PLANTATION PRESENTS A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF SINGLE DISTILLERY RUMS FROM BARBADOS, GUADELOUPE, GRENADA, GUYANA, JAMAICA, NICARAGUA, PANAMA AND TRINIDAD

 

Vintage Dated Rums Born in the Islands Then Uniquely Double Aged at the Birthplace of Artisanal Spirits, The Cognac Ferrand Estate

 

Chateau de Bonbonnet, Ars, France – Alexandre Gabriel is a man with a singular focus from which he has not wavered in the 20 years he has been the head of esteemed Cognac Ferrand Estate, the birthplace of the artisanal spirits movement.  His focus and philosophy are simple – to produce special, unique spirits, gems so distinctive and revolutionary that they set the bar for all others that come after them.  Mr. Gabriel has done this with his award-winning Pierre Ferrand Cognac and Citadelle Gin and now, his Plantation Rum Collection.  Each rum in the Plantation Rum Collection is made according to its country’s traditional technique and expresses the rum characteristics and flavor of its country of origin. While the rums are born in the traditional fashion, produced in rum distilleries and aged in barrels in the tropical sun, they undergo a unique aging process not used by any other rum producer in the industry — the rums are plucked from their country of origin at just the right moment and brought to the Ferrand estate in France where they are refined for several more months in small French oak Ferrand barrels. These special Plantation Rums come from Barbados, Guadeloupe, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama and Trinidad.

Rum was first produced in Barbados from local sugar cane more than 350 years ago. Over the centuries, it has become increasingly refined with different taste profiles that reflect the terroir and rum-making tradition of each area of origin.  At Cognac Ferrand, Alexandre Gabriel believes that no matter what spirit he is producing, the company will always stay true to their tried and true methods and style.  Twenty years ago Mr. Gabriel introduced the concept of “small batch” and “artisanal” long before these became the industry catchphrases of today.  When he turned to Plantation Rum, he believed the same Ferrand care, research, passion and technique that were mastered for their other spirits would make for superior rums.

“Our love affair with true rum began when we sold the prized casks that once held our Cognac to better rum producers, and we fell in love with their product,” says Alexandre Gabriel.  “Ninety-nine percent of rums are aged in barrels that once held bourbon. We found that adding an aging process in a French oak cask that once held Cognac adds extra complexity to the rum. This is a practice that was done more commonly in the past but has almost disappeared now.  We thought ‘who better than Ferrand, with our knowhow and exceptional casks’ to resurrect this ancient technique.”

The beauty of authentic rums is their rich diversity of style and heritage. A consumer can never be bored with the various styles offered from each country. Well chosen estate or single-island rums can be of outstanding quality, offering a wide range of aromas and flavors that can easily compete with the depth and complexity of a great Cognac or Armagnac.  Alexandre Gabriel’s goal is to give each Plantation Rum its individuality.  In Alexandre’s words, “It is a very difficult thing to get right, but when done well, it’s paradise.  In the Caribbean, Plantation Rums are rare treasures.  At Ferrand they become jewels.”

 

Cognac Ferrand’s Unique Plantation Rum Aging Technique

Rum, like Cognac or whisky, is produced by distillation.  As with Cognac or whisky, the distiller’s art and skill is critical. The raw materials (grapes for cognac and sugar cane or molasses for rum) provide its style to the final product.

Depending on the plantation and country of origin, two types of distillation may be used for Plantation rums: pot stills, which have existed for more than 700 years and produce full bodied and aromatic rum, or distillation columns, invented in the early 19th century, which produce light, elegant rum.

After distillation, every Plantation Rum, regardless of its country of origin, is transferred to small oak barrels, previously used for Bourbon and sometimes Sherry. The spirit then ages for several years in humid cellars, warmed by the tropical sun. The Caribbean climate allows the rums to develop their aromas, and approximately 5 to 6 percent of the rum evaporates naturally through the oak every year, which is called the angel’s share. This important angel’s share accelerates the aging of Plantation Rums and enables them to develop their subtly exotic aromas and flavors to their fullest, taking on a rich color and flavor.

 

The next step is one of the most unique in the rum industry.  Nearly complete, the rums are then shipped to the Ferrand Estate in the heart of the Cognac region in France, where they are placed in used, small French oak barrels. This extra step of refinement, a double aging process, adds an incomparable smoothness, complexity and finesse that defines Plantation’s special character and showcases Ferrand’s commitment to creating one of a kind spirits that are unforgettable.

For those seeking rare rum treasures, the Plantation Rum Collection offers seven very different and unique rums. The Classics listed below are the blends that are refined by the Ferrand cellar master which gives them balance and a smooth taste.  The Vintages are ‘straight from the cask’ and show their differences in taste and from vintage to vintage and are also available in limited quantities.  The distinctions are very clear when tasted side by side.  This range provides a wonderful display of the traditions of the Caribbean.

 

THE CLASSICS

GRANDE RESERVE 5 YEAR OLD – Barbados (Caribbean)

This 5 year old Barbados rum is smooth and bursting with flambéed banana with a hint of vanilla, coconut and dried fruit flavors. This rum is perfect for mixing and for sipping. Awards: Finalist/92 points “Excellent, Highly Recommended” at 2012 Ultimate Spirits Challenge; Gold at 2012 RumXP.

20th ANNIVERSARY – Barbados (Caribbean)

Ferrand has sold their casks to the better rum producers for 20 years.  This 20th Anniversary Rum celebrates this history as well as Alexandre Gabriel’s 20 years at Ferrand.  From the birthplace of rum, Barbados 20th is a complex blend of very old rums. Spicy notes of vanilla and dark chocolate followed by flavors of ripe banana, sugar cane and roasted coconut. Awards: Gold/Best in Class at 2012 RumXP.

