Planteray Original Dark Rum

Planteray Original Dark Rum is a dark rum, and the reference copy describes it as deep amber with caramel, vanilla and baking-spice notes. Dark rums in this style usually add molasses, toasted oak and dried fruit, but the exact balance isn't confirmed here, so treat those as likely rather than measured. Expect a fuller body and more sweetness than a white or gold rum. That weight lets it hold its own against citrus, ginger and bitter liqueurs without disappearing. For sipping, pour a measure into a rocks glass or a small tulip-shaped tasting glass and serve it at cool room temperature. One large ice cube is a good option if you want it slightly chilled and slower to dilute. Skip crushed ice, which waters the rum down quickly and flattens the caramel and vanilla. In cocktails, a dark rum like this suits drinks that want depth. In a Dark 'n' Stormy, pour it over plenty of ice in a highball, top with a spicy ginger beer and add a lime wedge, so the rum's sweetness sits against the ginger's heat. It also works as the base of an Old Fashioned-style drink with a sugar cube, a few dashes of aromatic bitters and an orange peel. A split of dark rum under a lighter rum in a daiquiri or a tiki-style sour adds body and a molasses edge. In a rum and cola, a squeeze of fresh lime brings out the spice. For food, the caramel and spice character matches grilled pineapple, roasted pork, jerk-style seasoning and desserts built on brown sugar, banana or dark chocolate. If you plan to mix with it, try it neat first so you know how sweet it runs before you choose a mixer.