Planteray Plantation Grande Réserve Rum NV 750ml

As might be expected from a rum affiliated with a Cognac maker, this honey-colored spirit is finished in old Cognac barrels. The end result is luxe but light, yielding caramel and orange peel aromas, as well as loads of sweet honey and creamy caramel on the palate, accented with a bright touch of lemon. Especially enjoyable mixed with ginger beer, Dark & Stormy-style.

Last reviewed in 2010 and rated Four Stars. Bright amber color; flawless clarity. The opening nosing round is all about baking shop fragrances, in particular, brown sugar, honey, dark caramel, candied almonds, but also pipe tobacco, toasted marshmallow; secondary whiffs after further aeration discover bacon fat, lard, black raisin, prune; lots of aromatic activity here. Entry is bittersweet, caramelized onion-like, baked, biscuity, roasted; midpalate is engagingly toasty, nearly fruity, as in baked orchard fruits, and resiny. Finishes medium long, bittersweet, chocolaty.