Depaz Cuvée Prestige XO

Depaz Cuvee Prestige XO is a Martinique rhum agricole from the estate at the foot of Mont Pelee, where distilling has continued since the early twentieth century on rich volcanic terroir. Made from fresh pressed sugar cane juice and aged around eleven years, this XO sits in the upper AOC age tiers, well beyond the six year minimum, a mature, refined expression of the house bottled at an approachable 45%.

Distilled low on a column still to keep its cane character, then matured in ex bourbon oak, the long ageing brings vanilla, citrus and liquorice over toasted, peppery wood, with vegetal cane and orange peel threading through a long, gently spiced finish. The tropical ageing gives a maturity beyond the stated years, and at 45% it stays smooth and accessible rather than fierce. Dry and unsweetened, it rewards attention without ever burning, a polished aged agricole for relaxed, considered sipping.