Committed to a SUSTAINABLE TERROIR
How Depaz AOC Martinique Rums are working towards a better future for the planet
Mixing traditional methods with new and imaginative ideas in rum making has been at the heart of the Depaz brand since it was born in 1917.
Today, more than a century on, as the world tackles climate change, Depaz is adopting the same innovative approach to its environmental responsibilities as it does to production, boosting the firm’s green credentials with a suite of measures to help protect the planet.
Brand founder Victor Depaz literally built his distillery from the ashes after the volcano at Mount Pelée on Martinique erupted in 1902, destroying the town of Saint Pierre and claiming the lives of Victor’s entire family.
After deciding to resurrect his family’s estate in 1917, Victor’s venture became centered around the ‘terroir’: the estate’s unique environmental make-up that still provides the ideal growing conditions for sugarcane today.
The rich volcanic soil and naturally filtered water encourage the cane to take deep roots, creating a combination of unique flavours that are transferred from the crop to the rum.
This paradise is not only vitally important to the Depaz range – it’s also the lifeblood of the thriving communities who call this beautiful part of the eastern Caribbean home. Protecting it is paramount.
With this in mind, the forward-thinking team at Depaz have made impressive progress in the sustainability of their land, which is classified as a Martinique Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC).
Brand manager Sylvain Lescalmel explained: “We have halved our use of water over the past 10 years and growing our sugarcane close to the distillery reduces our carbon footprint further.
“Last year, we became High Environmental Value (HVE) certified, guaranteeing
sound agricultural practices. We alternate our crops between sugarcane and other crops to avoid monoculture, which also keeps the soil enriched and fertile. We no longer use fungicides or pesticides and instead treat our weeds with limited herbicides or manually uproot them. These steps are vital if we are to protect our diverse environment, and we take our responsibility very seriously.”
In December 2021, Depaz became the first distillery in Martinique to be ISO14001 certified. This certification – the international standard for environmental management systems – is a symbol of commitment to sustainable production through the use of renewable energy and responsible waste recycling. Sugarcane residue is used as fuel for the distillery’s steam engine furnace and also serves as compost and fertiliser.
As well as investing in its own sustainability, the brand also invests heavily in local culture. Depaz is a partner of the Kréol Food & Rhum event, and the distillery’s on-site restaurant, Le Moulin à Cannes, only uses local produce. Depaz also hosts the women-only Raid des Alizés boating event at its estate every year, as well as the Madifloras show.
Quality has always been at the heart of the brand. A small team of master craftsmen and women nurture every drop of rum that leaves the distillery, using traditional methods and taking great care to ensure unrivalled flavour and aroma.
From the Cuvée de la Montagne and Réserve Spéciale VSOP in the main range, through to limited editions such as the single cask and premium Cask Strength expressions, these white, aged and vintage rums offer quality and versatility whether enjoyed on their own or in cocktails.
Tradition, responsibility and attention to detail make Depaz everything it is today: a brand that endures and excels.
Follow Depaz at www.instagram.com/rhum_ depaz or at www.depaz.fr.