Plantaray Grande Anejo Guatemala Belize Rum 42%

The rum starts out in Guatemala and Belize, where heat and humidity make casks work fast. Then it boards a ship for south-west France and Maison Ferrand's cellars, where Cognac is usually the guest of honour. Here it gets one more chapter.

Expert's Description

Planteray Gran Añejo Guatemala & Belize is a blended Rum from Guatemala and Belize, aged in bourbon casks, finished in Cognac casks in France and bottled at 42%.

You may know it as Plantation Gran Añejo. Maison Ferrand changed the brand name to Planteray in 2024. This Guatemala and Belize version has been around since 2015 and is the house's Central American Signature Blend.

It's made from molasses, fermented for four days and distilled in column stills. According to the producer, the Guatemalan part comes from a four-column still and the Belizean part from a two-column one.

The first ageing takes place in bourbon casks in a tropical climate, where rum matures quickly and picks up vanilla and coconut. It then travels by ship to France and rests further in Ferrand oak casks that have held Cognac, overseen by the house's Master Blender. Planteray calls this double ageing. The cooler climate slows things down and rounds off the edges, and the Cognac casks add plums, dried fruit and a discreet oak.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Round and slightly Sherry-like, with roasted spices in the background. Vanilla, ripe pear and green apple step forward over time, along with a touch of coconut.

Palate

Full and well structured. Caramel sauce, baked apples and molasses, with hints of old port and dark dried fruit such as plums.

Finish

A distinct finish of Virginia tobacco, liquorice and sweet oak.

Specifications

Name: Planteray Gran Añejo Guatemala & Belize
Bottler: Maison Ferrand
Region/Country: Guatemala and Belize
Type: Guatemala & Belize Rum
ABV: 42%
Size: 70 CL
Cask Type: Bourbon Casks, Finished in Cognac Casks
Distillation Method: Column Distillation
Edition: Signature Blend
EAN no.: 3460410538949
Serving Suggestion: Neat, on ice or in an Old Fashioned

Flavour Profile

Rich · Spiced · Fruity · Vanilla · Oak

Did You Know?

The French cellar where the rum finishes its ageing is at Château de Bonbonnet in the town of Ars, in the heart of Cognac country. It's the same place Ferrand Cognac calls home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Planteray Gran Añejo Guatemala & Belize

Is Planteray Gran Añejo the same as Plantation Gran Añejo?

Yes, it's the same rum under a new name. Maison Ferrand renamed its whole Plantation range to Planteray. The change was announced in 2020 and carried out in 2024, so you may still come across older bottles with the old name.

What is double ageing, and what does it do to Planteray Gran Añejo?

Double ageing means the rum matures twice in two different climates. Planteray starts it in bourbon casks in tropical heat in Guatemala and Belize, then ships it to France to mature further in Ferrand oak casks. The first round gives vanilla and coconut, the second fruit, plums and soft oak.

How is Planteray Gran Añejo best enjoyed?

Neat or on ice if you want the soft, round style, and in an Old Fashioned if you want it in a drink. The producer also suggests a Mai Tai. A small glass with a narrow opening gathers the aroma best.

Is Planteray Gran Añejo sweet?

It's considered medium sweet. Caramel sauce and molasses are clear on the palate, but the finish of tobacco, liquorice and oak pulls in a drier direction.

Which countries does Planteray Gran Añejo come from?

Guatemala and Belize, two neighbouring countries in Central America. The rum from both is aged in the tropics before the blend finishes its ageing in France.

What does Gran Añejo mean?

Añejo is Spanish for aged, and Gran means great. The name points to a rum that has had extra time in cask, here in two stages: first tropical, then in France.