This Week

• In Celebration of - Plantation 5 Year

• Trivia Question

• Cocktail Corner - Plantation Rum Punch

• Trivia Answer

In Celebration of - Plantation 5 Year Double Aged Barbados Rum

Let's take a voyage to the Caribbean, shall we? Raise the sail and set course for Barbados. Sun-drenched beaches, the gentle sound of the surf, a light breeze swaying the palm trees, and in your hand, a bottle of Plantation Barbados Double Aged 5 year rum.
 
Let me transport you back to a time when Barbados was the crown jewel of the Caribbean and rum was the currency of the realm. Picture the sugar plantations bustling with activity, where laborers toiled under the tropical sun to harvest the precious cane that would become the lifeblood of the island.

I don’t want to over-romanticize here. Ok, yes I do, but let’s keep it real. The history of rum is not without darkness. Slavery and cruelty were a fact of life in the 17th century and the history of rum was riddled with it. We know this and I say let’s acknowledge the mistakes of the past. But regardless of that, the rum is the rum. And hopefully we have matured a bit ourselves since those days of greed and exploitation.

That being said, it was in this crucible of history that the art of rum-making flourished, passed down from generation to generation like a closely guarded secret. And it's here that our tale truly begins.

Amidst the swaying palms, a master distiller set out to create a rum unlike any other. He blended tradition with innovation to craft a spirit that would capture the essence of Barbados. And thus, Plantation Barbados Double Aged 5 year rum was born. Aged first in bourbon casks before being finished in French oak barrels, it embodies the spirit of adventure that defines the Caribbean itself.

Lift the glass to your nose and you'll be greeted with a bouquet that whispers tales of the tropics. Pipe tobacco, bakery smells. There's a hint of caramel sweetness mingling with the warmth of oak, inviting you to explore further. A flirty slap of vanilla and toffee hits you and then giggles, begging you to chase it. A touch of acetate, yes, but not enough to distract you from the warmer notes.

Take a sip and you'll find yourself greeted by a variety of flavors, some rough, some gentle. The initial rush of vanilla and spice dances on your palate, followed by a subtle undertone of tropical fruit. It's smooth, with just a touch of warmth as it glides down your throat. Caramel, something spicy, a toasty mid palate. Not much of that banana funk that some rum lovers crave. Oh look, more toffee on the finish. I like that. Now I want this on some pancakes.

While this rum certainly has its charms, some might find it lacking in complexity compared to its more seasoned counterparts. It's a young spirit, still finding its footing among the more seasoned rums. A touch of the astringent gives it away. Still, however lacking Plantation 5 Year may be in nuance and maturity, it is still as warm and friendly as the Caribbean itself. Plus it’s quite easy on the wallet and who can say no to that?

Plantation has roots as deep roots in the Islands. Crafted in Barbados, where rum-making is practically an art form, the double aging of this expression gives us a unique flavor profile that's sure to delight the novice rum drinker and is quite drinkable to the more veteran palates as well.

Am I a pirate, a buccaneer, or just a lucky adventurer enjoying a taste of paradise? With each sip of this rum, the lines blur, and the past comes alive once more. If you're seeking a taste of the Caribbean in a bottle, look no further. Adventure in a glass. Tropical Nectar. A warm hug. All of that. It may not be flawless, but hey, neither are we. And isn't that what makes life interesting? Cheers to the journey, wherever it may take us, matey.

Cocktail Corner
Plantation Rum Punch

A delightful combination of tropical flavors with the richness of Plantation 5 year Barbados rum at its core. It's perfect for enjoying on a warm day or whenever you're craving a taste of the Caribbean.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Plantation 5 Year rum

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• 3/4 oz simple syrup

• 1 oz pineapple juice

• Dash of grenadine

• Lime wheel or Orange wheel and pineapple wedge, for garnish

• Maraschino cherry, for garnish (optional)

• Ice cubes

Let’s make it!

1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.

2. Add the Plantation rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, pineapple juice, and a dash of grenadine to the shaker.

3. Shake the ingredients vigorously until well chilled, about 15-20 seconds.

4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes.

5. Garnish with a lime wheel or orange wheel, pineapple wedge, and a maraschino cherry (if desired).

6. Give the cocktail a gentle stir to incorporate the flavors.

7. Enjoy, me hearties!

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