At 7 years in French oak, the VSOP has enough maturation to develop the woody complexity, vanilla depth, and dried fruit character that distinguishes it from younger Depaz expressions while retaining more of the natural grassy and mineral character that fresh sugarcane juice fermentation produces in rhum agricole.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Martinique AOC framework that governs Depaz production — the only AOC-certified rum appellation in the world — controls the sugarcane varieties, distillation parameters, and aging requirements. French oak aging at the Martinique estate in the Caribbean's tropical climate accelerates maturation compared to European aging: what takes 20+ years in a Scottish or French warehouse may develop equivalent complexity in 7–10 years in Martinique's heat, making the VSOP's 7-year age statement substantially more developed than a European spirit of the same stated age.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich and complex — vanilla, woodiness, licorice, citrus, and prunes from 7 years of French oak maturation. The sugarcane juice base provides a natural freshness under the oak's contribution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e The French oak's vanilla and woody complexity confirmed on the palate with licorice, citrus, and prune notes. Full-bodied at 45% ABV with the natural sugarcane character providing the foundation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warm and satisfying with the French oak and vanilla carrying through to a clean close.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecs\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistillery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Depaz Distillery, Saint-Pierre, Martinique, French West Indies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rhum Agricole VSOP, Martinique AOC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAge:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh sugarcane juice (not molasses)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBarrel:\u003c\/strong\u003e French oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 700ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrowse our full selection of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/woodencork.com\/collections\/rum\"\u003erum at Wooden Cork\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does VSOP mean on rhum agricole?\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Superior Old Pale — originally a Cognac designation indicating a minimum 4-year aging requirement. In the rhum agricole context, VSOP indicates an aged expression that meets a minimum aging standard; Depaz VSOP's 7 years exceeds the minimum, reflecting the distillery's commitment to substantive maturation rather than minimum compliance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow does tropical aging affect the 7-year age statement?\u003c\/strong\u003e Caribbean tropical aging accelerates maturation dramatically compared to European warehouses. The higher average temperature and humidity create more active barrel interaction — what takes 15–20 years in Scotland or France may develop equivalent complexity in 7–10 years in Martinique. The VSOP's 7 years is substantially more developed than a European spirit of the same stated age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow does the VSOP compare to the Depaz XO?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are aged in French oak on the Martinique estate. The VSOP is 7 years; the XO blends 8–10 year rhums. The VSOP retains more of rhum agricole's natural grassy freshness alongside the oak's contribution. The XO is richer, more concentrated, and more complex — the step up for those who want maximum depth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What does VSOP mean on rhum agricole?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Very Superior Old Pale — indicating an aged expression. Depaz VSOP's 7 years exceeds the minimum, reflecting substantive maturation rather than minimum compliance.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How does tropical aging affect the 7-year age statement?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Caribbean tropical aging accelerates maturation. What takes 15-20 years in Scotland may develop equivalent complexity in 7-10 years in Martinique. The VSOP is substantially more developed than a European spirit of the same stated age.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How does the VSOP compare to the Depaz XO?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"VSOP is 7 years; XO blends 8-10 year rhums. VSOP retains more natural grassy freshness alongside oak character. XO is richer, more concentrated — the step up for maximum depth.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Depaz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53738484203888,"sku":"DM15372L","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0276\/1621\/5176\/files\/RhumDepazVSOP.jpg?v=1778514806"},{"product_id":"rhum-depaz-xo","title":"Rhum Depaz XO","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRhum Depaz XO. Depaz Distillery, Martinique, French West Indies — an extra-aged rhum agricole blended from 8 to 10-year-old rhums from the Depaz estate on the slopes of Mount Pelée, bottled at 45% ABV, delivering hints of chocolate and dates combined with spicy notes, rose, and sweet vanilla — a complex, refined XO expression from one of Martinique's most celebrated distilleries.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDepaz is one of the great names in rhum agricole production. The distillery sits at 300 meters elevation on the volcanic slopes of Mount Pelée in the north of Martinique — the same volcano that famously erupted in 1902, destroying the original estate. Rebuilt in 1917 by Victor Depaz, the distillery grows its own sugarcane on the estate and distills from fresh sugarcane juice — not molasses — in the French agricultural rhum (rhum agricole) tradition governed by Martinique's AOC designation, the only AOC-certified rum appellation in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe XO designation in the Depaz range indicates the oldest and most complex expression — a blend of 8 to 10-year-old rhums that have spent their extended maturation in French oak barrels on the estate. At 45% ABV, the XO delivers the full aromatic complexity of extended Martinique aging at a proof that preserves the character without the harshness that lower dilution can create.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chocolate and dates with spicy notes, rose, and sweet vanilla. The 8–10 year aging creates a layered aromatic profile where the sugarcane's natural grassy character has been transformed into dried fruit and floral complexity by the French oak maturation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich and complex with the dried fruit and chocolate from the nose confirmed on the palate, alongside the natural spice that rhum agricole's fermented sugarcane juice character produces. Full-bodied at 45% ABV.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and refined with vanilla, spice, and the specific complexity of extended French oak-aged rhum agricole.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecs\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistillery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Depaz Distillery, Saint-Pierre, Martinique, French West Indies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rhum Agricole XO, Martinique AOC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlend:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–10 year old rhums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh sugarcane juice (not molasses)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBarrel:\u003c\/strong\u003e French oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 700ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrowse our full selection of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/woodencork.com\/collections\/rum\"\u003erum at Wooden Cork\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is rhum agricole and how does it differ from standard rum?\u003c\/strong\u003e Rhum agricole is made from freshly pressed sugarcane juice rather than molasses — the byproduct of sugar refining used in standard rum production. The difference is fundamental: sugarcane juice ferments more naturally and retains the fresh grassy, floral, and mineral character of the cane plant itself, creating a more complex and terroir-driven spirit than molasses-based rum.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Martinique AOC certification?\u003c\/strong\u003e Martinique's rhum agricole holds the only AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) designation in the rum world — the same legal framework used for Champagne and Cognac in France. The AOC controls the sugarcane varieties, production methods, distillation parameters, and aging requirements, guaranteeing the authenticity and origin of the spirit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Depaz XO compare to Depaz VSOP?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are aged in French oak on the Martinique estate. VSOP is a 7-year expression; XO blends 8–10 year rhums. The XO's additional aging creates more concentrated dried fruit, chocolate, and spice complexity — a richer, more complex profile for those who want maximum depth from the Depaz range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is rhum agricole and how does it differ from standard rum?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Rhum agricole is made from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses. This retains the fresh grassy, floral, and mineral character of the cane plant itself — more complex and terroir-driven than molasses-based rum.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is Martinique AOC certification?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The only AOC designation in the rum world — same legal framework as Champagne and Cognac. Controls sugarcane varieties, production methods, distillation, and aging, guaranteeing authenticity and origin.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How does Depaz XO compare to Depaz VSOP?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"VSOP is a 7-year expression; XO blends 8-10 year rhums. XO's additional aging creates more concentrated dried fruit, chocolate, and spice complexity — richer and more complex for those wanting maximum Depaz depth.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Depaz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53738484236656,"sku":"DM15373L","price":104.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0276\/1621\/5176\/files\/RhumDepazXO.jpg?v=1778514806"}],"url":"https:\/\/woodencork.com\/collections\/depaz.oembed","provider":"Wooden Cork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}