Maison Ferrand-owned, Barbados-based Plantation Rum has finally announced it has changed its name to Planteray Rum, while also unveiling its first release, Cut & Dry Coconut Rum
Almost four years after announcing they would be renaming Plantation Rum–for obvious reasons–Maison Ferrand has finally followed through and unveiled the Planteray Rum brand. The launch of the new designation came at a news conference yesterday, where they also revealed that the first bottle under the new name would be Planteray Cut & Dry Coconut Rum–a favorite among bartenders that, until now, has never been available outside the Caribbean.
A collaboration between Maison Ferrand and West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD), Cut & Dry Coconut Rum hails from Barbados and took four years of experimentation to create. To make the rum, WIRD partnered with local coconut farmers who have been cultivating delicious coconuts for generations.
“Our partnership with our local coconut farmers promotes Barbados as a hub for premium craft products, as well as celebrates Barbados’ rich heritage,” says Andrew Hassell, WIRD’s Managing Director. “The distillery has been the backbone of the local rum industry for more than 130 years and we invest in our community. We are proud to source local molasses and coconuts to produce Planteray Cut & Dry, a true product of Barbados.”
WIRD joined forces with the Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the International Trade Centre’s Alliances for Action program to work with the local farmers in Barbados. The partnership supports Barbados businesses and sustainable agriculture initiatives and celebrates its heritage.
It takes one coconut to make each liter of Cut & Dry. The white flesh of the coconut is meticulously cut and dried to preserve the pure coconut flavor. The flesh is then infused in Barbados rums, creating an expression that blends the rich flavors of Bajan rum with the tropical goodness of farm-fresh coconuts.
“We tried coconut in all its shapes and sizes – juice, jelly, fresh fruit, dried shells – you name it, we distilled it, and tasted it!” says Don Benn, Master Distiller at WIRD. “It took four years of experimentation and 97 receipts to find the winning method and combination of ingredients sourced from our neighbors using natural white coconut flesh infused in our delicious Barbados rum. It took Andrew an extra two years to secure enough coconut for our export markets. We won’t be able to produce very big quantities because Cut & Dry is hand-made and the coconuts need to grow, and you can’t speed that up. Nature needs to do its work “ says Alexandre Gabriel, owner and master blender of Maison Ferrand and West Indies Rum Distillery.
On the nose, the rum begins with intense aromas of coconut pulp, alongside vanilla, cinnamon, and sesame oil. The palate showcases coconut milk, vanilla, banana, and green ginger, with soft touches of molasses and fresh herbs. The finish is long and a bit spicy with more coconut and vanilla as well as pepper notes.
Cocktails
The Planteray Cut & Dry Pina Colada
Ingredients:
- 60 ml/2 oz Planteray Cut & Dry Rum
- 105 ml/3.5 oz Fresh pressed pineapple juice
- 22.5 ml/0.75 oz Cream of coconut
- 15 ml/0.5 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice
- 7.5 ml/0.25 oz Cream or half & half
Directions:
Blend all ingredients in a blender with a half scoop of crushed ice. Serve in a pina colada or Collins glass with a paper straw.
The Planteray Cut & Dry Cocogroni
Ingredients:
- 30 ml/1 oz Planteray Cut & Dry Rum
- 30 ml/1 oz Italian red bitter liqueur
- 30 ml/1 oz Sweet vermouth
Directions:
Pour all ingredients into a rocks glass filled with ice and stir.
As for the rebranding, the Ferrand and WIRD Team also unveiled the change of Plantation Rum, to Planteray Rum. The name ‘Planteray’ “embodies the brand’s identity and core symbols that have adorned bottles for more than 25 years,” they said at the press conference. “This name pays homage to sugarcane, the PLANT that gives birth to the rum, and the sun’s RAYs that are essential for sugarcane growth & ripening. “
“From today forwards, the evolution from Plantation to Planteray begins,” said Gabriel. “It was a long journey of trademarking a name that reflects our brand ethos in 120 countries. Naturally, the rum we have proudly produced for more than 25 years remains exactly the same and will still be produced with the same expertise, attention and care but now as Planteray Rum. We remain wholeheartedly committed to make the same exceptional rum from Barbados and some of the greatest rum terroirs in the world.”
Bottles with the Planteray Rum name will roll out globally this month. Bottled at 40% ABV, Planteray Cut & Dry Coconut Rum will be available in the USA, UK, France and the Caribbean with a suggested retail price of £42.00 / €45.99. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
The unveiling of Planteray Rum is exciting for rum lovers across the globe who have eagerly awaited this announcement. Past releases from the Maison Ferrand-owned brand, such as Plantation Guyana 2007 and Extreme Collection No. 5, have been immediately favorites, both in bars and personal collections.