Planteray Rum XO 20th Anniversary - 40%
Planteray Rum, the new identity of the house formerly known as Plantation, is a brand developed by Maison Ferrand under the impetus of Alexandre Gabriel. This project is based on a selection and blending work of rums from different distilleries in the Caribbean, with particular attention paid to Barbados, the historic rum territory. The range is part of a logic of enhancing local traditions, while integrating a maturation know-how inspired by French spirits methods. Planteray Rum XO 20th Anniversary was initially created to celebrate Alexandre Gabriel's twenty years at the head of Maison Ferrand. This cuvée quickly established itself as a reference in the tasting rum universe thanks to its accessible and structured style. It embodies the house's desire to offer rums worked with precision, both in selection and maturation. The anchoring in Barbados remains central to the identity of this reference, which highlights a round and balanced style typical of this origin.
Planteray Rum XO 20th Anniversary is an aged rum from Barbados, made from a blend of rums distilled mainly in pot stills and column stills, according to the installations of the partner distilleries. The raw material comes from molasses derived from sugar cane, fermented before distillation according to local methods. The rum benefits from a double maturation characteristic of the Planteray style, with a first maturation under tropical climate in oak barrels that previously contained bourbon, followed by a second aging in France in French oak barrels that previously contained cognac. This double maturation strongly influences the aromatic profile by bringing both roundness and woody complexity. The exact age of the rums composing the blend is not always detailed, but they are rums that have undergone several years of aging. The final blend is carried out by Maison Ferrand to obtain a consistent profile. The rum is bottled at 40% alcohol, without vintage indication, which corresponds to a style oriented towards balance and accessibility.
On tasting, Planteray Rum XO 20th Anniversary develops a rich nose marked by notes of coconut, vanilla, and caramel, accompanied by dried fruits such as ripe banana and raisin. Woody and slightly spicy nuances evoke cinnamon and nutmeg, derived from barrel aging. On the palate, the texture is round and enveloping, with a notable sweetness that highlights pastry and exotic fruit aromas. The balance rests on a combination of sweetness, wood, and spices, without excess alcoholic intensity. The finish stretches out on toasted notes, slightly chocolatey, with moderate persistence. This rum is mainly enjoyed neat, at room temperature, to enjoy its aromatic complexity. It can also accompany desserts or be used in rich cocktails where a structured and aromatic rum is sought.
