To find this rum, you must journey to the base of a volcano.

Here at the foot of Mont Pelee, that fearsome summit in the north of Martinique, is the home of Rhum Depaz.

And this beautiful plantation makes some of the Caribbean’s greatest rum, though even in Martinique it’s generally makes it only as far as the municipal limits of the town of Saint Pierre. (Indeed, it’s one of the most consistent winners in our annual Rum Awards).

Depaz’s greatest asset is its location on the remarkably rich soils of Pelee, the same volcano that destroyed the town of Saint Pierre in 1902 (and its 30,000 inhabitants). But the Depaz family eventually rebuilt the plantation in 1917.

You see, because this is a rhum agricole from Martinique, it has a terroir — because where it’s made, where the sugarcane is grown and what the soil is like actually matters, unlike far too many Caribbean molasses-based rums that simply import their molasses from other countries.

The Depaz family estate on the plantation.

So when you drink Depaz you are tasting Saint Pierre, you are tasting the history, you are tasting that imposing volcano.

And it adds up to some sensational expressions, like the most recent Depaz we tried, the 2002 vintage.

The 2002 vintage is the result of 11 years of aging in oak casks.

Its aroma includes notes of dried apricot, anise, orange peel and black cherry.

Its delicate but complex flavor profile is marked by notes of candied fruit, black pepper, white wine, oak and a whisper of anise.

The finish is smooth and elegant, reminding you of the grand tradition of this exceptional rum.

It is a rum that is a must for any collection and a must-try for any rum lover.

But like all of the best rums of this island, the best way to get it is to come directly to the source.

Even if it means heading to the base of a volcano.

— CJ

The post Rum Journal: A Martinique Rhum from the Base of a Volcano appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Viking Ocean Cruises has a new ship.

The cruise line’s Viking Sky made its maiden voyage from Rome’s Civitavecchia port to Barcelona.

Viking Sky, which is the company’s third ship, will finish out the year sailing itineraries in the Americas and the Caribbean.

“As we officially welcome our third ship to the fleet, it is a proud moment for the entire Viking family. We continue to see a positive response from our guests and the industry, which makes us confident in our future growth,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “We started in the cruise business 20 years ago, and our philosophy is still the same – we do not try to be everything to everyone. We are a destination-oriented small ship cruise line, and as we prepare to introduce a fourth ocean ship by the end of 2017, we look forward to introducing even more guests to The Viking Way of exploration.”

The ship has a total of 465 cabins and a max accommodation of 930 passengers.

Viking is already readying its fourth ship, Viking Sun, set for delivery in November.

The post Viking Sky Makes Maiden Voyage appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Fast-growing AMResorts has expanded its Caribbean portfolio with another new all-inclusive resort: the adults-only Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa in Jamaica.

The hotel is Breathless’ first Jamaica property.

“Jamaica tops travelers’ lists as a sought-after destination on a consistent basis,” said Gonzalo del Peon, President of AMResorts. “The introduction of the adults-only Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa provides guests the ultimate party atmosphere of Breathless in the vibrant and unique setting of Montego Bay.”

The 150-suite resort is surrounded by the Montego Bay Marine Park and features the only rooftop pool and bar in Jamaica.

Also on hand are a beach club, fire pits, cabanas, five bars and lounges, free Wi-Fi (and in-room tablets) along with themed parties, among other amenities.

“Montego Bay is the perfect addition to our growing Breathless Resorts & Spas brand, meeting the high expectations of today’s social traveler,” said Alex Zozaya, CEO of Apple Leisure Group. “The Breathless brand has now grown to four properties, all in destinations where travelers are looking for excitement and entertainment during their vacations. We are happy to answer this need by providing an energized atmosphere for sophisticated singles, couples and groups of friends.”

Guests at Breathless also get access to the nearby Secrets St. James Montego Bay and Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay.

“Montego Bay has become one of the top destinations in the Caribbean,” said Javier Coll, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Apple Leisure Group. “The island’s inherent beauty paired with the destination’s ease of travel made Montego Bay the natural choice for our latest opening.”

The post AMResorts Opens Breathless Montego Bay in Jamaica appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Air France has tapped one of the Caribbean’s top chefs for a new in-flight menu.

The carrier has announced that Guadeloupe-born Chef Babette de Rozieres will be creating dishes on the menu in Air France’s business and premium economy cabins.

Three dishes, renewed each month, will be available on Air France flights to the Caribbean, including on departure from Cayenne, French Guiana, Fort de France, Martinique and Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe to Paris Orly.

The menu will also be available on flights on the regional network between Martinique and French Guiana.

The meals range from fillet of cod marinated in lime with a saffron cream sauce and plantain risotto to free-range chicken leg with crunchy vegetable confits and basmati rice.

A native of Guadeloupe, de Rozieres worked in Parisian hotels including the George V and the Meridien and bought her first restaurant in Paris in 1978.

She is now a passionate ambassador of Caribbean cuisine and culture.

The post Air France Taps Guadeloupe Chef for New In-Flight Menu appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Barbados posted very strong tourism growth in 2016, according to the latest numbers from Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

The island reported 631,513 stayover visitors in 2016, a 6.7 percent increase compared to 2015 and a new record for air arrivals in a single year.

That was one of the highest tourism growth rates of any Caribbean destination.

“This growth stands to have a positive impact on every Barbadian,” said Barbados Tourism Minister Richard Sealy. “An increase in stay-over visitors, and an increase in average visitor spend, translate to new and growing opportunities for individuals in the Barbados labour force, as well as the overall economy.”

The country’s strongest growth was in November, when arrivals grew by 18.5 percent compared to the same period in 2015.

While the United Kingdom remained Barbados’ strongest source market at 35 percent of arrivals, it was the U.S. market that showed the most growth, with an increase of 14.1 percent in U.S.-based arrivals last year.

The latter is a major credit to Petra Roach, Barbados’ tourism director for the U.S. market, who has helped spearhead a major push with new partnerships and promotional work.

It’s also thanks to the efforts of hotel companies like Elegant Hotels, which operates six resorts on the island (like the terrific  Waves boutique all-inclusive and has done significant work to promote Barbados in the United States in particular.

That’s without metioning the new JetBlue flights from Fort Lauderdale, which have added much-needed airlift from South Florida.

The US represented 27 percent of the overall market for Barbados last year. (Barbados was named Caribbean Journal’s Destination of the Year in 2015).

Are you looking to head to Barbados this year? Choose your next hotel here.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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