By Alexander Britell

Ever since I first tried the old Rhum Depaz VSOP, the one that came in the dark wine-style bottle, I was hooked.

It was a great value rhum agricole, eminently drinkable but with serious complexity. It was special.

Of course, because of the rummaking in Martinique, every harvest is different and the same rum will taste different each year as a result.

So I was excited to try the newest expression of the seven-year-old Depaz VSOP on a recent jaunt to Martinique.

So what is it like?

The aroma has a hint of anise, dried fruit, coffee and incense, while the flavor profile with notes of dried apricot, black pepper, white wine, tobacco and cardamom.

Bottled at 45 degrees, it’s got some serious punch — but it’s also a superb expression.

It’s a bit heavier and richer than the old wine-style bottlings, more robust, spicier.

It’s still a special rum.

Rhum Depaz VSOP

Rum Journal Review: 92 Points

The post Rum Journal: The New Depaz VSOP appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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… situation on the ground in Puerto Rico is gut-wrenching.  Fully functioning schools … and crumbling schools. 
Now, in Puerto Rico, the privatization effort is underway … administrators’ salaries and FEMA trailers. 
Puerto Rican teachers demand that they receive …

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

It’s one of the Caribbean’s most intoxicating destinations: St Vincent the Grenadines, the collection of green-hilled islands and cays at the edge of the Southern Caribbean.

It’s a place that has long been a favorite for sailors and yachters drawn to sparkling turquoise waters, untouched beaches and a taste of the old Caribbean.

In recent years, the Grenadines have found particular renowned for their private island destinations, from Canouan, now home its very own Mandarin Oriental, to the legendary Palm Island.

And now there’s another Grenadine on the real estate market: Isle a Quatre.

The island, which is currently an uninhabited marine reserve, is listed for sale for $53,950,046.

The 376-acre island is about five miles west of tony Mustique and just 1.5 miles south of the charming island of Bequia, both of which have their own airports. (The destination is easier to reach than ever before thanks to the launch of new nonstop flights from North America to St Vincent).

The island rises to a peak of 450 feet at its “Look-Out” point, with both white and golden sand beaches.

While it’s primed for an individual buyer to fulfill his or her ultimate castaway fantasies, it’s also ready to be developed.

Indeed, the purchase comes with an approved plan for a resort development that includes 50 luxury villas, a marina, a boutique hotel and a restaurant.

For more, visit Sotheby’s International Realty.

– CJ

The post A Private Island in the Grenadines on the Market appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

One of the Dominican Republic’s top all-inclusive options is reopening this fall, Caribbean Journal has learned.

The adults-only Sanctuary Cap Cana is slated to reopen this fall following what the property termed “extensive enhancements.”

The renovation, overseen by Carrillo Projects Co., will cover every corner of the resort, including “completely reimagined” guest rooms and enhanced public spaces.

Sanctuary upgrades will also include the lobby, dining outlets and spa, according to the resort.

Crucially, the resort will be adding two new towers housing an additional 140 suites.

Sanctuary is part of the Playa Resorts umbrella.

— CJ

The post Sanctuary Cap Cana All-Inclusive Reopening This Fall appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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