Not to my taste- Kind of awful actually.
Notes: This is the Planteray Plantation rum brand spiced rum expression.The vintage rums themselves were produced using long fermentations with copper pot still distillations from two of Jamaica’s ancestral and premier distilleries – Long Pond and Clarendon ( which makes and uses its own molasses also) from opposite ends of the Island and more or less completely different rum styles.. Aged in Jamaica in its hot and humid climate, and although we don’t know what casks they used, some were probably bourbon casks – since the market is always flooded with these low cost option barrels (but very flavorful casks – the price is cheap because there are so many on the market not necessarily a reflection of quality or lack thereof) rum were at some point when they were ready for market bought up by Cognac Ferrand shipped to Cognac Ferrand’s Château de Bonbonnet at their natural strength in order to preserve their richness of aroma and flavor ( not to mention to save space).
They are then placed in small oak casks to age for 1 year to 18 months to polish and finish the rum. These are quite the mix of casks – new oak, used bourbon casks, Pierre Ferrand casks , all the barrels/casks have varying levels of toasting or charring – making for a complex portfolio of rums to make the final blend ! This technique was common in the 18th and 19th centuries ( both by merchants and also by default in the ultimate owners storing it till use in their own cellars) but this practice has almost died out as almost no one stores spirits this way anymore sad to say ( except for real enthusiasts for their own use and a few bars)
Geeky Details: Twin column and pot still ( The Old Gregg’s at the West Indies Distillery), 3-5 day ferment . Volatile Compound 210/L , Dosage 19 grams per Liter ( about 2 oz per gallon) .
This rum is part of their Planteray Series of Rum which are hand selected rums from some of the best areas for rum production areas in the world that are selected for further attention and aging by Planteray. Others in the series that we have reviewed include the Overproof 63%,, Mauritius 2013, Isle of Fiji,Sealander, Barbados 5 Year Old, Belize 2008, Xamaca,Cut and Dry Coconut Rum, Stiggins Fancy Pineapple Rum Original 1824 Recipe, Planteray 3 Stars White Rum, the Monymusk White Overproof Jamaica Rum, the Overproof 69% O.F.T.D,, The Planteray Original Dark Rum, the XO 2oth Anniversary Barbados Blend, and this, the Canerock Spiced Rum ,among others by the cognac house of Pierre Ferrand. This is part of a rebranding of the rum lines for the Pierre Ferrand Cognac house, which has also produced the Mathilde Liqueurs such as the Peach which we reviewed earlier, along with a Pear, Black Currant, Raspberry, and Orange XO. Their products also include Citadelle Gin, Citadelle Reserve Gin, Citadelle Rouge Gin, Citadelle Jardin D Été Gin, Citadelle Vive Le Cornichon Gin, Citadelle Vodka, Magellan Gin, and a host of other spirits. Alexandre Gabriel the head of Pierre Ferrand is constantly blending and experimenting with new products as both an enthusiasm/hobby and also to develop new products. I highly recommend visiting the distillery if you get a chance – it is a delight to both the eye and the palette.
See our pictures from the Chateau and distillery where this rum is blended and cellared in our Adventure Section
Appearance: Clear tan gold in appearance, leaves a medium heavy coating on the glass when swirling which rapidly turns into tears/droplets as the menaces recede.
First Impression: Heavy nose to it – very much a spice and flavored rum with ginger,cinamon,coconut, nutmeg and a host of other scents vying for dominance.
Taste: Fireball cinnamon – a number of other spices also, but mostly a slightly burning cinnamon with coconut, nutmeg, and other tastes piling on.Let us just say not to my taste !
Drinks: Damned if I know- can’t face mixing this stuff and trying it again. I would suggest some Captain Morgan type cocktails ? Don’t know and don’t want to know what those actually are.
Bottle: Bit of an odd one for the Planteray/Maison Ferrand group and a distinct departure from their usual aesthetic . A handbell shaped clear glass bottle with a two finger width neck and a glass lip/ring at the topA actual natural cork above the tannish neckband ( with a currency type font and the word Jamaica in the middle ) , Label is a thin rectangular label below the embossed word Canerockand a ceramic sea turtle with embossed glass waves surrounding it.. Overall a kind of aesthetic I would call yacht rock type- no wonder it seems to bs something they are not drawing a close association too?
Other: This appears to be the Red headed stepchild of the Planteray?Maison Ferrand portfolio in the is is not linked to the other rum collection at all.
Final Thoughts: As I said – not to my taste- kind of awful not to say corrosive, but some people must like that ?
Website: http://www.canerockrum.com
Overall an excellent website if a bit light on some information.Good general information on some points, but to a limited degree, but hard information on this particular rums details are frustrating !
Other/Main Website : MaisonFerrand.com
A nicely done and easy to navigate website, that while not flashy ( thankfully in my mind) has a lot of information about all their offerings – Liqueurs, gins, and cognacs among other offerings, all of which we have found to be delightful. Rarely do you find such a consistently great portfolio of spirits!
