Rhum Depaz, Rum distillery in Saint-Pierre, Martinique
Rhum Depaz is a rum distillery located at the foot of Mount Pelee on the northern end of Martinique, set on volcanic soil that feeds the surrounding cane fields. The estate includes working production facilities alongside an old animal-powered mill, aging cellars, and an area where historic distillation equipment is on display.
The site dates back to 1651, making it one of the oldest rum-producing estates in Martinique. The 1902 eruption of Mount Pelee destroyed everything, and it was Victor Depaz who rebuilt the distillery in 1917, shaping the property much as it looks today.
Depaz is one of the names most closely tied to the tradition of rhum agricole in Martinique, a style defined by its use of fresh cane juice rather than molasses. Visitors can follow the full production process from the cane fields to the aging cellars, which makes the distinction between rum styles easy to grasp.
The estate is best visited on foot, and setting aside a good half-day allows you to take in both the production areas and the outdoor spaces without rushing. The site is in a tropical setting, so light clothing and sun protection are worth having along.
Certain Depaz expressions go through a second maturation in casks that previously held port wine, after spending time in oak barrels. The influence of those former wine casks comes through clearly in the finished rum, which is a fairly rare approach in this category.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
