Planteray PXXO 20th Anniversary Rum arrives with the kind of quiet confidence that comes from knowing exactly what it is. A blend of carefully selected, extra-aged rums from Barbados, this was initially matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in Ferrand French oak barrels in France. At £58.25, it sits in a competitive bracket, but does it justify its place on the shelf?
Distilled at Planteray (Maison Ferrand), this aged rum reflects a commitment to craft that is evident from the first pour. Barbados has a proud distilling heritage, and this bottling carries that legacy forward.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, Planteray PXXO 20th Anniversary Rum presents polished oak, vanilla, butterscotch, dried apricot, cinnamon bark, toffee. It is an inviting and well-composed aromatic profile that draws you into the glass with each return.
The palate delivers warm butterscotch, creamy vanilla, baking spices, toasted oak, toffee apple. The mouthfeel is well-balanced and approachable, with each sip revealing new layers of complexity. There is a pleasing harmony between sweetness, oak influence, and natural spirit character that makes this an engaging dram.
The finish is warm and lingering butterscotch fade. A satisfying conclusion that leaves you reaching for the glass once more.
How to Serve
Best enjoyed neat or with a single cube of ice to open up the oak-aged complexity without diluting it unduly. Planteray PXXO 20th Anniversary Rum also performs beautifully in a rum Old Fashioned or a Mai Tai, where its matured character adds depth and sophistication that younger rums cannot match. This is a sipping rum first and foremost — take your time with it and let the warmth build.
The Verdict
Planteray PXXO 20th Anniversary Rum earns a well-deserved 7 out of 9 on our scale, reflecting a well-crafted rum that delivers genuine quality and character for its price point. At £58.25, it offers strong value for the quality on offer and will reward repeat visits. A worthy representative of Barbados's rum-making tradition, and a bottle we would happily recommend.
