Along with its new Mister Fogg Navy Rum, Planteray has unveiled a companion co-authored book: “Exploring 300 Years of Royal Navy Rum and Its Technique”
Earlier this year, Plantation rum finally changed its name to Planteray. And now the newly named brand has unveiled its latest bottling, Planteray Mister Fogg Navy Rum. The new release pays homage to the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Navy rum, drawing from four of the main rum-producing Caribbean islands historically used in Navy blends: Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana, and Jamaica. To go along with the launch, the Maison Ferrand-owned brand has launched a co-authored book “Exploring 300 Years of Royal Navy Rum and Its Technique” by Maison Ferrand owner and master blender Alexandre Gabriel and rum historian Matt Pietrek.
While there is no formal definition of Navy rum, rum experts usually agree that it is a blend of aged rums from two or more countries. Crafted with meticulous care, Planteray Mister Fogg Navy Rum is comprised of rums from Barbados (West Indies Rum Distillery), Trinidad (Trinidad Distillers Ltd.), Guyana (Diamond Distillery), and Jamaica (National Rums of Jamaica).
Aged in ex-bourbon barrels in their countries of origin, the rums were then transported to the southwest of France, emulating the tradition of aging on ships. Upon arrival in the Cognac region, the blend undergoes double aging in used oak barrels and extensive oxygenation in large, open wooden vats, replicating the humid environment of the British docks, enhancing maturation.
The result is a rum with a rich, mellow flavor. It delivers notes of molasses, dark chocolate, vanilla, dried fruits, and spices to create a well-rounded flavor profile that the brand recommends for both sipping and cocktails. Presented at 55.7% ABV, it reflects the historical Navy proof standards.
This rum is a tribute to the late Michael Fogg, a British naval veteran who joined ED&F Man, (supplier of rum to the British Royal Navy), shortly after his naval service. He was a key figure of the history of Navy rum, and his passion for this spirit significantly contributed to the authors’ understanding of what Navy rum is.
Planteray Mister Fogg Navy Rum and the book were born of a passion for uncovering bygone spirits, their place and importance in history and the desire to revive and celebrate the essence of true Navy rum with today’s spirits aficionados. “Exploring 300 Years of Royal Navy Rum and Its Techniques” is the result of five years of extensive research. It features exclusive in-depth exploration of the heritage and intricate production techniques that define Royal Navy rum. The 256-page book delves into the significance of this type of rum, including the evolution of its production and the cultural practices surrounding its consumption. Highlighting the seven pillars of Navy rum – blending of rums from different countries, double aging, the use of used barrels, dynamic aging, Navy active vatting, issuing proof, and burnt sugar browning – Gabriel and Pietrek provide a comprehensive narrative that looks to captivate rum enthusiasts and historians.
Planteray Mister Fogg Navy Rum is a limited edition with a suggested retail price of $36 per 700ml bottle. The book can be purchased at The Shop at Chateau de Bonbonnet in Ars, France and at the Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery Visitor’s Centre for $35 before being widely distributed. It will also be available for sale at the San Francisco Rum Festival and Congress (Aug 31 – Sept 1). For more information, head over to the official website.