Planteray Rum, a brand name under the Maison Ferrand spirits empire, makes a wide array of quality rums, and Cut & Dry is no exception. Owner and master distiller Alexandre Gabriel built his reputation by making Ferrand Cognac in France and then Citadelle Gin. In 1997, he began producing Plantation Rum, which he shipped to and distilled at Château de Bonbonnet in France. He eventually purchased the West Indies Rum Distillery and changed the name from Plantation to Plataray. The rum is the same but with a name that is more reflective of its West Indies roots.

As noted, Plantaray makes a wide selection of rums, ranging from typical white, gold, and dark rums to high-end aged rums and a host of flavored rums. Plantaray takes great pride in producing rums of “sipping” quality, a philosophy that holds true even with its flavored rums. Despite the “flavored” category often producing artificially flavored and heavily sweetened spirits, Planteray eschews that trend. The result is a meticulous blending of clean and natural flavors that complement, rather than obscure, the underlying rum.

Cut & Dry perfectly exemplifies Planteray’s commitment to greater quality. Here is the way Planteray describes the creation of this elegantly flavored coconut rum:

“Ripe coconuts are harvested, cracked open, and laid outside to naturally dry. The dried chunks of coconut are infused in a blend of Barbados column still rum & Barbados pot still rum (Old Gregg). The fruit infusion is then blended with Barbados rum. The exquisite marriage of two icons of the Caribbean: Coconut and Rum!”

The result is an intense coconut flavor that is clean, natural, and surprisingly good. I received a sample of the rum from the brand and was blown away by its flavor. I have always enjoyed toasted, dried, and fresh coconut meat, but I’ve found that most coconut rums taste artificial or overly sweet. Not so this Planteray. Despite the intensity of the coconut, it manages to keep it from overpowering the pour. That’s not to say the coconut isn’t front and center – it’s unmistakable. But it’s also quite elegant.

I find myself coming back to enjoy it in my Glencairn nosing glass, served at room temperature. It’s truly delightful! Hiding behind, or rather under the coconut, is vanilla bean, winter spice, a hint of banana, and a distant waft of cocoa. Mid-swallow reveals a bit of a peppery bite, at which point the alcohol asserts itself’ finishing with a warm, mildly sweet coconut kiss. At 40% ABV, it’s not hot, making it ideal for an aperitif or blended with cream for a decadent dessert. I also added a dash to coffee for a luxurious Caribbean Coffee.

Planteray Cut & Dry is an excellent example of a quality rum enhanced with intense coconut flavor. It strikes a perfect balance between classic rum flavors, coconut, and sweetness that enhances, rather than hides, its underlying nature. Like other versions of its rums, this is a worthy addition to any well-stocked, high-quality home bar.

Check out this Planterey Rum review, too: