Review #: 498
Description: Plantation OFTD
Spirit: Rum
Background: This is a blended, overproof rum coming from Jamaica, Guyana, and Barbados, Standing for “Old Fashioned, Traditional Dark” it’s a bit ironic coming from a brandy like Plantation. The company is known for bottlings of rum that take some traditionally made rums, not disclosing additives, and finishing most offerings in their own Ferrand cognac casks that can really strip away the rum character. Now, OFTD appears to be one that doesn’t have added sugar, so how does the taste stand up?
Distillery – Various
Bottler – Plantation
Brand – Plantation
Selection – N/A
ABV – 69%
Age – NAS
Nose – A bit of banana, creme brulee, cinnamon cream, I don’t know if they do continental aging in cognac casks but there is a bit of dryness with some fruit in there so I wouldn’t be surprised
Taste – Raisin, molasses, cherry coke, vanilla, maple syrup, caramel
Finish – Molasses, some industrial funk does come through, Dr. Pepper, caramel, drinks well below 69%
Score: 6
Would I buy a bottle? Absolutely not. Please read below.
Thoughts: Objectively, this is a very solid rum and its intent is for an aged overproof cocktail option in a market that is more dominated by unaged options. When you look contextually though, Plantation has been incredibly shady and been working against the interests of the distilling communities they source from. It took a huge effort and backlash to get them to disclose additives, they have been lobbying against Barbados trying to get their GI, and their aging in cognac cask takes away the unique character of the islands they buy their rum from. I know they are plentiful, I know they are approachable, and I know their packaging is appealing, but I urge anyone reading this to do some research prior to purchasing any Plantation products. I bought this very, very early in my understanding of rums (this was my first “real” rum purchase) and have since learned my ways, but hope this review helps some undertake some critical thinking and analysis of the situation.