If you haven't realized already, Sue Sea and I simply love Barbadian rums (although there are a few close seconds, lol). Plantation Barbados Old Reserve 1995 is yet another. It is not at all easy to find, and generally runs about $30 or a bit more. I have to be honest, we have gotten to the point where we've tasted most of the rums in which we have an interest, but at $19.95 I couldn't resist.
The reviews:
Sue Sea:
Me:I like a classy bottle - a good one really whets my interest, and Plantation Barbados 1995 is lovely. A nice classic label with a drawing of Barbados and a couple of sailing ships, classic indented bottom and finished with a crisscross tie of palm. The ivory and orange label is perfect and highlights its beautiful light amber color. Delicious before we even started! Ha! I found Plantation's aroma to be of clove and honey, with a pungent undertone of seems like smokey cork or hickory. Later I picked up a bit of chocolate. I have no doubt you will find its aroma extremely smooth and pleasant.
Plantation tastes of smooth honey, followed by some raisins or dark fruit. Surprisingly, it changed to a dry, almost warming pepper - like biting into a peppercorn. The finish was long, peppery, warm and what I call explosive. There was an aftertaste of slightly bitter cacao - very nice. I think Plantation 95 is a great sipping rum - alluring, surprising, smooth and enticing.
When it comes to Barbadian rums, Sue Sea and I are hard to please, especially considering the competition: Mount Gay Extra Old and Seales 10. It would take quite a rum to come even close to their 9 and 10 ratings. Plantation Barbados 1995 is a contender...
I found the 95's aroma lovely - light, sweet, a kind of cinnamon/honey, with a bit of oak, dark fruit and a late aroma of light chocolate. Smidge of vanilla in the background. Breaking it down into it's components is really unfair as they blend so well. All I can tell you is that the aroma is smooth, sweet and moderate. Beautiful and does not overpower.
I found its body medium-light; 95 tastes peppery and warming and yes, you may pick up a bit of chocolate. It starts smooth and buttery, then changes to a slightly astringent, noticeably peppery finish - which is long, warm and peppery. The aftertaste is pleasant and yet another surprise - a light, slightly bitter cocoa. Not at all cloying, syrupy or tobacco/leathery like some of the heavier cigar rums.
No, Plantation Barbados 1995 is a rare treat. It will surprise you - pleasantly - at every stage as it changes from aroma, through taste, late palate, finish and aftertaste. Doors keep opening in a very sophisticated presentation. Honestly, this is a must buy at any reasonable price.
If you can find it.
Score (10 is best): a solid 8.