Plantation Rum has made a significant investment in the Caribbean, specifically in Jamaica, where they now own a third of the renowned “Long Pond” and “Clarendon” distilleries. This is a significant milestone for Plantation Rum, as it allows them to have exceptional production tools at their disposal for creating unique and high-quality rum.
For Alexandre Gabriel, the founder of Plantation Rum, this investment is a dream come true. He has long had a vision of blending a 100% pot still Jamaican rum, and with the acquisition of Long Pond and Clarendon, this dream has become a reality. The pot still distillation method is known for producing rich and flavorful rums, and Jamaica is particularly famous for its pot still rums.
The term “Jamaican rum” refers to rum that is produced in Jamaica, using traditional methods and ingredients that are unique to the country. Jamaican rum is known for its distinctive flavors, which are often characterized by fruity and estery notes, as well as a rich and robust profile.
Plantation Rum's acquisition of Long Pond and Clarendon allows them to have direct control over the production process, from the selection of the sugarcane to the aging of the rum. This level of control ensures that the rum is made to their exact specifications and maintains the highest standards of quality.
It is worth noting that while Plantation Rum now owns a significant stake in Jamaican distilleries, they also source rum from other countries, such as Barbados, Trinidad, and Guyana. This allows Plantation to offer a diverse range of rums, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting several Plantation Rums, including their Jamaican offerings. The Jamaican rums from Plantation are indeed distinct and showcase the bold and vibrant flavors that are characteristic of Jamaican rum. The pot still distillation process brings out the intensity of the flavors, resulting in a rum that is both complex and enjoyable.
Plantation Rum can be considered Jamaican in the sense that they now own a significant portion of Jamaican distilleries and have the ability to produce rum using traditional Jamaican methods. However, it is important to note that Plantation Rum also encompasses rums from other countries, making it a diverse and global brand.