Plantation Single Cask rums are limited releases of double-aged Haute Couture rums. All Plantation rums mature in a two-stage aging process, beginning in the tropics where they age in bourbon casks, and then at the Château de Bonbonnet in France to mature in Ferrand barrels. Plantation Single Cask rums then benefit from further maturation in carefully selected beer, wine, or spirit casks, each selected to enhance the rum's unique characteristics.
This rum, from Panama's Alcoholes del Istmo distillery, is exclusive to Bitters and Bottles in CA, and showcases a barrel finish we've never seen on a rum before, even from Plantation, who are famously adventurous (some even say cavalier) with their finishes. After aging in Panama for 10 years in traditional ex-bourbon casks and Plantation's signature Cognac aging for another 2 years, this sat for a full extra year in barrels that previously held Champagne. What this translates to is an added level of brightness, floral notes, creaminess, and juicy fruit.
On the nose, black pepper and nutmeg sit alongside a light floral essence, fudge, vanilla, and a hint of dry oak. The palate brings more of the fudginess, hazelnut, chardonnay, and bright citrus zest. The finish is a lovely succinct poem rather than a novel, with a lovely oaky and floral essence that lingers delightfully. Bottled at 46% abv.
