Notes: This is one of the older expressions of the Planteray Portfolio coming in at 15 years, 13 years in Belize ( which would be the equivalent of say maybe 20 years in a more temperate climate) and a further 2 years aging in Pierre Ferrand Cognac barrels in Cognac, France. A limited edition of 19 casks – this is a rare jewel of a rum – especially for the price these days.

Appearance: Clear light gold in color with a slightly viscous or oily body.On swirling it produces a medium body thickness with a slowing retreating edge line/meniscus with tears and the occasional legs forming

First Impression: Spice, think a bread sort of cinnamon, grass, molasses, calmondon orange, touches of clove, galangal waxy durian fruit allspice.

Taste: Slightly oily mouthfeel as it spreads across the tongue with alkali/cocoa and cinnamon family spices and a touch of cardamom and minerality. Slightly drying alkali/mineral finish with molasses, grassiness and a medium long finish with just a touch of sweetness and spirit.Complex without being overly heavy or sticky. Nice balance.

Drinks: Well it can be done – just whether you want to even minimally diminish or commingle this spirit with anything else. It’s that good. Not to mention Planteray have a number of slightly cheaper alternatives for more casual use as it were.

Bottle: Being part of the ” One Time Limited Edition” series this bottle design blends elements of the Planteray companies signature ratafia netting, their overall bottle color schemes/aesthetic and adds unique elements such as the more cylindrical bottle with a longer slightly bulbous neck and a clear neck capsule along with a slightly more lux cork and top.

Other: This rum is part of the Planteray lines of rum  (Original Dark,  Overproof 63%, XO 2oth Anniversary,  Mauritius 2013, Isle of Fiji, Sealander, Barbados 5 Year Old,  Xaymaca, Cut and Dry Coconut Rum, the Overproof 69% O.F.T.D. , Stiggins Fancy Pineapple Rum Original 1824 Recipe, Canerock Spiced Rum, Planteray 3 Stars White Rum, the Monymusk White Overproof Jamaica Rum, and this, the Belize 2008, 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.

Final Thoughts: An excellent column distilled aged rum with minimal dosage ( read added sugar ) of 8 grams (roughly 1/4 oz) per liter pf sugar to knock some edges off- and frankly most of the public expects their rum to be sweet. Only the hardcore don’t add any sugar.

Other: Pretty amazing that you can get a bottle of 15 year old spirt for $60-70 anymore!I have a sliding scale I use for different spirits in a price to age determination as to value – Bourbon I usually figure at around $10 a year, Scotch seems to come in at around $20 plus a year. Rum especially from Planteray seems to come in at around $5 a year !

Website: www.planteray.com

Overall an excellent website if a bit light on some information. The Specifications sheets are useful links on the individual rum pages but overall just as not derailed as some other rum websites we have seen. Good general information but the search functions and trying to find which category a particular rum comes under can be frustrating !