Planteray (Kyrö Rye Cask Finish) 2019

This Planteray release from Maison Ferrand takes a 2019 Paraguayan rum and finishes it in Kyro rye whisky casks, bottling the single cask at an easy 44.5%. Ferrand finishes its rums in this fashion as a matter of house style and uses dosage openly, so the sweetness here is part of the recipe rather than a surprise.

The nose is fruity, with citrus, tropical fruit and a touch of chocolate, while the palate turns to dried fruit, raisin and a clear note of sugar, the rye cask lending a whisky-like character through to an allspice-edged finish. It is an easy, gently fruity sipper with a noticeable thread of rye, and the added sweetness is plainly present rather than hidden. For whisky-curious drinkers who enjoy sweeter rum, the cask bridge is the draw; anyone after a dry, unembellished pour should note the dosage up front.