From Plantation to Planteray Rum: Launch of Cut & Dry under the evolved brand name

Creating Cut & Dry was a labor of love and the result of four years of experimentation to find the perfect balance of natural coconut infusion for our delicious Barbadian rum. To capture the essence of Barbados, the birthplace of rum, West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD) partnered with local coconut farmers who have been cultivating delicious coconuts for generations.

“Our partnership with our local coconut farmers promotes Barbados as a hub for premium craft products, as well as celebrate Barbados’ rich heritage,” says Andrew Hassell, WIRD’s Managing Director. “The distillery has been the backbone of the local rum industry for more than 130 years and we invest in our community. We are proud to source local molasses and coconuts to produce Planteray Cut & Dry, a true product of Barbados.”

BARBADOS RUM & BARBADOS COCONUTS

WIRD has joined forces with the Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the International Trade Centre’s Alliances for Action program to work with local farmers in Barbados, fostering the growth of the agriculture sector and ensuring a sustainable supply of coconuts for rum production. The partnerships supports Barbados businesses and sustainable agriculture initiatives and celebrate its heritage. WIRD’s goal is to guarantee that Cut & Dry is always a 100% Barbados product.

ONE COCONUT FOR EACH 1L BOTTLE OF RUM

Handpicked at the peak of maturity, the white flesh of the coconut is meticulously cut and dried, preserving the pure coconut flavor. The flesh is then infused in Barbados rums, creating an expression that perfectly blends the rich flavors of Bajan rum with the tropical goodness of farm-fresh coconuts. And there are no cutting corners, it takes one coconut to make one litre of Cut & Dry.

4 YEARS & 97 RECIPES BEFORE GETTING IT RIGHT

“We tried coconut in all its shapes and sizes – juice, jelly, fresh fruit, dried shells – you name it, we distilled it, and tasted it!” says Don Benn, Master Distiller at WIRD. “It took four years of experimentation and 97 receipts to find the winning method and combination of ingredients sourced from our neighbors using natural white coconut flesh infused in our delicious Barbados rum. It took Andrew an extra two years to secure enough coconut for our export markets. We won’t be able to produce very big quantities because Cut & Dry is hand-made and the coconuts need to grow, and you can’t speed that up. Nature needs to do its work “ says Alexandre Gabriel, owner and master blender of Maison Ferrand and West Indies Rum Distillery.

At the same press conference on January 9 announcing the launch of Planteray Cut & Dry, Ferrand and WIRD Team, also unveiled the name evolution of Plantation Rum, now becoming Planteray Rum. The name ‘Planteray’ embodies the brand’s identity and core symbols that have adorned bottles for more than 25 years. This name pays homage to sugarcane, the PLANT that gives birth to the rum, and the sun’s RAYs that are essential for sugarcane growth & ripening.

“From today forwards, the evolution from Plantation to Planteray begins,” said Alexandre Gabriel. “It was a long journey of trademarking a name that reflects our brand ethos in 120 countries. Naturally, the rum we have proudly produced for more than 25 years remains exactly the same and will still be produced with the same expertise, attention and care but now as Planteray Rum. We remain wholeheartedly committed to make the same exceptional rum from Barbados and some of the greatest rum terroirs in the world.”

Bottles with the Planteray Rum name will roll out globally as of January 2024, each market undertaking its own transition plan from old name to new. Available globally in USA, UK, France and the Caribbean, Planteray Cut & Dry Coconut Rum is bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) with a suggested retail price of £42.00 / €45.99

COCKTAIL: The Planteray Cut & Dry Pina Colada

• 60 ml/2 oz Planteray Cut & Dry Rum
• 105 ml/3.5 oz Fresh pressed pineapple juice
• 22.5 ml/0.75 oz Cream of coconut
• 15 ml/0.5 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice
• 7.5 ml/0.25 oz Cream or half & half

Blend all ingredients in a blender with a half scoop of crushed ice. Serve in a pina colada or Collins glass with a paper straw.

COCKTAIL: The Planteray Cut & Dry Cocogroni

• 30 ml/1 oz Planteray Cut & Dry Rum
• 30 ml/1 oz Italian red bitter liqueur
• 30 ml/1 oz Sweet vermouth

Pour all ingredients into a rocks glass filled with ice and stir.

TASTING NOTES

• Nose: Intense, it starts on coconut pulp with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and sesame oil.
• Palate: Round, delivering coconut milk, vanilla, banana and green ginger, with soft touches of molasses and fresh herbal notes.
• Finish: Very long on coconut, pepper, and vanilla.

About Planerey Rum

Beginning January 2024, the rum brand formerly known as Plantation will be produced, sold and marketed under Planteray. The rum in the bottle is exactly the same, the only change is the name. Planteray Rums are instantly recognizable in their raffia-wrapped bottles and served at the world’s best establishments. Planteray Rum expresses the great terroirs of rum in exceptional expressions whose double aging technique has become a true trademark. The Planteray Rum range, through its originality and quality, has captured the hearts of rum lovers around the world, winning over 600 medals and awards worldwide for its exceptional quality. Barbados XO 20th Anniversary and Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple are now classics. For more information, visit www.planterayrum.com and follow on Instagram at @PlanterayRum_.

About Maison Ferrand

Renowned for its prize-wining artisanal spirits, Maison Ferrand is a family company owned by Alexandre Gabriel, Master Blender and creator of spirit bench-mark expressions such as Citadelle Gin, Planteray Rum etc. Based in Cognac and Barbados, Maison Ferrand produces Ferrand Cognac according to ancestral techniques stretching back 10 generations; Planteray Rum, celebrating the world’s finest rum terroirs; and Citadelle Gin, pioneer of artisanal gin and gin de château. Team Ferrand’s commitment to creating spirits awarded with prizes from the spirits industry and the devotion of a global family of enthusiasts. www.maisonferrand.com

About West Indies Rum Distillery

Nestled against the white sands of Barbados’ Brighton Beach, 2023 marked the 130th anniversary of the West Indies Rum Distillery. A blend of heritage and innovation, their team of experts use a treasure trove of venerable rum stills and rum producing equipment (including our century old Distiller’s Vault filled with historical manuscripts) to craft each exceptional bottle. A positive contribution to Barbadian rum, the distillery’s mission to create award-winning, world recognized rum using the best possible methods hasn’t changed in that time – and won’t anytime soon.

Source: Planteray Rum