Plantation, Barbados 2007
ABV: 48.7%
Country: Barbados
Age: 16 years
Cask: ex-bourbon and Ferrand cognac casks.
Still: Pot & Column
Price: £70
Distillery: West Indies Rum Distillery
This bottling by Planteray (formerly Plantation) is a wonderful expression of Barbados rum with a little twist. This is a blend of pot and column still rums aged for a total of 16 years – 2 years tropical aging in bourbon and 14 years continental aging in Ferrand.
Nose
Charred pineapple and some nutty wood initially dominate the top notes of this rum, giving little else away.
After sitting with this for a while in the glass a vibrant bouquet of aromas develops. Cinnamon and bananas become evident alongside fresh lime zest and some sweetness from vanilla/fudge.
Palate
Sweetness from honey and vanilla is balanced against some rather tart and sour notes of pear, lime and star anise. There’s a lot going on here with fruit, strong pepper and sweet & sour elements.
The finish is warm and peppery with coconut, honey, nutmeg and a little wood.
7/10 – At this price point, it’s a no brainer.
My scoring system, explained
- 10: Exceptional. This is best in class and a firm favourite of mine.
- 9: Outstanding. Near perfection, a bottle I would be sad to finish (and very happy to restock!)
- 8: Excellent. An evening spent sipping this would be a very good one.
- 7: Great. Add to cart, no questions asked.
- 6: Very good. At the right price I would definitely buy a bottle.
- 5: Good. If someone poured me a glass you wouldn’t hear me complain.
- 4: Above average. Not quite good but better than some.
- 3: Average. Average at best, this isn’t offensive but equally not exciting either.
- 2: Not for me. This simply means it’s not a profile I find enjoyable; rather than a reflection of quality.
- 1: Not the spirit. This is a poor representation of the spirit.
