Plantation 2007 (Extreme No. 5)

Plantation Extreme No. 5 is a 2007 vintage Barbados rum from Maison Ferrand, the Cognac based house behind the Plantation, now Planteray, brand and its signature double ageing in French cognac casks. The Extreme line stands apart from the core range, a collector focused tier bottled at cask strength and, importantly, certified unsweetened, so unlike the dosed mainstream Plantation bottlings this one is genuinely dry.

It is a classic Barbados single blended profile, marrying rich double retort pot still rum with cleaner column distillate, aged fourteen years in ex bourbon oak. The palate delivers sweet coconut, vanilla, toffee and milk chocolate over firm oak spice, with moderate orchard fruit and a long, spicy, woody finish, all carried at a concentrated 58%. This is the Bajan house style turned up in strength and stripped of added sugar, aimed at experienced drinkers who enjoy classic Barbados rum at higher proof and want time in the glass to draw it out neat.