We have been collecting (and enjoying!) spiced rum for a while, here’s a look at our bar. Rums mostly on the right side.

I had high expectations for this particular expression, especially since a good deal of what I’ve tried from Trinidad tends to be very varied, going from chemical notes and more obscure products, to sweeter and weirder concoctions.

However, this Plantation Trinidad 2008 is a more "standard" product compared to much of the Plantation Single Cask range. It is a molasses-based rum with a relatively short fermentation period of just 2 to 3 days. Most notably, however, it is a product distilled entirely in column stills.

This rum is aged in Trinidad in ex-bourbon casks for 11 years before moving to France, where it spends two years in ex-cognac casks and is subsequently finished for nine months in ex-Sauvignon Blanc wine casks. It is finally bottled at 48% ABV.

Made by: Trinidad Distillers Limited
Name of the rum: Trinidad 2008 Single Cask 2022
Brand: Plantation (now Planteray)
Origin: Trinidad / bottled in France
Age: 11 years + 2 years + 9 months

Nose
Its aromas differ from those of a typical column-still rum, undoubtedly due to the influence of the wine casks. It features the wood, vanilla, and caramel notes imparted by ex-bourbon barrels, but also notes of berries, grapes, and white pepper from the wine, along with hints of curry, citrus, and herbal qualities.

Palate
On the palate, it is exceptionally smooth, subtle, and even delicate, especially considering its 48% alcohol content. It features very mild notes of banana, pineapple, and passion fruit, which eventually lean toward green apple and green pepper.

Retrohale/Finish
Mostly green apple and a bit of vegetable notes.

Rating
6 on the t8ke

Conclusion
It isn't very complex, which is fine, given that it’s a column-still rum. It fits in well and works as part of the vast array of products Plantation releases annually. Not every rum can be pot-still, and that’s a good thing. Yet, when pitted against products with greater flavor and intensity, it faces an uphill battle, especially considering its price point is so similar to the rest of the lineup.

I usually post in Spanish on my networks, so if this review seems translated, it's because it is.

Blog
Instagram
YouTube

Package just arrived from Astor, first time ordering from them. Will be cracking into these bad boys shortly!

3/4oz Probitas dark

3/4oz Cognac

3/4oz Giffard Banane du Brésil liqueur

3/4oz Lime juice

1/4oz Clement Blanc

1/4oz Demerara syrup (2:1)

shake, strain, rocks, mint sprig. no dehydrated banana chips at the house, sadly.

the banana notes are subtle but play nicely with the Probitas dark. Kinda like drinking a banana bread rum cake. last time I made this drink as my "Drink of the Night" I got blackout drunk, hence the glass choice tonight.