PLANTATION RUM Comparison. Which one should YOU Buy?

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

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[@jsmarty1]

For me: 5 year Barbados, OFTD, Pineapple. The OFTD is such a really cool rum to play around with. The pineapple is a lovely rum to sip neat. The 5 year Barbados is my most used rum by a country mile. It's both fruity whilst really soft and caramel like. It works across so many cocktails, especially a daiquiri and an old fashioned.. Damn brilliant rums

[@pilsplease7561]

It is fantastic, I also use it for fruitcakes because it compliments them so well.

[@R055LE.1]

Plantation is my favorite Rum, glad to see you covering the spread!

[@socialswine3656]

I absolutely love the Xamayca special dry. Easiest pot still Jamaican to find in australia. Closest thing I can find to Smith and Cross

[@NickVolk]

This is quite a review!👌

[@nigelmullen9546]

Love Plantation rums, they are perfect all round rums from one range, Just wish they were in the main stream supermarkets instead of the number or rum based drinks they stock.

[@southshore8911]

The plantation Fiji rum is like taste and mangoes bananas coconuts pineapple amazing rum

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Ha. I hear ya. In the UK though, we’re lucky that you can get anything online…probably even cheaper than Supermarkets. Next day delivery, job done.

[@million_unalived_CEOs]

I haven't tried any of their "signature" or "premium" rums... yet. though I think I'll have to change that soon. but the 3 star, oftd, and pineapple are all excellent and automatic rebuys. I recently found the coconut for the first time, and it's extremely enjoyable in the right application too.

[@robertflaxman6014]

The Xaymaca actually is not sweetened. Zero grams dosage, just a fractional amount of caramel color. I would recommend it as a good starter for someone looking to explore Jamaican rums, introducing your palate to what funk tastes like without blowing it away.

[@southshore8911]

What's the use of it has any sugar in it it has alcohol alcohol isn't even good for your health so does sugar matter anyway

[@krisverding3908]

I have the xaymaca bottle ready in the cabinet, did not like the original dark though, I gave it to a friend...

[@christophe9602]

Your free pdf got me to pick up Plantation OFTD. I've been a fan of Plantation/Pierre Ferrand for a while and I've lost count of the amount of limited editions I've gone trough but for some reason I had never picked up any of their "cheaper" bottles. It's been great, both in cocktails and neat. Also, absolutely agree on the transparency part of it. That's what sold me on picking up Plantation in the first place. If you're paying €70 or over for a bottle of rum, it's reassuring to know the manufacturer is open about what you're buying. Granted, I've had great bottles that were priced higher and I know next to nothing about after a taster (SBS comes to mind), but I still give Pierre Ferrand some credit for that.

[@AngelPuntero]

3 stars and OFTD definitely staples for me Xaymaca is in my cabinet just because of Kevin Crossman blend, and that’s good enough reason!

[@royhawkins6762]

My 3 would be XO, OFTD, & Stiggins Fancy.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Great list Roy 👏

[@bankssewell2463]

I’ve recently bought the Barbados 5 year and It’s outstanding. I’m a big El Dorado 12yr fan but that stuff I bought it maybe a month ago and it’s already more than halfway gone. It makes a mean mojito, which I was shocked, I dare you to try it. I usually use either The Real McCoy 3yr or Diplomatico silver rum, but it’s spicy and also tropical. I’ve had the Fuji, not my fav. I’m on the lookout for the 3 stars, because I haven’t had it and I love summery tiki drinks.

[@drunkenpanda9514]

OFTD and Pineapple are must stocks for me, the third is a bit of a toss-up though. Also, amazing channel, dont know how I didnt find this sooner.

[@chrisrob192]

Only discovered plantation for watching your videos steve. First one I tried was the OD. I also now have the 3 stars, 5 year and OFTD and I'd say those are my favourite 😊

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Haha. Cheers mate. Hope you’re well?

