Planteray XO 20th Anniversary Rum

Nose: Caramel, toasted brown sugar, green banana, earthy and funky minerals, with some tropical fruit and floral notes. Palate: Cinnamon-dusted caramel candy, banana fried in brown sugar, cooked vegetables with a savory and umami mushroom sauce note, and tropical fruit notes. It has a good medium body, feeling relatively full on the tongue. Finish: Short, slightly hot, funky, tropical, floral, with some mineral and wood bitterness. I had this in my collection and left it for a while, almost forgetting about it. It's a fine spirit with surprising depth and complexity. I wish it had a little more body, as it feels a bit thin, especially transitioning to the finish. A bit less sharpness and more proof could make this an exceptional sipping spirit. As it is, it's lovely and I would still recommend it. The price is also good and fair.

Nose: Surprisingly mellow and deeply inviting, with notes of brown sugar, molasses, honey, and cane mingling with soft oak – warm, sweet, and utterly captivating. Palate: Exceptionally smooth and fruit-forward. Brown sugar dominates, followed by honeyed molasses, raisin, pear, fig, apple, and soft plum. A touch of oak from the Cognac barrels complements the sweetness. It's like sipping a velvety confection – sweet but not syrupy, rich but never cloying. Finish: Clean, fluid, and remarkably soft, with a clarity akin to spring water. No alcohol burn at all, despite its proof. A world-class sipping experience. Final Thoughts: A true masterpiece of balance and refinement. Complex yet effortless, this could be a daily indulgence without ever becoming tiresome. An incredible value for the price. --- Poem – by Sophie "Aging Grace" In a glass, the weight of years— sugar transformed to silk, fruit pressed into memory, oak softened like a whispered name. No burn. No bite. Only warmth that unfolds like hands unclenching. A quiet luxury, sweet enough to trust, bold enough to stay. You could drink this forever and still taste something new.

An intense; dark rum from The West Indies Rum Distillery Ltd. for Maison Ferrand in Barbados, aged between 12 to 20 years. It is double distilled, first in a pot still and then in a column still. It is double aged, initially in the Caribbean in ex-Bourbon barrels for up to 20 years. It is then sent to France for an additional 12-18 months of aging in smaller French oak casks in cooler weather. It has a rich & spicy beginning with notes of oak, caramel, guava, a little desiccated coconut, sweet vanilla, butter & dried banana; while a warm & creamy middle adds notes of dried tropical fruits, sweet baking spices, milk chocolate & orange zest; leading to a long & warm end with notes of toasted spicy praline, cherry, oak, spicy cedar, orange, cinnamon sticks & hints of leather.

The Plantation XO 20th Anniversary is a puzzling offering. Its aromatic profile suggests complexity and refinement, yet the actual tasting experience is disappointing. The light body and surprisingly short finish make it difficult to align with its premium status and price. While it might appeal to newcomers to aged rums who prefer an extremely mild and uncomplicated spirit, it's likely to greatly disappoint anyone seeking the rich, intricate, and enduring experience typically expected from a 20th-anniversary commemorative rum. In the end, this is an expression that builds anticipation with its aroma but leaves the palate feeling unfulfilled with unrealized potential and a distinct lack of satisfaction.

The Plantation XO 20th Anniversary displays a clear, red amber hue and exhibits long legs, indicating its quality. The nose is dominated by oak and butterscotch, with subtle undertones of cream and banana foster. The palate reveals a harmonious combination of cream, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, brown sugar, and a hint of citrus, all within a full, smooth texture. A medium finish follows, leaving a pleasant lingering note of creamy butterscotch that gently evolves into a soft, buttered banana flavor. However, some might find it lacks surprising elements or sustained complexity. Overall Score: 4.31/5

The aroma is refreshing and fruity. Vanilla, butterscotch, banana, coconut, pineapple, peach, and ripe mango come through immediately with the slightest hint of black pepper and tea. The palate mirrors the aroma with vanilla, butterscotch, pineapple, and peach coating the tongue. The finish is medium length with a very mild hint of pepper touching the throat. It's not as complex as other rums and could benefit from a higher alcohol content, but it's a very good sip nonetheless. Overall impressions: Aroma - 4.5/5 Taste 4/5 Overall: 4.25/5 Repurchase: Yes Type: Special Occasion.