The West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD) in Barbados was founded in 1893 by George Stade and is the second oldest distillery on the island. It was bought in 2017 by Maison Ferrand, the renowned cognac house also known for its Plantation range of rums. The distillery produces 85% of the rum on the island. Much of this is sold in bulk, while an increasingly large share is used for the new Stade’s brand and Plantation’s rums. The WIRD produces molasses rums distilled in both column and pot stills, which allows a good balance of heavy and light rums.

Created in 2016 by Alexandre Gabriel, Plantation Rum’’s Extrême range showcases rum’’s greatest terroirs and is aimed at connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. Five series of Extrême have been released so far, all of which have become collectables. This lot is one of three bottlings in the fifth series composed of 2007, 2000 and 1986 vintages from the West Indies Rum Distillery. Distilled in 2007 and aged for 14 years, this version spent two years in bourbon casks in Barbados before continuing its maturation in France for 10 more years in bourbon casks, and finally two years in Ferrand cognac casks.