[@michaelkeycash7734]

Thank you for this video!…My introduction to rum was Wray & Nephew! …..(just like my intro to whiskey was Jack Daniels #7 😂)….. but now thanks to you i am expanding my horizons….I see these rums all the time but have been scared to pull the trigger and BUY them….. now (thanks to you) i know which ones to start with!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Let us know how it goes.

[@travisguide4516]

I love the 5 year barbados it goes great in a mai tai it’s very smooth. On its own it is approachable with almost no burn fruity end of the flavor spectrum

[@geraintlewis8194]

No big fan of Plantation but do enjoy the XO on occasion. Like you I do admire thier transparency, however they are not unique in this. Can I refer you to Renegade or anything made under the AOC"s in Martinique or Guadeloupe.

[@jvidia]

For snipping with a cigar, what's your recommendation? XO 20th anniversary or the 5 years?

[@_allcap]

Remy Martin 1738

[@joshuadecker1305]

Just ordered OFTD and Xaymaca for Mai Tais. Probably try 3 star for white rum cocktails. I usually just use bacardi.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Great shout Joshua. Let us know what you think of that Xaymaca. Deffo interested in your thoughts of that.

[@joshuadecker1305]

@Steve the Barman alright so I finally got the Xaymaca today. Like I had originally planned to use in a mai tai. This past weekend i had been using a combination of OFTD and Appleton Estates, so now Im having one with OFTD and Xaymaca. I have to say it seems a little sweeter and overall more flavorful. Im using .5oz Orgeat and Cointreau with no other syrups. To me appleton estate mai tai was more balanced. But I like my drinks less sweet and more boozy. It's too sweet overall in cocktails for me. I have a Hemmingway taste. The 3 star seems like a good bacardi substitute. It has the richer flavor but it's clear, great for mojitos, daquiris etc. Also got a bottle of Virago 151 specifically for pina colads, as they're again too sweet.

[@darrenodwyer8559]

I have the whole range here and the other (better) ;) Barbados Grand Reserve Signature range. I can't fault them. Even the OD is a staple work horse for me in my Mai Tai's. Decent dark(ish) rum. Nice video Steve! 1. XO (sipping) 2. Plantation 3 Stars ( Amazing Daiquiri) 3. OFTD (Mai Tai's)

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Do you honestly rate the Gran Reserve. Never tried it. But most people say it’s nowhere near as good as the Barbados 5yo.

[@darrenodwyer8559]

​@@StevetheBarmanUK actually on second tasting the 5 year is much better. Now i havent visited these in about a year or so my pallette has changed.the Grand Reserve is much lighter. The 5 year has a longer caramel finish. Its not bad in a daiquiri either

[@rwallner1]

Xo is my Favorite. So that would be 1, 2 and 3 for me.

[@PamD1]

Do love the OFTD neat but it's very dangerous. Would probably be my only permanent restock. XO tasty but a bit sweet. Preferred the Barbados to the Gran Anejo.

[@Serious_Drinking]

1. 3 Stars (practically a steal for the money asked and you cannot go wrong with it for cocktails) 2. Stiggins Fancy (nice pineapple, still enough rum, maybe a little too sweet, works well in cocktails). 3. OFTD (can be used to “up” so drinks, however there are better alternatives from other brands).

[@norochmusic]

Stiggins, 3 star and isn't Cane Rock by Plantation, if not i can't pick a 3rd as i've not tried the others. Stiggins with lemonade and a splash of apple juice just beautiful drink

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah Canerock kinda is Plantation. It’s not a specific Plantation brand. But it is Maison Ferrand, who own Plantation. So it kinda counts.

