News

SB’s 12 Drinks of Christmas: Planteray XO Rum

Published by
Maythe Monoche

When December turns dark and cold, The Spirits Business brings the warmth. For its 10th Drink of Christmas, the publication spotlights Planteray XO Rum, a bottle that delivers Caribbean sunshine in full holiday mode.

Rather than playing the role of a last-minute stocking stuffer, this release earns center stage under the tree. According to The Spirits Business, it’s the kind of gift that sparks conversation, elevates hosting credentials, and signals that you understood the assignment this Christmas.

Rooted in Barbados, Built on Tradition

Planteray produces this expression exclusively from 100% Barbados rum at Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery. As one of the Caribbean’s few beachfront distilleries, the site anchors the rum firmly in its place of origin. The Spirits Business describes the XO 20th Anniversary as a tribute to rum’s birthplace and the craft traditions shaped there over centuries.

Moreover, the brand’s signature raffia-wrapped bottle has become instantly recognizable. Its reputation for depth and elegance continues to define the house style.

Awards, Recognition, and What’s in the Box

Industry recognition backs up the reputation. The Spirits Business notes that the XO 20th Anniversary has earned more than 60 medals, including Rum Brand of the Year at The Spirits Business Awards 2024.

The Christmas Gift Set includes one 700ml bottle and two branded glasses. Retailers such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt currently stock it, with a recommended retail price of £50.95 (US$68).

The image is courtesy of Planteray Rum via Instagram

How to Enjoy Planteray XO Rum

Seasonal Rum Manhattan

Ingredients

  • 50ml Planteray Barbados XO 20th Anniversary Rum
  • 25ml sweet Italian vermouth
  • Two dashes orange bitters
  • Two dashes Angostura bitters

Method
Stir all ingredients with ice until chilled and properly diluted. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with an Amarena cherry, or elevate the serve with a clove-smoked orange peel.

Neat, With Purpose

Pour 50ml of Planteray XO Rum and pair it with dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa and a handful of almonds. The Spirits Business recommends savoring it slowly, allowing the flavors to unfold without distraction. Ice remains optional, but intention is mandatory.

At that point, Christmas can officially call itself complete.

Maythe Monoche

Maythe Monoche is a Venezuelan social communicator and poet with an international career, specialized in marketing and content strategy. Since 2024, she has been editor of TheRumLab.com, sharing stories about a spirit deeply intertwined in her homeland’s culture. Her work blends creative writing, editorial production, and storytelling with UX methodologies, helping brands and media outlets across different countries craft messages that are not only read, but also felt.

Recent Posts

  • Noticias

Arehucas presenta su nuevo Ruby Finish 2006,  una edición limitada afinada en barricas de Ruby

Arucas (Gran Canaria), marzo de 2026.– Arehucas vuelve a elevar su apuesta  por la excelencia…

May 12, 2026
  • Interview Of The Week

Legacy in Motion: Delphine Gardère and the Future of Rhum Barbancourt

Delphine Gardère, CEO of Rhum Barbancourt and the fifth generation to lead the historic house…

May 12, 2026
  • News

A Decade of Spirits: Recapping the 10th Annual Chicago Rum Festival

The tropical spirit of the Caribbean took over Logan Square on April 25th, 2026, as…

May 5, 2026
  • Interviews

Olivier Dumont, Operations Director & Partner at Les Bienheureux: Leading the First Single Estate Costa Rican Rum

With nine years at Les Bienheureux and a strong foundation in oenology, Olivier Dumont has…

May 5, 2026
  • Noticias

Flor de Caña se consolida como el Ron Oficial del Mutua Madrid Open 2026

La prestigiosa firma nicaragüense renueva su alianza por tercer año consecutivo con uno de los…

May 4, 2026
  • News

Analyzing US spirits price trends in April 2026

The latest update from Jefferies regarding US spirits price trends for the four weeks ending…

May 2, 2026