Objective Notes
Very Smooth (on the RnD scale of Harsh-Smooth-Very Smooth-Extremely Smooth)

Plantation Rum Trinidad appears in the glass as hues of golden ale and light copper. Delicate aromas are discovered after several moments with the spirit are vanilla, brown sugar, oak, citrus peel, nutmeg, cinnamon, and light ethanol. Now on to the much anticipated first taste. The first sip tells the story; a semi-dry, deliciously smooth, light body rum. Flavors discerned are vanilla, pralines, some oaky notes followed by white pepper. The finish begins slightly sweet, medium in length, and ends dry with a hint of vanilla and spice at the end.

Anecdotal Notes

Alexandre Gabriel, the President of Cognac Ferrand, has great relationships with many of the Caribbean distillers, usually through the selling of his highly valued used cognac barrels. He’s said to be always trying to discover unique and rare batches of rum that are held back by the local distilleries cellar master. Over time the Plantation collection of seven vintage and three blended rums became available for the world to discover.

One of the interesting concepts that Cognac Ferrand uses is the process of double aging. Not a new concept as it was popular back in the 18th and 19th centuries, and a few rum companies do something similar today, but Cognac Ferrand has certainly perfected the process with a fine array of rums in different styles and tastes. The process starts by obtaining bulk rum first aged for a significant amount of time at the distillery, usually in the Caribbean, and then it’s transferred to Cognac Ferrand’s Château de Bonbonnet in Ars France at barrel strength. From there the rum is finished and in small oak casks formerly used for aging cognac.

This version of Plantation Rum Trinidad was distilled in the year 2000. The mash fermented for only a short time before it was distilled using a column still which is one of the reasons for the lightness of the final product. It was aged for 9 years on island and then for additional time in France as mentioned above. Cognac Ferrand wasn’t so much trying to create a new style of rum but to rather exemplify the finest qualities and characteristics of the country, land, and home distillery it came from.

The bottle is tall and round displaying an antique style parchment paper label wrapped with a loose fishnet weave of dried palm leaves. It’s topped with cork and finished with a dark foil with green Trinidad label.

Taster’s Opinion
Roger – Delicately light and flavorful, Plantation Rum Trinidad is an excellent example of rum from that island country. It is enjoyed best neat or on the rocks. I wouldn’t recommend it in a fruity or heavy cocktail as most mixers could make this rum vanish. It would make a great Mojito. I look forward to my journey through the Plantation Rum’s tour of the Caribbean and was happy to stop first in Trinidad, even if it was for a short vacation from the world in one small glass.

Dave – Wonderfully smooth and mildly aromatic, Plantation 2000 Trinidad rum is light yet full bodied spirit that works equally well before or after dinner.  Because the rum is fruity and delicate, I can’t imagine mixing it in a cocktail.  As a subtle sipping rum, you’ll discover fruity sweet aromas of orange zest, orange bonbon (shades of Cointreau and Grand Marnier) and understated pear, with a contrasting, pleasantly deep earthiness that’s reminiscent of Trinidad rum. The taste shows additional complexity, with an oily orange texture and flavors of grilled sweet yellow peppers, oaken vanilla, light tobacco or dry leather.  A medium heavy body finishes long and sweet, leaving a refreshing orange flavor.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Roger – 8.5 Flasks, Dave – 8.5 Flasks

Most recently reviewed by:  Roger and Dave, July 2010 at RnD's North and South tasting rooms, USA

*750ml unless otherwise stated.