[@markusfreund6961]

I think the Black Cask is the only one I don't have. The 3Star is excellent in a Daiquiri or whenever a light rum is called for. The OD is a great allrounder, as is the Barbados 5year. Both also cover the "lightly aged" category nicely. The 20year is an excellent neat sipper, the OFTD is pretty much the closest available thing to an overproof Demerara, seeing as Hamilton can't be bothered to enter the European market and Lemon Hart 151 also remains painfully absent. The Fiji and Stiggin's Fancy I bought pretty much out of curiosity/collector's itch. Oh, and the Xaymaca is just a splendid offering as far as Jamaicans go. I think of it as "Smith & Cross light". Also, that one and the OFTD both are part of Kevin Crossman's first Ultimate Mai Tai blend so, for me who loves that recipe they're indispensible. Did I forget anything? Oh yes, the new cocnut release I haven't yet bothered with. 🥂

[@rogerborelli1483]

Original Dark, 3 Star, OFTD. For the price, these are my favorites, but I have tried the Stiggins, Barbados 5, Xaymaca, and the XO.

[@shanecorr1694]

How many gs of sugar in the bottles of mixers

[@thatjoeyz]

crazy good rums from top to bottom. don’t think of them as starter rums in the least!

[@stephenclarke1582]

My favourites are XO, Stiggins and Gran Anejo, can’t wait to try the Cut & Dry if it ever gets here. But also like OFTD for Mai Tia’s, 3 Stars in Daiquiris so for me depends what occasion is and time of year. Thanks for all the advice Steve

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Thanks for sharing!! And thank you for watching!

[@0529mpb]

OFTD is an on the rocks or straight up for me. It's a little too expensive to mix. The 1.75 liter handles of Three Star and OD are under $40 and are great for mixing.

[@henryl.4999]

Factor in the abv and the oftd is not that expensive for mixing anymore. But I love it neat as well

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah. As Henry says. Typically the OFTD is your cheapest Rum for mixing out of the Range cos if you were doing 60ml of OD, then 37.5ml of OFTD would give you roughly the same. But I know some people do go like for like and make their cocktails Stronger.

[@NickVolk]

I'm already running out for the nearest store🏃‍♂ to buy Guatemala-Belize, coz there's plenty of that stuff on sale at that-upward of around 22 bucks or maybe a wee bit more

[@IntexCrocodile]

Thank you for review) I have one question. For couple years there was the rum in shops in my country, named "Plantation Original dark Double aged". But for a past year it was replaced by "Plantation Original dark Barbados Jamaica". Don't you know if the company did renaming of the product or not? I'm asking because we have a great problem of alcohol calcification in our country. Thank you very much.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

It's the same Rum... kind of. It should still have Double Aged on the label somewhere. However, I think I'm right in saying, a few years back it may have had Trinidad in the blend. These days it's very much Barbados & Jamaica. But we're talking quite a few years back. not a recent change. Probably 5+ years ago. Anyway, it will be the same rum as this is their Core range of Rums. They don't make different Rums for different markets in this range.

[@gordongladstone4434]

3. The Plantation pineapple, I forget the name 2. Original Dark 1. Barbados 5

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Top list 👏

[@johnhenrycorcoran6802]

Plantation 20th BARBADOS 5 and pineapple love your videos. Thank you so much for what you do. Best wishes, John Henry, Edisto Beach Edisto Island South Carolina. Please let me know if you get this. I loved your video. Just wish I could be there there with you to raise a glass and sip plantation rum in your delightful bar.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Wow, thank you! Cheers for the Comment

[@robertoboertje353]

Top 3: Oftd, Grande Reserve and the 3 Star.

[@henryl.4999]

3 Stars and oftd are superb! These two plus one decent Jamaican is all I need for mixing. I won’t restock the rest though, just not for me.

[@Quiet1-y9x]

Stiggins Pineapple, 3 year old and OFTD

[@TheHomeBartenderwithAnn]

I hv all but the Añejo & XO. My 3 would be…Pineapple, OFTD, the 5 and with an alternate of the 3 star. I constantly restock these. I won’t restock the OG dark. Rarely use it. I look forward to the black cask. See if I can find it! Cheers!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

You need to hunt down the XO Ann.

