Planteray Original Dark Rum (Trinidad & Tobago)

With restricted experience with rums, of the several dozen I have sampled, this is among the most satisfying to consume straight. I have never used it in a mixed drink. You absolutely have to explore their internet site; it's one of the most direct and candid I have encountered. For instance, they disclose it's a fusion of Barbados twin column and pot still molasses rum fermented for 72 hours, and Jamaica molasses rum, fermented for 2 weeks, then pot distilled. The Barbados is aged for 1-3 years, and the Jamaican is aged for 10-15 years. Then the two are transported to France, and then combined in a Cognac vat for 3-6 months. Finally, they are bottled. The site even plainly states that a sugar addition of 15g/L is added, along with up to.1% caramel coloring when necessary to maintain uniform batch coloring. Amazing! When did you last see such transparency on a liquor internet site besides Compass Box? For the tasting, it pours a bright amber straight, the only way I have ever sampled it. I view this as a dessert beverage due to the sugar addition, but the sweetness level is not excessive. You recognize you are drinking rum, but the typical heavy brown sugar/molasses flavor is not present at all. There is a faint trace of molasses, golden raisins (Cognac influence?), baked fruit, apricot possibly blended with banana, a very slight peppery spice, and a gentle dessert sweetness throughout as I let it swirl in my mouth for 30-45 seconds. I realize I have only tried a few dozen of the many hundreds of rums available, but this is one of the most delightful rums I have experienced just to sit and simply sip straight. As an added benefit, it is easily found in the $15-$20 range.

It smells rich, like smoke from fireworks. It's rather harsh with abundant spice and a bit too much alcohol essence for my preference, but it's not terrible. That firework flavor really comes through and helps conceal the alcohol. While there's some sweetness, the acrid smoke gives it a masculine character. I actually find the fireworks aspect somewhat appealing. There's a generous amount of vanilla and some type of dried fruit. The mineral quality is a little excessive, yet this is a drink that's almost sippable. The flavor is quite sharp but also very robust. The banana is present but not overpowering.

They label it as funk, and it certainly is. It might not be an instant crowd-pleaser, but this rum has its niche, perhaps enjoyed alongside a cannabis cigarette. The initial Cognac hogo intensity gives way to rich brown sugar, followed by barrel char that recedes with vanilla oak and heat. Its uniqueness stems from the Cognac barrel finish. It's a rum suitable for enjoying with a cigar. It's a sweet, French rum.

The Planteray is a beautifully crafted rum. The nose offers a strong, warm, light spicy aroma. The initial sip that touches the tip of the tongue is subtle, then suddenly, a warm shock of leather, light pepper, baking spice, a hint of sweetness, and a chemical kick emerges at the end. It's definitely an excellent choice for cocktails or neat.

I'm enjoying this on the rocks. The scent is very calming with the lingering aroma of the cask. Upon the first sip, there's no initial taste, then suddenly, a smoky oak emerges, electrifying your palate. The aftertaste then persists, bringing forth the flavor of an oaky, smoked Bourbon.

Likely one of the top dark rums available at its price point. It begins with a mild smokiness that transitions into pineapple, apricot, and honey, with subtle hogo and molasses. The finish features gentle baking spices and sweetness, making it an easily drinkable rum for daily enjoyment.