ORIGINAL DARK – Trinidad & Tobago (Caribbean)

Plantation Original Dark is a blend of Trinidad brown rums matured in young bourbon casks. Faithful to the light and elegant style of the island, the rum has a slightly smoky nose with refined notes of banana, citrus peel and clove. An excellent rum that will certainly give your cocktails style. Awards: Gold at 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition; Gold “Best in Class” at 2013 RumXP; 92 Points, “Best Buy” by Beverage Testing Institute.

ORIGINAL DARK OVERPROOF – Trinidad (Caribbean)

Bottled at 73% alcohol by volume, this rum is the only overproof rum in the collection and is also the only rum that is not double aged. With notes of vanilla, cinnamon, almond and banana, this liquid has an initial sweetness that develops and lingers long after the first sip has been taken. Overproof’s intensely dark color and concentration of flavor and aroma is a result of aging in Bourbon casks.  Its powerful, fruity flavor and aromatic richness are fully appreciated in well-prepared cocktails. Awards: Gold “Best in Class” at 2013 RumXP.

3 STARS WHITE – Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad (Caribbean)

Keenly vibrant and well-balanced, Plantation 3 Stars displays the finesse and style of Trinidad and Barbados well integrated with the character and fuller flavors of Jamaica. On the nose it has delicate notes of tropical fruits intertwined with brown sugar and ripe banana. On the palate it displays subtle spices and floral notes with a finish of sugar cane and vanilla. Awards: 93 points “Excellent, Highly Recommended” at 2013 Ultimate Spirits Challenge; Gold at 2013 RumXP,

 

THE HISTORICAL VINTAGES

TRINIDAD 1999 Vintage (Caribbean)

Very delicate with pastry notes. After a swirl in the glass, rancio notes reveal themselves and give this rum a rich and complex aroma.  Very smooth and round on the palate, then notes of coconut, herbs de Provence, exotic wood and toasted bread. A long finish which delivers flavors of fresh sugarcane juice and candied fruits. 

 

BARBADOS 2001 Vintage (Caribbean)

A blend of rums distilled in column and traditional pot stills, aged 9 years in bourbon and sherry casks then 3 years in Cognac casks, this rum is a perfect example of the finest Barbados rums: voluptuous, soft and fruity. Dark amber in color, Plantation Barbados 2001 offers a nose with exotic fruits, plantain and ripe pineapple. This rum is harmonious and smooth on the palate, revealing a tropical and tasty range of aromas.  

 

JAMAICA 2001 Vintage (Caribbean)

Intense and highly aromatic as a result of long fermentation and pot-still distillation, Plantation Jamaica is faithful to its origins. A lovely mahogany color, it reveals a wide range of exotic aromas on the nose, with marked notes of pineapple, cooked mango, clove and nutmeg. A generous palate with fresh sugar cane notes and plenty of length. A powerful rum with plenty of character! 

 

THE EXOTIC VINTAGES

GUADELOUPE 1998 Vintage (Caribbean)

This is the only rum in the collection made from 100% pressed sugar cane and as such should be labeled a rhum agricole. According to quota limits established by the AOC (Appellation d’origine contrôlée), this is one rum that cannot bear this recognition. Possessing subtle orange and vanilla flavors with touches of dried fruits, the liquid is perfectly balanced, round and lush with a long smooth and fruity finish.  It has a strong aroma with slight notes of citrus and oak. Awards: 93 Points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

 

NICARAGUA 2001 Vintage (Central America)

Column distilled, like most Nicaraguan rums, after a relatively short fermentation period then aged for many years in bourbon casks and finished in Cognac casks. Its gold color develops notes of flambéed fruits and finishes with spicy and peaty notes.

 

PANAMA 2002 Vintage (Central America)

This rum is column distilled followed by 10 years in bourbon cask. This expert production process brings richness and great complexity to this rum.  With notes of vanilla bean, coconut, quince and spices, Panama 2002 reveals oaky and smoky aromas and is rum full of character.

 

GRENADA 2003 Vintage (Caribbean)

Rich and refined at the same time, this rum will immediately reveal a rare subtlety and complexity. The delicate jasmine notes harmoniously evolve towards exotic aromas of pineapple, banana and vanilla with a very pleasant mouth feel.

 

GUYANA 2005 Vintage (South America)

From the famous Demerara region beside the Atlantic Ocean, Plantation Guyana is the result of extra-long fermentation and pot-still distillation. Aged for long years in bourbon casks, it reveals an incomparable richness of aroma and flavor. The nose is powerful and complex, with notes of peat and cigar, balanced by subtle vanilla notes. The palate is remarkable for its balance and refinement. Lots of fruity, oaky and smoky aromas mingle harmoniously.

 

ABOUT COGNAC FERRAND

Plantation Rum is produced by Cognac Ferrand, one of the world’s premier boutique producer of fine spirits and the architect of the artisanal spirits movement.  Cognac Ferrand has offices and production premises at Château de Bonbonnet in Ars, France and its brands are distributed in more than 40 countries.  The brands available in the U.S. include the award-winning: Pierre Ferrand Cognac, Citadelle Gin, Mathilde Liqueurs, Plantation Rum, Landy Cognac, Cerbois Armagnac and Daron Calvados.  W.J. Deutsch & Sons is the importer of the aforementioned brands to the U.S.  For more information about Cognac Ferrand, visit www.cognacferrand.com.  Plantation Rum is available in fine restaurants, bars, lounges and liquor stores nationwide.   For more information, visit www.plantationrum.com.