[@numanuma20]

The smokey pineapple rum is the only Plantation rum I own and it is really good. I’m not a high dosed rum fan or flavored but this is one I plan to always have to mix with Reed’s Zero Sugar extra ginger beer. I just started on my rum journey so you would think I would fall for the spiced super sweet rums. Maybe being a wine fan makes me not like sweet and faked spice rum. BTW, Jamaican rum cannot have sugar added to the rum.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Jamaican Rum CAN have sugar added… but only if it’s bottled outside of Jamaica. So any indie bottler basically can add Sugar. You have to remember, that’s a Jamaican Rule. Not a worldwide rule. Jamaican Rum bottled in the US for example can have Sugar.

[@numanuma20]

@@StevetheBarmanUK I was told it couldn’t by a Jamaican. Here’s the thing, spirits don’t the acidity that I like in wine. It helps to balance the sweetness in such as port. Since there isn’t acidity in rum, the sugar added to a rum can taste cloyingly sweet.

[@allivegottado]

3 star, Barbados 5, and OFTD are my favorite. I feel exactly the same as you with the Xaymaca. Works great as another dimension of a blend, especially in a Mai Tai, but on its own, it’s just kind of boring.

[@JCTexanRyeGuy]

What would be recommended on this list for someone who enjoys Captain Morgan “Private Stock?”

[@mogsy90]

Got all the range minus xaymaca and my top 3 are: 1) gran anejo 2) 3 star 3) OFTD

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Great line up mate 👏

[@SpiceCh]

Plantation's Grande Reserve is without a doubt my favorite rum. It's super smooth and tasty and goes fantastic over ice during summer evenings - it tastes like raw cane sugar with the warm burn of alcohol and it's amazing. I recently bought the XO, but I gotta say I do prefer that one over ice as well. The intensity of the flavors in it get stretched out by the ice and I think it has a much more pleasant development that way. Granted, I am a bit of a rum novice. I've tried your regulars like Bacardi and Captain Morgan, as well as Havana Club, but going deep and really tasting and sipping a ton of rums is something I've yet to try. Unfortunately the OFTD is banned in Norway because of their prohibition laws so it'll probably be a while before I have a chance to taste that one.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Grande Reserve is a decent Rum. Although not released in the UK as it is one of their Sweetest Rums. Sweetened up for the US Market. (That’s where “smooth” comes from in a lot of Rums…added Sugar). Plantation XO has a lot of added Sugar too. I used to love XO a lot. I still do. But now I have progressed to much less sweet Rums. But that only happens in time after a lot of neat rum. Bold statement, but these days I think I actually prefer the Havana Seleccion de Maestros now over Plantation XO.

[@SpiceCh]

@@StevetheBarmanUK Yeah I figured. It *is* very sweet, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing as an entry point. I might learn to appreciate the less sweet rums in time, but until then, it's the sweet ones for me :)

[@terenteregele6751]

My top 3 Plantation: 1. XO 2. Pineapple 3. Guatemala & Belize

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Great list 👍

[@dialect1luv]

anyone know where i can find gran anejo or black cask in the united states?

[@robertflaxman6014]

I don’t believe we get either of those.

[@BILLYRENK]

I'm a Fanboy, I would go with XO, Pineapple and OTFD. If you dont like the taste of pineapple then the 3 star.

[@jamesoconnor7760]

Absolutely love plantation stiggins fancy smoky formula all around fantastic rum. Pineapple than smoky flavor on the back end delicious steve. Let me know how I can send you a bottle.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Ah. See I can’t do the Smoke. But then I don’t like Islay/Smoky whisky either.

[@irishsausage6]

XO to sip, 5 yr to mix, OFTD to float and have fun with

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Curious, why not mix the OFTD?

