Planteray Rum XO 20th Anniversary celebrates twenty years of Alexandre Gabriel’s passion for great traditional rums. This aged rum, sourced primarily from Barbados, is aimed both at enthusiasts eager to enter the world of XO rums and at palates already familiar with characterful spirits. Its richness does not come from sheer power, but from a patient, almost architectural construction, where Caribbean sunshine meets the elegance of French cellars. Aged for between 8 and 15 years under a tropical climate in bourbon casks, then finished in France in casks that previously held cognac, it reveals a generous and nuanced expression. Each sip maps out a sensory journey, from the softness of vanilla to the depth of cocoa, via exotic fruits, precious woods and spices. An expression designed for evenings when there is time to savour, share stories and celebrate.

Production and double ageing

Distilled in a double-retort pot still, Planteray Rum XO 20th Anniversary draws its identity from an approach that prioritises texture and aromatic complexity. The first ageing stage takes place in the tropics, in bourbon casks, where the Caribbean heat guides maturation and intensifies the dialogue between the rum and the wood. The second stage takes place in France, in cognac casks, adding a further layer of character that is more delicate and refined. This meeting of two ageing traditions gives the rum its distinctive depth, at once generous, smooth and controlled. The blend thus combines the generous temperament of Barbados with a continental finish inspired by the expertise behind great French eaux-de-vie. The result is a remarkably cohesive spirit, whose aromas unfold naturally rather than ostentatiously.

Tasting notes

• Colour: deep amber, accented with mahogany highlights that herald a warm and expressive tasting experience.
• Nose: rich and enveloping, driven by vanilla, flambéed banana, coconut, cocoa and an elegant touch of blond tobacco.
• Palate: velvety, full-bodied and complex. Candied fruit, dark chocolate, precious woods and sweet spices create a richly indulgent profile without compromising its balance.
• Finish: long, smooth and lightly toasted, it delicately prolongs the blend’s woody and chocolatey nuances.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve this XO rum between 18 and 20 °C, ideally in a tulip-shaped glass or balloon glass. This temperature allows its bouquet to open gradually and reveal its different aromatic layers. Enjoying it neat is particularly recommended to appreciate the precision of its double ageing, in small sips and without rushing. Let the glass rest in your hand for a few moments so that the notes of vanilla, cocoa and spices gain definition. Adding a dash of water is not necessary to enjoy its balance, but time itself becomes a precious ally. This rum is a wonderful accompaniment to a refined end to a meal, a long conversation or a moment of calm, when you wish to replace the bustle of everyday life with a gentle interlude.

Food pairings

• Desserts: chocolate opera cake, coffee fondant, pecan pie or a dark chocolate pastry creation bring out its cocoa and candied fruit notes.
• Cheeses: mature Parmesan, farmhouse cheese with dried fruit and extra-mature Mimolette offer a delicious counterpoint to its rounded texture and toasted notes.
• Sweet treats: roasted hazelnuts and homemade pralines elegantly extend its vanilla, chocolate and lightly woody character.
• Premium pairing: a mild Dominican cigar can complement its aromatic depth during a special moment shared by connoisseurs.

Occasions for tasting

Planteray Rum XO 20th Anniversary naturally belongs to moments that call for particular attention. Enjoy it as a digestif, after a carefully prepared meal, when the final conversations deserve a glass worthy of the occasion. Its presentation in a 70 cl bottle with presentation case also makes it a distinguished gift, ideal for celebrating a birthday, an exceptional dinner or a sincere token of appreciation. For enthusiasts wishing to discover great XO rums, it offers a particularly appealing introduction: rich without being austere, complex without ever feeling inaccessible. For collectors, it represents an iconic expression of Alexandre Gabriel’s philosophy, combining Caribbean heritage with French elegance.

Specifications

• Name: Planteray Rum XO 20th Anniversary
• Type: aged XO rum
• Origin: Barbados, with a finish in France
• Production: distilled in a double-retort pot still
• Ageing: between 8 and 15 years under a tropical climate in bourbon casks, then finished in cognac casks in France
• Alcohol content: 40% ABV
• Volume: 70 cl
• Presentation: bottle with presentation case
• Serving: between 18 and 20 °C