Barbados/Blend
It’s All In The Name
Right, so before we start this tasting, I want to give you a little update. If you read this and nip out to the shop and find yourself unable to find this bottle, you’re not going crazy. Plantation Rum has undergone a rebrand to Plantaray Rum. (We still have an old bottle so that’s what is pictured below.)
Spirits producer Maison Ferrand decided the name ‘Plantation’ had negative connotations to slavery and thus ‘Plantaray’ it is. That said, let’s head over to our tasting…
Nose: As you bring the glass to your nose, Plantation XO 20th Anniversary reveals a captivating bouquet of vanilla and butterscotch, immediately setting a luxurious tone. Layers of ripe banana and coconut weave through the aroma, complemented by a subtle oak presence that hints at its complex aging process. The tropical notes of mango add a fresh and delicious twist to the rich aromatic profile.
Palate: The first sip delivers a rich and creamy palate, starting with an abundance of baking spices—nutmeg, cinnamon, and brown sugar—creating a warm and inviting entry. This is followed by luscious waves of caramel and citrus, each layer revealing the careful blending and aging techniques employed. The presence of oak adds depth, while the tropical fruits continue to shine through, making each sip a delightful journey.
Finish: The finish is remarkably long and buttery, with the spices and oak lingering gracefully. Notes of orange peel, coffee, and chocolate emerge, leaving a lasting impression that is both sophisticated and satisfying. This extended finish, coupled with the rum’s aromatic complexity, makes Plantation XO a true sipping rum, perfect for savoring slowly.
Interesting Facts:
- Aging Process: Aged in bourbon casks and then finished in Ferrand barrels, this old Barbadian rum benefits from the unique combination of tropical aging in Barbados and continental aging in France.
- Special Release: This rum was released to mark Alexandre Gabriel’s 20th anniversary at the helm of Cognac Ferrand, showcasing some of Plantation’s oldest Bajan rum reserves.
- Complexity: The sophisticated aromatic complexity of Plantation XO comes from the different species of wood used in the barrels and their various degrees of toasting, as well as the contrasting climates of its aging process.
- Final Touch: The selected rums are blended at Château de Bonbonnet in France and finished in small French oak casks for 12-18 months, enhancing its rich and layered profile.
Plantation XO 20th Anniversary has a bevy of accolades adorning it’s cabinet – including: 2024 Bartenders Spirits Awards, Silver; 2020, Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition; 2019 97 points, Wine Enthusiast.
The Rumosphere 