Plantation Rum X.O. 20th Anniversary Rum

Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Rum. Cognac Ferrand / Maison Ferrand, Barbados & Chateau de Bonbonnet, France — a blend of Barbadian pot still and column still rums aged 8–15 years in ex-bourbon casks in the Caribbean, then shipped to France for 12–18 months of secondary maturation in small French oak ex-cognac casks at Chateau de Bonbonnet. 97 points, Wine Enthusiast.

Alexandre Gabriel — owner of Cognac Ferrand, creator of Pierre Ferrand cognac, and the driving force behind Plantation Rum — first developed the XO 20th Anniversary as a personal gift for himself on the occasion of his twentieth year running the estate. That private blend became one of the most awarded and best-selling aged rums in the world. The concept is pure Plantation: start with quality Caribbean rum, then apply the cognac-aging expertise of Chateau de Bonbonnet to push the spirit further than Caribbean maturation alone could achieve.

The rums come entirely from the West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados — a combination of column still and pot still distillates aged 8 to 15 years in ex-bourbon casks under the Caribbean sun. They are then blended by the cellar master at Chateau de Bonbonnet and transferred into small Pierre Ferrand cognac casks for 12–18 months of cool, slow secondary maturation. The French oak and former cognac influence adds dried fruit complexity, subtle tannin structure, and depth that the Caribbean barrels alone cannot provide.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich caramel, hazelnut, and cocoa. Toasted coconut dominates — fresh coconut flesh and desiccated coconut — alongside vanilla, orange, dried banana, and guava.
• Palate: Chocolate, vanilla, ripe banana, roasted coconut, and fresh mango. Walnut, cocoa powder, orange and grapefruit peel add complexity. Rich creamy texture with caramel sweetness.
• Finish: Remarkably long. Allspice warms the close alongside lingering chocolate, vanilla, and toasted coconut.

Specs

• Distillery: West Indies Rum Distillery, Barbados
• Cellar Master: Alexandre Gabriel, Chateau de Bonbonnet, Cognac, France
• Aging: 8–15 years ex-bourbon in Barbados + 12–18 months French oak ex-cognac casks in France
• Awards: 97pts Wine Enthusiast; 94pts Ultimate Beverage Challenge
• ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What does Plantation XO 20th Anniversary taste like? Rich caramel, hazelnut, cocoa, and toasted coconut on the nose. Chocolate, vanilla, ripe banana, roasted coconut, and mango on the palate. Remarkably long finish with allspice, chocolate, and toasted coconut.
• Why is it called 20th Anniversary? Alexandre Gabriel created this blend as a personal gift marking his 20th year running Cognac Ferrand. A private celebration that became one of the world's most awarded rum expressions.
• What does the cognac cask finishing do? After 8–15 years in Caribbean ex-bourbon casks, the rum spends 12–18 months in French oak Pierre Ferrand cognac casks. The cool climate and former cognac influence add dried fruit complexity and tannin structure.
• Is this the same as a 20-year rum? No — the 20 refers to Gabriel's anniversary, not the rum's age. The blend contains rums aged 8–15 years.
• How should I serve Plantation XO? Neat at room temperature, or over a single large ice cube. Also excellent in a Rum Old Fashioned.