Racing Like A Pro – Plantation PXXO
Usually I keep good track of the drinks I want to write about. Yet, this one slipped through my net, because I accidentally marked it as already published. Nevertheless, this Sazerac variation uses an interesting PX cask rum as well as a “tailored” bitter blend.
First, let us take a look at the not-that-new-anymore Planteray PXXO Rum. Basically, they took their Barbados XO rum, a molasses based rum aged in bourbon barrels, new oak casks as well as Ferrand casks and gave it a finish. For this Ferrand used barrels which previously held Pedro Ximenez. The rum has a residual sweetness of 19 g/l.
Sweet, fortified wine notes
Yes, you will notice the sweetness in the Planteray PXXO. Since the rum was finished in fortified wine casks this enhances the flavour of the finish a bit. On top of that, you can find some coconut shavings, vanilla and molasses in the taste.
Just a touch of sweetness
I decided to go with a Sazerac variation for a drink with the PXXO. Since the rum already has some sweetness, I just added a Dash of salted molasses syrup to balance everything out. The other “special” part of the drink is a combination of barrel aged Peychaud’s and Plum & Root Beer Bitters.
1 Dash Bittered Sling Plum & Root Beer Bitters
1 Dash Salted Molasses Syrup with Vanilla Extract
3 Sprays Absinthe Mix Stir – strain – chilled Old-Fashioned glass over ice cubes
Garnish: Lemon Twist;
Song: The National – Racing Like A Pro;
The drink starts with the classic absinthe and Peychaud’s Bitters combination of a Sazerac. However, since I used rum instead of rye the drink comes off as smoother than the regular one. Furthermore, the bitters really shine in this one and add a nice layer of complexity. All in all, the cocktail is a tasty sipper for friends of the classic Sazerac.
*The fact that I received a product reviewed in this article for free, did not – in any way – influence the rating of said product. I received the rum for free from Ferrand Deutschland.
