Plantations of the Caribbean: Plantation OFTD

At 69% OFTD is no slouch.

The story of Plantation Rum begins in France, far from the sparkling waters of the Caribbean; where a Frenchman named Alexandre Gabriel developed a crush on cognac about 30 years ago. Through a series of twists and turns which we will conveniently abbreviate, he came to run the legendary cognac producer Maison Ferrand (yes, THAT Pierre Ferrand). After a revamp and increase in production, Alexandre soon sent his used cognac barrels abroad where they landed in a variety of locations, most notably, the Caribbean.  You see, in the world of rum (and what a wonderful world it is), the best barrels come second hand; and there are few barrels finer than those that once held cognac.

Soon after sending his beloved barrels out into the world they began to pop up again, only this time they were filled with the liquid gold we call rum (or rhum); and as it turned out (unsurprisingly) it was delicious. This began a cognac brand's descent into rum madness, and from all of that, Plantation Rum was born. A gamble that has really payed off in the world of cocktails, to the point that as of 2018, Plantation acquired the mythical West Indies Distillery in Barbados. But enough about all that nonsense, onward to the good stuff.

The OFTD rough and rowdy crew.

Plantation OFTD is a recent addition to the Utah DABC shelves, and what a welcome one it was. In a state run by those whose idea of quality overproof rum is Don Q or Bacardi 151, we were in desperate need of a change.This rum brings a lot to the table, especially to those who worship at the altar of Tiki. This is a truly delicious blend of Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana rums specially curated by legends like Jeff "the bum" Berry who almost single handedly resurrected the tiki movement; Martin Cate, proprietor of such excellent rum joints as Hale Pele and Smuggler's Cove; and Paul McGee of Lost Lake Chicago to name a few. This is only made better by the fact it is lovingly bottled at 69% abv., making this a true overproof rum. 

Tasting Notes:

-Nose: Vanilla, brown sugar, tropical fruit, with a lovely hint of banana funk (Hogo)

-Taste: The Guyana demerara rum hits first with deep, smoky molasses. This is followed by tropical fruit, pineapple, and the delicious banana funk typical of Jamaican rum. 

-Finish: The encore is a lingering dry finish, notes of wood, caramel and hints of chocolate. 

OFTD is intended to be at the heart of the cocktail it is mixed into, and it shows; but for those bravest of salty souls, it is also very enjoyable neat. It is an absolute essential to have in one's arsenal if you wish to brave the deep and mysterious jungles of the Tiki Gods. 

Availability:

- General status (available at most liquor stores)

Price:

- $29.99 (a steal!)

Spirit Guides Cocktail: Extra Strength Painkiller

- 1oz Cream of Coconut (Coco Lopez)

- 2oz Plantation OFTD

- 1/2oz White Rum (Read, Waterpocket Distillery Blanco Rum)

- 1oz Orange Juice

- 3oz pineapple juice

- 1/4oz Allspice Dram

Combine ingredients in a set of weighted tins with ice and shake until frosty. Pour into a Tiki mug (or glass if you must). Top with a light dusting of fresh grated nutmeg, garnish with a clove spiked orange wedge. Feels better... much better.

Enjoy and as always, keep the spirit.

-Steve E.

Spirit Guides Resident Rum Guy & Keeper of Tiki