Planteray, Fiji Islands 2004, Single Cask, 1 year Umeshu cask finish (46.9%, 70cl)

Planteray Fiji Islands 2004 Single Cask Umeshu Cask Finish is a highly rare, ultra-aged South Pacific rum produced by Maison Ferrand under their newly rebranded Planteray moniker. The expression showcases the signature double-aging technique of Master Blender Alexandre Gabriel, taking a traditional island distillate through three distinct stages of cask maturation across two continents.

This particular cask was hand selected by a group of visiting Danish cocktail bartenders (our bar -  Barking Dog - included) while spending time at the Chateau de Bonbonnet in the Cognac region of France in 2025. The custom label artwork holds two subtle nods to that memorable trip. The Jenga tower commemorates a late night game where the visiting team famously played an absolute flawless round. Meanwhile, the bold red sun rising in the background honors the Japanese Umeshu cask that gives this long aged tropical rum its distinctive stone fruit finish.

The production relies on molasses fermented for four to five days and distilled in 2004 using a column still at the historic Rum Co. of Fiji distillery. The raw spirit underwent an initial 17-year tropical aging process in two-hundred-liter ex-bourbon barrels in Fiji. It was then shipped to France for continental aging, spending two years in French oak Ferrand Cognac casks before receiving a final one-year finish in casks previously used to age Japanese Choya Umeshu fruit liqueur. The spirit is bottled at a sturdy strength of 46.9% ABV in a 70cl format.

The profile is remarkably deep, complex, and savory, striking an extraordinary balance between heavy oak, tropical fruit, and the tart, sweet umami notes of Japanese stone fruit. The nose opens with rich, deep aromas of salted plum, stewed prunes, dark caramel, and vanilla fudge, layered alongside cinnamon, cedar wood, and a gentle hint of wood smoke. On the palate, the liquid is oily and mouth-coating, delivering an intriguing interplay between tart green plum, banana, and citrus peel, structured by notes of dark chocolate, marzipan, and warm ginger. The finish is long and evolving, leaving lingering trails of cocoa, roasted nuts, dried apricot, and a delicate, earthy rancio.