Given my preference for rum, and my enjoyment of Plantation products, I was excited to see the NC ABC started to carry Plantation Xaymaca. This is a very nice Jamaican rum with no added sugars, unlike some other Plantation products. In fact it is labeled as “Special Dry” to indicate it’s lack of added sugar. There is a note that they add caramel color to maintain consistent colors from batch to batch.
I picked up a bottle on sale (there is a trend here). It has a wonderful fruity aroma. To me, it tastes almost exactly like Appleton Rare Blend 12 year. It is younger than the Appleton, as well as being less expensive.
I need to do a side by side tasting and see how much effect the barrel has on the two products.
This rum does just fine as a sipper. I have also enjoyed it in rum-forward cocktails where it would not be lost and wasted.
Age: In the Tropics: 1-3 years in Bourbon casks, On the Continental: 1 year in Ferrand casks
Proof: 86 (43% ABV)
Price: $22 for 750ml, on sale (North Carolina ABC)
Buy Again: Yes