[@claireenchanted5587]

Black Cask is really delicious, Nick should bring it here! One of my favourite Plantation Rums now.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah maybe. Guess it’d kinda compete with OFTD here though. Different…but well, different. But but will see the “Black” and assume it’s the same.

[@claireenchanted5587]

@@StevetheBarmanUK it's a different shape bottle!!!! 🤣 if they can have it so should we. However it's easy enough to get over!

[@ChrisJones-bp7ij]

Which do you prefer out of the plantation gran anejo and the Cuban anejo suave?

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Even though their both finished in Sherry, they are completely different Rums. Like totally different and incomparable. Sauve is Sweeter and Cuban. The Guatemala quite Dry and Guatemala. Love them both equally. But it’s like comparing a Ford and a Toyota.

[@lars2894]

Interesting! We dont have the Signature 5 year but we do have "Trinidad 2005" and "Peru 2004" that cost the same as the "XO 20 year". Between the Original Dark and Xaymaca, which one would you buy for cocktails? (regardless of price)

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Very different Rums. Not swaps. Xaymaca has Jamaican Funky Tropicalness. The OD is just a decent all round blended Rum. 👍 For example, you wouldn’t use OD in a Mai Tai, but you wouldn’t use Xaymaca in a Hurricane. So they have different uses.

[@lars2894]

​@@StevetheBarmanUK Interesting, the OD seemed "funky" to me but guess I'll have to try the Xaymaca, thanks Steve

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Ha, brace yourself then, cos even though Xaymaca is a lower Ester level than some of the Jamaican heavyweights from Hampden and Longpond, it’s a big leap up from OD!

[@ChrisJones-bp7ij]

Sorry meant to say the Ron cubay anejo suave

[@aldogomez2681]

What is the best rum with no color or additives.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Too subjective. There's 100s! Do you like Barbados, Jamaica? Guayana?? Do you prefer Lighter Colum Still Rums from Dom Rep, Cuba, Puerto Rico? Or can you even handle French Style...and Haitian? Martinique, Guadeloupe for example? Clairins from Haiti. Even Mexican stuff like Paranubes. It's like asking what's the best Pen. You kinda need to give some context.

[@ChrisJones-bp7ij]

Great video again Steve. Very informative you expand my knowledge on a weekly basis. Got my first bottle of plantation 3 stars for the summer and daquiri's. Had the stiggens fancy pineapple before. But think it's time the o.f.t.d and the 5yo. Thanks again for the info.

[@freddieslaughter1107]

Best sipping rum?

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Watch my Blue Channel…the Rum Reviews 👌

[@caskstrength7629]

Have you ever tasted Rhum Barbancourt 15 from Haïti? That’s my favorite 😉

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

The 15yo is too much for me, but i REALLY like the lower aged ones... 55 Blanc is spectacular. And i think I prefer the the 3 star over the 5 star.

[@caskstrength7629]

@@StevetheBarmanUK If it comes your way…try it I would say.

[@jamesseamans1491]

Great video Steve. My favorites are Plantation 5 yr, Real McCoy 5 yr, & Bacardi 8 yr. These are my favorite sippers 👍

[@jonnyconnoro]

I use the Xaymaca for my my mai tai with a JM Agricole, thinking about getting Smith and cross cause i tried a sampler and it was really good, but its very expensive. Can you recommend any other very funky jamaica rums that I can get in the uk at a better price than the smith and cross?

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Not for a better price, no. For Funk, Smith & Cross is a bargain. You’re talking upwards of £50 for Hampdens and Long Ponds. The only other shout is Rum Bar Gold for £20. Really decent…but doesn’t stand up to a Hampden for Funk.

[@jonnyconnoro]

@@StevetheBarmanUK OK cool thank you!

[@iscednamlak4137]

How about Grande Réserve?

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Dunno...it's not a UK Product. BUT, The Grande Reserve is not as refined or as aged as the 5yo. General Popular consensus for the many that have had it, that's it's nowhere near the quality of the 5yo.

