Plantation Gran Añejo Guatemala & Belize

Nose: Oak, orange zest, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, apple, coconut. A very faint hint of hogo. The dry glass smells strongly of licorice and soil. Palate: A bold but smooth arrival with a deliciously balanced texture. Honey, spices, orange, oak, almonds, dark chocolate. There's a tobacco and leather note and it is generally dry and blissfully free of extra sugar. Finish: Long, the sweet spicy notes trail away into woodiness. This was the last sample from a pack of six 100ml Plantation samplers I bought recently. Of the six rums in the pack three were good (the XO 20th anniversary, the Barbados 5 year old and the 3 star white), and three were very good (this one, the 2003 Trinidad vintage and the 2002 Jamaican vintage). If you happen to see the "Plantation Artisanal Rum Cigar Pairing" boxed set then it's well worth a try. This is a great rum - flavourful and interesting with real character. It's also very smooth and approachable with a rich overall profile and just a bit of challenge. "Very good" : 85/100 (4 stars)

A very refined bouquet, not pretentious; for having the burn at that proof, the mouthfeel is very silky; maybe not the highest clarity or fidelity of flavor notes, but the characteristics balance nicely; finishes long and a little drying.

Earthy and with lots of fig notes. Works well neat and mixed with cola. Not bad but there is better out there for that price like Bumbu or El Dorados 12 Year old.

Nose: Funky, esters, honey and fruitcake Palate: Sweet arrival due to the added sugar to hide the bitterness Finish: Bitter and spirit driven

Nose: Very mild, hard to discern aromas Palate: Toffee, citrus, vanilla Finish: Sweet and smooth, subtle sugar cane flavor

Quite good but too spicy and burning as for me. Such aging would be better with 38-40ABV and 42 is too hot.