Plantation Gran Añejo Guatemala & Belize

Nose: Oak, orange zest, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, apple, coconut. A very faint hint of hogo. The dry glass smells strongly of licorice and soil. Palate: A bold but smooth arrival with a deliciously balanced texture. Honey, spices, orange, oak, almonds, dark chocolate. There's a tobacco and leather note and it is generally dry and blissfully free of extra sugar. Finish: Long, the sweet spicy notes trail away into woodiness. This was the last sample from a pack of six 100ml Plantation samplers I bought recently. Of the six rums in the pack three were good (the XO 20th anniversary, the Barbados 5 year old and the 3 star white), and three were very good (this one, the 2003 Trinidad vintage and the 2002 Jamaican vintage). If you happen to see the "Plantation Artisanal Rum Cigar Pairing" boxed set then it's well worth a try. This is a great rum - flavourful and interesting with real character. It's also very smooth and approachable with a rich overall profile and just a bit of challenge. "Very good" : 85/100 (4 stars)