Medine Estate Planteray One-time 2013

This Medine Estate bottling is a 2013 Mauritian molasses rum aged eleven years at 46.5%, released by Maison Ferrand under its Planteray brand, the renamed Plantation line. Ferrand double-ages in cognac casks and is open about using dosage, so this is presented honestly as a soft, lightly sweet rum rather than a bone-dry one.

Matured in ex-bourbon oak with the house's cognac-cask polish, it reads gentle and approachable. The nose offers wood, honey, floral notes and tropical fruit, the palate brings soft dried fruit, light caramel, a floral lift and mild wood spice, and the finish stays sweet and fruity with raisin and candied fruit. The added-sugar level is not specified, but given the producer's practice, the rounded sweetness is best read as part of the style. Easygoing and dessert-leaning, it makes a comfortable first step for drinkers moving on from very sweet, very round rums.