Plantation Fiji 2009 Rum
Peru
44.8%
£47.95
Single Blended Rum – A blend of only pot still and traditional column still.
ABV Hydrometer Test: 45% ABV @ 20°
* B
One of Plantation’s new range of bottlings released in 2018, the “2009 Vintage Edition” from Fiji, comes in at a precise 44.8% and is produced from a blend of pot and column still rums from the island of Fiji.
Plantation have taken their rums in a fresh, new direction in 2018, in terms of their labelling and the big improvement in information offered, which I must say, I do admire and appreciate. The labelling includes details of the fermentation (four to five days), type of still used (pot and column), the distillery (South Pacific Distillery), length of ageing (seven years in ex-Bourbon casks in Fiji followed by two in 350 litre Ferrand casks in France), date of distillation (2009), ABV (44.8%) and some tasting notes.
Under Richard Seale’s/Luca Gargano’s proposed rum categorisation, this would most-likely be classed as “Single Blended Rum” – A blend of only pot still and traditional column still. I tested the rum with my hydrometer and it measured approximately 45%, the same as the label indicates, implying that there are no detectable additives in this rum.
Following a sneak preview tasting of this at Imbibe in June, I have been looking forward to getting a bottle to myself.
“The medallion” (below) on the label symbolizes the tropical flower, a figure of the green flora of Fiji.” (Source: https://www.plantationrum.com/plantation-fiji-2009/)
Bottle/Presentation 3/3
The bottle is wrapped in Plantation’s familiar raffia and is a traditional shape, featuring a cork enclosure. The labels have seen a big improvement in disclosure and labelling (see above). In addition to info we want about the rum i.e. how it was made, there are also detailed tasting notes.
Full marks once again for Plantation’s bottling here!
Glass/Aroma 7/10
In the glass, the rum is a little paler than it appears in the bottle. The rum produces medium density legs on the sides of the glass that drop down at a medium pace.
The nose is quite punchy. Light pepper, citrus and smoke similar to a stale ashtray. There is also something pastry-like, almost approaching cookie dough along with nutmeg and an ever-increasingly heavy oakiness. With the wood and the oak, I feel like I could be in a sawmill.
Taste, Initial-middle 30/40
The entry is surprisingly sweet – a touch of caramelised sugar is prominent. There is also white pepper but overall it is quite light. I am assuming that the lighter column still part of the blend is influencing it here.
Taste, Middle/Throat 32/40
As the rum reaches the mid-palate, the spicy pepper develops and you both feel and taste the pot still influence on this blended rum. There is a touch of vanilla caramel custard. It becomes a little acidic and has a touch of coconut, too. Bitter plums and some spicy dried fruits are evident, too.
Afterburn 6/7
Long, dry and lingering. The oak creates a bitter astringency but it is not unpleasant as it is joined by some notes of dark chocolate.
TOTAL 78/100
Overall
As I said with my recent review of Plantation Peru 2004 Rum, well done to Plantation for improving their information on their bottles and labels. Unlike the Plantation Peru 2004 Rum, this has no “dosage” which is always a big plus and having tested it with my hydrometer I can confirm it has no detectable additives.
This rum is good quality, perhaps a little acidic for my pallet, but very enjoyable.
Overall, I am very much liking the new direction of Plantation’s rums. They have listened to the rum community, added more info to their labels and volunteered info regarding any additives.
Once again…Well done Plantation – another great bottle of rum!
Review No. 111
*
P Denotes the rum contains POT still distillate.
C Denotes the rum contains traditional/Coffey COLUMN still distillate.
B Denotes the rum contains a BLEND of POT and COLUMN still distillate.
M Denotes the rum contains MULTI-COLUMN still distillate or is a MODERN rum.
A Denotes the rum is an AGRICOLE i.e. from Cane Juice.
S Denotes the rum is presented in a SWEETENED style.
Marking Guide:
Bottle/Presentation Out of 3
Glass/Aroma Out of 10
Taste, Initial-middle Out of 40
Taste, Middle/Throat Out of 40
Afterburn Out of 7
TOTAL 100
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