Plantation Barbados 5-Year

While still early in the (rum) game, I have yet to taste a better rum for under $30

I bought this rum to add to my arsenal. It goes down easy and mixes well with pineapple or orange juice.

This rum is sippable on it's own. Even when you are not on a budget.
An even finer rum for cocktails.

My original review of this rum was hasty & ultimately wrong. This one really grew on me over time. Is it a great sipper? No but it is fine as one. Whether sipping or used as a mixer you just can't go wrong here especially at the price. Enjoy!!

A solid option for most applications and good price.

Color: Despite its 5-year age statement, the Plantation Barbados Grande Reserve retains a surprising lightness in color. Its subtly golden hue whispers of its time spent maturing, alluding to the flavors waiting to be discovered.

Aroma: A true treat for the senses, the rum's aroma evokes a stroll through a bustling bakery, with toasted marshmallows and rich pipe tobacco filling the air. With further aeration, this olfactory journey uncovers more complex notes, such as bacon, raisins, and prunes, adding a surprising depth to its character.

Body: The body of the Plantation Barbados Grande Reserve is delightfully light yet satisfying. It carries its flavors gracefully, setting the stage for a remarkable tasting experience.

Taste: The initial entry of this rum is a delicate dance of bittersweet and roasted flavors, engaging the palate in an enticing waltz. As it evolves on the midpalate, this rum reveals a near fruity essence reminiscent of baked orchard fruits, coupled with a resiny note. It offers a surprising contrast to the sweetness, bringing a complexity that makes each sip an adventure.

Finish: The Plantation Barbados Grande Reserve finishes on a medium-long, chocolaty note. Its flavors recede swiftly, leaving just a hint of its captivating blend to linger on the palate.

Overall, the Plantation Barbados Grande Reserve 5-Year is a distinctively sweet, tropical Barbadian-style rum. It offers a remarkable taste profile that makes it a versatile choice for aperitifs or classic cocktails, such as the Mai Tai or a Daquiri. Its intriguing array of flavors, coupled with its relative lightness for a 5-year-old rum, earns it a well-deserved 7/10 rating. For those in search of a rum that combines a unique sensory experience with excellent mixability, this rum is certainly worth a pour.

Overripe fruit aroma, pineapple, treacle, smoked fruit... Leading to smooth taste of smoked fruit and caramel. Zero alcohol burn. Caramel aftertaste

Little ethanol on nose.
Strong Ferrand cask signature.
A bit sweet.
Short aftertaste.
Scores 6 for sipping, 8 in Bajan rum punch.

Stand up very well mixed. Not very expensive and great value overall.

At first, I was surprised by the sweetness and coconut, which is rather prominent. But once I came to expect it, I truly enjoyed this as a smooth sipper. Just be ready for that coconut.