Depaz L’Ame de la Montagne 2024

Depaz sits at the foot of Mont Pelee on Martinique and has distilled there since 1917, its rum tied closely to the volcanic terroir of the mountain. L'Ame de la Montagne is an organic blanc drawn from the estate's higher plots, pressed from fresh sugar cane juice on a column still and bottled unsweetened at cane strength of 50.5%.

The volcanic story shows in the glass as a clear mineral, stony streak running under fresh sugar cane, honey, citrus and a touch of anise. The palate is expressive but silky, the cane and honey carried on an oily, balanced texture, while the finish stays fresh and velvety. Bottled high in the French island manner, it reads as a vivid, terroir driven white that rewards neat sipping and makes an excellent Ti Punch for anyone who wants their agricole fresh, mineral and dry.