Depaz Rhum

Bill Dowd photo

Depaz is a singular rhum (the French spelling of "rum") made on the island of Martinique in the French West Indies from the first press of select blue cane since 1651. It's a limited issue rhum made only when the cane is harvested each spring.

• Depaz Blue Cane Rhum Agricole

Rum, or rhum, comes in many guises -- made from cane (agricole) or from molasses (industriel or traditionnel); dark or light; pure or with additives; aged or new-make. But it is only the higher-end styles that offer the true range of nuances that are possible.

Depaz is an exquisite, light amber 90-proof expression. Its opening aroma offers up grassy and floral notes, followed by the warmth of a traditional high-end rum, this one smacking of banana, honey and vegetal notes.

I mixed a cocktail with the rhum, a bit of Depaz label cane syrup -- distilled water is the only "additive" to the syrup -- fresh lime juice and a lot of cracked ice in the shaker. Excellent stuff, just enough of the extras to release all the potential of the rhum itself.

The suggested retail price is in the $35 range.

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