The Depaz distillery has been around since 1851. It is located at the foot of the mountain Pelée in the municipality of Saint-Pierre, about thirty kilometers from the capital Fort-de-France. Initially, its lands were dedicated to the cultivation of tobacco, indigo, and livestock breeding.
Depaz Distillery Martinique: A Family History
The modernization of distillation techniques at the end of the 19th century brought new fame to rum. Gradually, sugar cane fields replaced the original crops, and the Depaz family actively participated in this evolution.
However, the devastating volcanic eruption of 1902 caused considerable damage on the island. The town of Saint-Pierre was destroyed, taking many lives, including all members of the Depaz family. Victor Depaz, the son, was studying in mainland France at that time. He decided to undertake the necessary work to restore the distillery and rebuilt the building identical to the previous one.
He dedicated his entire life to crafting rums under his name, and the quality of these rums earned numerous awards. In the 1960s, Victor Depaz passed the reins to his sons, who continued the modernization of the distillery.
Apedagogical visit
You can visit the estate in a free circuit or with an audio guide. The route is well organized, with explanatory panels throughout. The tour begins with the imposing waterwheel that provided energy before the development of steam engines.
She continues with the discovery of the rum-making process in the distillery and the aging cellars just behind it. The tour ends at the museum. The Château Depaz is one of the oldest buildings in Martinique and is also open to visitors (paid visit)
A tasting site dedicated to Martinique cuisine
The site allows you to discover Martinique cuisine at the Moulin à canne, in a sumptuous space with a view of the Caribbean Sea. Right next door, La Case à Louisette offers its homemade syrups and cakes. The visit ends with a stop at the shop to sample or buy the Depaz rums. Discovering the Caribbean North.
Discovering the North Caribbean
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