Plantation Rum: Celebrating the Global Diversity of Rum
Plantation Rum stands at the forefront of rum exploration, dedicated to sharing the rich tapestry of rum terroirs from around the world. Since its inception, the brand has been on a mission to showcase authentic rum expressions from the Caribbean – the birthplace of rum in Barbados in 1651 – to the Indian and Pacific oceans.
The Mission of Plantation Rum
At the heart of Plantation Rum's philosophy is a commitment to honoring rum's diversity and traditional craftsmanship. The brand celebrates the unique character of each rum-producing region, recognizing that every terroir imparts its own story and style to the spirit.
Plantation Rum goes beyond mere production; it serves as a custodian of rum's rich heritage. By reviving forgotten fermentation and distillation methods and breathing new life into antique stills, the brand preserves the ancestral "savoir-faire" that has shaped rum production for centuries. This dedication to tradition is perhaps best exemplified in their signature double-ageing technique, a process deeply rooted in rum's long and storied history.
The Art of Rum Making
The creation of Plantation Rum is a testament to the brand's respect for both tradition and innovation. Each step of the production process is carefully considered to bring out the best in each rum expression.
The Foundation: Sugarcane
At the heart of every Plantation Rum is sugarcane, a sustainable crop that thrives in warm, humid climates around the globe. The brand's commitment to quality and diversity is evident in their use of various sugarcane byproducts:
Molasses forms the base for most Plantation rums, carrying with it the rich, deep flavors characteristic of classic rum styles. At the Stade's West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados, fresh sugarcane juice is also used, offering a different flavor profile that speaks to the terroir of this historic rum-producing island. In a nod to regional traditions, Plantation's Paraguayan rums incorporate honey syrup, showcasing the versatility of rum production methods and the brand's respect for local practices.
Fermentation: Developing Flavor
The fermentation process is where Plantation Rum truly begins to develop its distinctive character. At the Stade's West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados, the brand operates a Yeast Nursery dedicated to cultivating special yeast strains. These include indigenous yeasts that naturally flourish in the local environment, contributing to the unique flavor profile of Barbadian rums.
Plantation Rum's approach to fermentation is both an art and a science. Fermentation times can vary dramatically, ranging from a swift 24 hours to an extended period of 3 weeks. This variation in fermentation duration significantly influences the ester content and overall aromatic profile of the final product, allowing Plantation to create a diverse range of rum styles.
Distillation: Crafting the Spirit
Distillation is where the true artistry of rum-making comes to the fore, and Plantation Rum employs a variety of methods to craft their spirits. The brand's commitment to preserving rum-making traditions is exemplified by their use of both historic and modern distillation techniques.
At the Stade's West Indies Rum Distillery, a collection of stills tells the story of rum's evolution. The crowning jewel of this collection is the Rockley still, built in the 1780s and painstakingly restored to working condition in 2023. This still, believed to be the oldest functioning rum still in the world, allows Plantation to recreate historic rum styles with authenticity.
Alongside these traditional pot stills, Plantation also utilizes column stills, a more modern innovation first introduced to Barbados by George Stade. This blend of old and new technologies allows Plantation to create a wide spectrum of rum styles, from rich, heavy rums to lighter, more delicate expressions.
Double Ageing: Plantation's Signature Technique
Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Plantation Rum's production process is their commitment to double ageing. This method pays homage to the historical practice of shipping rums across oceans for further maturation.
The process begins with initial ageing in the rum's country of origin, typically using American oak barrels that previously held bourbon. This tropical ageing imparts the characteristic flavor profile of each rum's terroir. Subsequently, the rums embark on a journey to the Southwest of France, where they undergo a second maturation in ex-Ferrand French oak casks. This continental ageing, in a cooler and more variable climate, introduces additional complexity and nuance to the rum's flavor profile.
For some special expressions, Plantation takes the ageing process a step further, employing a third maturation or cask finish. This additional step allows for even greater depth and complexity in the final product, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovation within the bounds of tradition.
Commitment to Sustainability
Plantation Rum's dedication to excellence extends beyond the bottle to encompass a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible production practices. This commitment is evident in several key initiatives:
The Stade's West Indies Rum Distillery, a cornerstone of Plantation's production, has achieved Bonsucro's Chain of Custody certification. This makes it the first distillery in the Caribbean to earn this distinction, ensuring that the sugarcane used in their rum production is sourced, produced, and traded responsibly.
Looking to the future, the distillery has set an ambitious goal to achieve 100% carbon neutrality by 2030. This initiative includes the use of photovoltaic panels to harness solar energy, providing a clean and renewable power source for the distillery's operations.
In a bid to continually improve and innovate, Plantation Rum has forged a partnership with the West Indies Sugar Cane Breeding Station (WISCBS). This collaboration focuses on developing new sugarcane varieties with improved yield, quality, and resilience, demonstrating Plantation's commitment to the long-term sustainability of the rum industry.
The Team Behind Plantation Rum
The success of Plantation Rum is built on the passion and expertise of a dedicated team of rum enthusiasts. At the helm is Alexandre Gabriel, the owner and Master Blender, whose innovative approach to rum production has earned him recognition as one of the leading independent producers of artisanal spirits in the world.
From the passionate staff at Stade's West Indies Rum Distillery to the expert cellar teams in Cognac, each member of the Plantation Rum family contributes their unique expertise to the creation of these exceptional rums. Their collective knowledge and dedication ensure that every bottle of Plantation Rum is a true reflection of the brand's commitment to quality and tradition.
Plantation Rum invites rum aficionados, cocktail enthusiasts, and those curious about premium aged spirits to embark on a journey through the rich heritage and exciting future of rum. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation of a carefully crafted cocktail, Plantation Rum offers a diverse range of expressions that showcase the incredible diversity of this beloved spirit.
