Last summer, Alexandre Gabriel, Master Blender of Maison Ferrand and Stade’s West Indies Distillery, introduced the Planteray Jamaica 1984 Rum, its most distinguished rum to date.
A testament to Jamaican distilling excellence and heritage and crafted at the renowned Clarendon Distillery, this 40-year-old rare and exclusive limited release has been distilled with precision in a double retort pot still and carries the MMW (Monymusk Wedderburn) mark, a 100% pot still mark which embodies the quintessential essence of Jamaica.
This unique Planteray Jamaica 1984 Rum is limited to just one barrel and 317 numbered bottles, each personally signed by Master Blender, Alexandre Gabriel.
Founded in 1949, Clarendon Distillery is near Lionel Town, surrounded by lush sugarcane fields and adjacent to the Monymusk Sugar Factory. It has been a cornerstone of Jamaican rum production for decades. And it was 41 years ago at this very distillery, within the copper confines of their double retort pot still, that this remarkable rum began its journey.
Clarendon Distillery is renowned for its towering column still and the artistry of pot still distillation, distinguishing itself through the process of long fermentations in open wooden vats. It houses two double retort pot stills, including a very large 25,000-litre capacity masterpiece that was installed in 2009. The distillery is also home to a legendary Vendome double retort that came from Kentucky and was used for the distillation of this ultra-limited edition in 1984.
The rum’s maturation journey has spanned four decades and two different environments, culminating in a rich and complex flavour profile. Before being shipped by sea to the south-west of France, where it matured another 5 years in ex-Ferrand casks, this unique expression was first aged for 35 years in Jamaica.
It thus makes this very special rum the oldest bottling ever released by Planteray Rum, bottled at a cask strength, 57.2% alc./vol., ensuring it has an unparalleled ripe fruit flavour combined with tannins from the extra-long ageing process, accompanied by light solvent notes and the tropical punch flavour that Jamaica is known for.
To the nose it is really very complex, slightly smoky and meaty with fruity, herbal, sour notes. You will then notice that vanilla comes forward, almost pastry-like with cooked banana, bitter orange peel and ripe pineapple.
To the palate it is dry with a floral and fruity profile of rose water, pear, white grape, apricot and sugar-apple, followed by coconut milk, balsam, allspice, bread and nuts.
Planteray Jamaica 1984 Rum’s packaging is also rather special, as you would perhaps expect, and pays homage to the cask that nurtured this rum for four decades, with each bottle encased in a bespoke wooden box that reflects the heritage and craftsmanship of the rum. Each of the 317 bottles are numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Master Blender Alexandre Gabriel.
A mention should also be given to the unique bottle stopper that sets this release apart. The stoppers are made from the staves of a disassembled a wooden barrel of rum, with only the staves without imperfections used. To make the stopper, the staves are steamed with hot vapor to make the wood more elastic after which pressure is placed on them to make them flat. When they are fully dried, they are then cut into identical pieces. Two pieces are then glued together so that the bottle stoppers can be carved into their iconic shape before being hand sanded to reveal the grain of the wood. Each bottle stopper is then adorned with the individual number of the bottle.
Planteray Jamaica 1984 Rum is available in a one-time limited edition in very small quantities across Europe and the United States, bottled at 57,2% ABV (114 proof) with a suggested retail price of €1,995 ($2,135).
If you would like to get your hands on this wonderful premium product, there are a few bottles left at Berry Bros. & Rudd in the reserve room, as they have exclusivity in London.
For more information on Planteray Rum, please visit: www.planterayrum.com and for more information on Maison Ferrand, please visit: www.maisonferrand.com.
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is a UK-based travel and motoring journalist and editor, a former member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.
Photograph courtesy of Maison Ferrand
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