[@jeffmcjeff4541]

Cut & Dry ....followed by Cane rock....OFTD...AND XO

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Cut and Dry…SHOW OFF 🤬😂

[@johanlarsson2718]

OFTD, XO and 3-star

[@robertetheredge4448]

You should have the rum descriptions in the comments. When you say "that one" that doesn't tell you much.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

It does if you’re watching as it’s a video… 🫣😇

[@emt5330]

Personally, I recommend the Isle of Fiji or the 5 y/o

[@windybum1223]

STRING 🤤🤤🤤

[@victorvannatter312]

I’m so jealous. The only one of those available in Ontario Canada is the 3 star, fancy stiggins, and xaymaca. Ontario is out of both stiggins and xaymaca. I’ve got two oz of stiggins I’m saving and my beloved xaymaca is gone. At least I still have my 3 star So with that too 3? 3 star: my favorite white rum period. Daiquiri. Best mojito Xaymaca. Best 1 rum mai tai. Great in a hurricane too along with Appleton 8 year old. Awful neat. Lol Stiggins. Great neat. Great daiquiri. He doesn’t have it but Barbados gran reserve. Meh. It’s ok but I won’t buy a second bottle when it’s gone.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

See. Never tried the Gran Reserve. Weird about Ontario though. Had heard you guys had pretty decent availability.

[@victorvannatter312]

@@StevetheBarmanUK ya not really. I’ve talked to the plantation Ontario rep. There is only one store that can sell liquor in Ontario and it is the government. So a total monopoly. And they only offer so much

[@southshore8911]

Plantation XO is the smoothest

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Yeah. Great isn’t it!

[@tomstarwalker]

I love me a jolly good RUM from the legendary French distillery named PLANTATION!

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Distillery in France is Maison Ferrand…they distill Cognac. Plantation is a Brand of Rum, not a distillery. Maison Ferrand own WIRD (West Indies Rum Distillery) in Barbados. Plus part own National Rums of Jamaica. But as yet…no Rum Distillery in France 👍

[@tomstarwalker]

@@StevetheBarmanUK so do locals own any of Plantation? I've had a few of their bottles and gotten enchanted, but I'm not yet sure enough to call them to review. You're looking at a guy who will go to the source. I did international development in Kenya, it's my other home. My kid is there, I can't escape.

[@tomstarwalker]

@@StevetheBarmanUK I recently became a rum guy, thanks to French rums from Réunion, Guadeloupe and Marie Galante. Also local friends, what else? mt lawyer's from Guadeloupe and my media guy is from Réunion. I do solar and blockchain.

[@robertflaxman6014]

Plantation has plenty of rums with no added sugar, as well. It’s certainly not as simple as “Plantation = dosed.”

[@lesliehaigh6765]

u right but u after spend a lot off money on one of not dosge

[@thexardas8395]

Plantation O.F.T.D Overproof. I bought a bottle. Huge mistake. It tastes like someone dropped an old shue in a bucket of cheap alcohol and let it steep for few days. Not good straight, not good with juices, barely tolerable with coke. Highly not recommend. waste your $30 on something else.

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Wow. Fair enough. 👍 Don’t know what through, I think in all my comments over the years, I’ve never seen anyone not like OFTD. But that’s the beauty of Rum, everyone has a different palate. What would be your go to, higher ABV “Darker” Rum?

[@berzerk6698]

Mine would be Old Pascas Dark rum 73%, but just because it's the only bottle I have and had yet

[@breadbasket37]

That’s ridiculous. And very wrong.

[@jerensteffen]

Are there other "craft" type rums in that category that you do enjoy?

[@lesliehaigh6765]

none 😂

[@StevetheBarmanUK]

Haha. They knock spots off your Foursquare collection. 😇

[@lesliehaigh6765]

@@StevetheBarmanUK 🤣

[@rand-san2095]

OFTD, 3YR, Pineapple