Rum review, Depaz Blue Cane Rhum Agricole (5/5)

Depaz Blue Cane Rhum Agricole is a cane-juice based rhum from Martinique, following the strict guidelines that allow it an AOC designation as a Martinique Rhum Agricole.  The Depaz estate was founded in 1651, though when it started producing rhum is a good question.  The Depaz Blue Cane began its introduction to the U.S. market around 2006.

I had purchased this a year or so back for curiosity’s sake, and to put a bit of a bigger bump to my collection of Rhum.  I am fairly unsure I had tasted a drop (my bottle remained unopened until recently) until Ed Hamilton came to town, sampling some local bartenders on about 28 different rums… that was a fun lunch indeed.  Upon tasting this, I knew I had made a mistake having not opened that bottle, and oh how quickly it would be drained.

Appearance: The color is a pale straw yellow, with an almost golden sheen in the glass.  Very nice clarity with no particulate in the bottle.  Strong legs stick to the glass, only after a few agonizing seconds giving way to gravity.

Nosing: There is an immediate grassy funk to the nose, almost rising out of the glass.  Like its fresh cane juice cousin Cachaça, it’s a note that’s inescapable, and can vary between marvelous and disgusting, depending on the quality of the distillate.  Once that smell has passed, there is a brief note of cinnamon and a bit of honey.  The aroma is lovely, with a nice floral quality to it, and that 90 proof really helps it leap through the nose.  Don’t sniff too hard, there are demons lurking under the loveliness.

Tasting: Mildly sweet and smooth, moving to a burn at a nice even pace, not all-at-once in the back of the throat like some might do.  There is a lot going on in this, with some smoke, some sweetness, a bit of baked goods, bacon fat, some fruit… this is either a master blender’s dream to pull flavors from, or nightmare to have to recreate.  There’s even the mildest flavor of a smoked gouda.  As a sipper, this is enjoyable and even refreshing, but left on the tongue, gives you plenty to think about.

On Mixing: I’ve found that the higher proof funkier rums have a very easy time standing out in drinks, and this is no different.  With its high proof and distinctive Martinique notes, it’ll power through in a Mai Tai (highly recommended) when paired with, say, an Aged Barbados or Jamaica Rum.  I wouldn’t muddy it too much with anything over 5 ingredients, but a Donga Punch or Last Rites suits it fine, dandy, and then some.  Of course, if you want simple and authentic, there’s always Ti’ Punch!

Score: 5 Ti’PONSCHes out of 5.  It’s an outstanding savory and thoughtful sipper, and shines through postively in mixed drinks.  Depaz Blue Cane is a Rhum any rum lover should have on their shelf, and on their breath.

(5/5)

Other Information on Depaz Blue Cane Rhum Agricole:

• Depaz Rhum Agricole
• Ministry of Rum
• RumDood
• Slashfood
• Drinkhacker

Tagged as: Agricole, depaz, Martinique, reviews, Rhum