Plantation boasts a formidable portfolio of rums, ranging from the tropical 3 star white rum to the robust 5 year old Grande Reserve and a handful of others. Each rum in the lineup is aged twice, first matured in oak casks in the hot and humid Caribbean climate. And then shipped to France, where they’re further matured in Cognac Ferrand French oak casks. This double-aging process results in some especially flavorful rums. Like this one — the brand new Plantation Original Dark Rum.
This latest expression is comprised of rums from Trinidad and Tobago. The base rum is aged three to five years before being married with a full-flavored eight year old rum. This blend is then aged for 12-18 months in cognac barrels before bottling. The result is a rich and aromatic dark rum that’s great for cocktails (we whipped up a quick Dark and Stormy), but also a fine candidate for sipping neat. On the nose, it’s full of molasses, vanilla and toasted coconut. Drink up for a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel with hints of spice and tannins. Flavors range from molasses and caramel to raisins and bananas. There’s lots going on here, and it all comes together nicely.
Given all that flavor (not to mention the double-aging process), it’s a pleasant surprise that Plantation Original Dark Rum has a suggested retail price of just $17.99. That’s a whole lot of rum for not much cash, which puts this one squarely at the front of our rum shelf.
Stats:
– 40% ABV
– $17.99
CE Rating: ★★★★
