Plantation El Salvador 2015 Red Pineau Des Charentes Single Cask Rum: A Rich Tapestry of Flavors from Central America to France
Embark on an extraordinary sensory journey with Plantation El Salvador 2015 Red Pineau Des Charentes Single Cask Rum, an exceptional and highly sought-after limited edition from the renowned Planteray (formerly Plantation) Single Cask Collection. This remarkable rum begins its life at Ingenio La Cabaña Distillery in El Salvador, distilled in a column still from molasses in 2015. It undergoes a meticulous triple maturation process:
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Tropical Aging (5 years): Initially matured for five years in ex-bourbon casks under the intense tropical climate of El Salvador, building its foundational richness.
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Continental Aging (2 years): The rum then journeys to France for an additional two years of maturation in former Ferrand Cognac casks at the Château de Bonbonnet.
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Red Pineau des Charentes Cask Finish (1 year): Its defining character comes from a final, transformative year of aging in barrels that previously held Red Pineau des Charentes wine. Pineau des Charentes is a fortified wine from the Cognac region of France, made by blending unfermented grape must with Cognac eau-de-vie. This specific finish imparts a unique sweetness and fruity complexity.
The culmination of this innovative process is a unique and complex rum, bottled at 49.0% ABV (or 49.1% depending on the specific bottling batch), offering an unparalleled harmony of Central American character and a delightful French wine influence.
Key Characteristics:
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Single Cask Limited Edition: A rare and unique release from a single, hand-selected barrel, ensuring distinct character and limited availability as part of the Single Casks 2023 - Limited Edition series.
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El Salvador Origin (Vintage 2015): Crafted from rum distilled in El Salvador in 2015 at Ingenio La Cabaña Distillery, from molasses, and using a column still.
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Triple Maturation Process (Total 8 years): A complex aging regimen including 5 years tropical aging in bourbon casks, 2 years continental aging in Ferrand casks, and a final year in a Red Pineau des Charentes wine cask.
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Natural Colour & No Added Caramel (E150a): Bottled with its natural color and free from added caramel coloring, allowing the genuine flavors to shine.
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Unique Wine Cask Finish: The Red Pineau des Charentes finish adds a distinctive layer of sweet, fruity, and slightly nutty notes.
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Crafted by Maison Ferrand: Part of the prestigious Planteray (formerly Plantation) Single Cask collection, showcasing their expertise in sourcing and refining unique rum expressions.
Tasting Notes:
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Nose: Intense and complex, with initial notes of cappuccino, hazelnut, and lemongrass, which evolve into delightful aromas of strawberry and tonka bean. There's an underlying sweetness and elegance.
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Palate: Delicate and sweet yet powerful, revealing flavors of dulce de leche, pistachio, and dark chocolate. These rich notes are beautifully complemented by tropical fruits, raspberry, prune, and a subtle peppery spice, creating a beautifully balanced and intricate profile.
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Finish: Long and satisfying, with the layered flavors lingering on the palate, and a slow fade of spicy peppercorn, cardamom, dark chocolate, brown sugar-coated fig, and ripe plum. Hints of vanilla and orange peel may also appear.
Awards & Recognition:
- Highly praised by spirits critics and rum enthusiasts for its innovative cask finish and unique flavor profile.
Overall Impression:
Plantation El Salvador 2015 Red Pineau Des Charentes Single Cask Rum is an extraordinary testament to Maison Ferrand's relentless pursuit of unique and flavorful rums. Its complex maturation journey, culminating in the distinctive Red Pineau des Charentes cask finish, creates a harmonious fusion of Central American rum character and elegant French wine influence. This limited-edition release is a true gem for collectors and a profound discovery for anyone seeking a sophisticated, innovative, and incredibly flavorful rum experience. Whether savored neat to appreciate its intricate layers or used to elevate a bespoke cocktail, this rum promises an unforgettable taste of terroir and masterful aging.
