Depaz XO Cuvée Volutes

Depaz XO Cuvee Volutes is an aged agricole from the Depaz estate at the foot of Mont Pelee in Martinique, where distilling dates to 1917. Made from fresh cane juice on a creole column and bottled unsweetened at 45%, this XO carries an unusual finish in ex-Laphroaig casks, lending a whisky-smoke accent to the volcanic-terroir house style.

Long tropical ageing builds the oak and dark-fruit depth an XO promises, while the Islay casks add a gentle, smoky thread on top. The nose runs woody with dried fruit, orange and citrus, then the palate turns toward tobacco, black tea and dried fruit, with the finish carrying tobacco, wood and a subtle, peaty smoke. At 45% the smoke stays a quiet accent rather than a takeover, the rum characterful but approachable. A neat sipper for drinkers who love classic agricole fruit and citrus and want a mild whisky-smoke edge, unsweetened throughout, and a natural match for a cigar.