Planteray creates mixology tool ‘for those in the know’
Maison Ferrand-owned Planteray has unveiled Hogo Monsta, an ‘explosive’ high-ester rum designed to enhance the flavour of a cocktail with ‘just a few drops’.
Hogo Monsta is claimed to be the highest-ester rum ever to be made commercially available. It was crafted at the Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados, and boasts volatile substances of 3,178 grams per hectoliter (g/hl) of absolute alcohol, and 2,029 g/hl of absolute alcohol esters.
“At Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery, rum is both tradition and experimentation,” said Alexandre Gabriel, owner and master blender of Planteray Rum. “For years, this type of high-ester rum lived in the shadows, used in secret by blenders to add power and depth to a final mix. But we always dreamed of bottling it – raw and unapologetic. Hogo Monsta is that dream unleashed.”
Gabriel explained that Hogo Monsta was designed for bartenders, rum lovers, and bold spirits professionals. “Hogo Monsta was made because I wanted to share a part of rum that’s usually kept secret – the intense, aromatic distillation runs that we distillers treasure. These runs are full of life, flavour, and magic, but they rarely leave the distillery.”
However, he noted that it has also been created to be handled with care, as only a few drops are required for it to enhance the flavour a cocktail. “It’s very potent, but experts who know what it’s about will be able to enhance and elevate their drink by adding the right quantity.”
He clarified that this rum is “definitely not one to drink straight,” with its potency making it unsuitable for volume consumption or unmeasured pours. He added: “Don’t buy this unless you know what it is.”
The 56.6% ABV rum is said to be rich in the natural compounds from fermentation that give it an ‘unmistakably intense character’, bursting with funky, fruity, and spicy notes.
Flavours of overripe banana, pineapple, and mango are layered with notes of varnish, brine, spice, and a bold tropical funk. The mouthfeel is dense and oily, while the finish is long and unrestrained.
Gabriel described Hogo Monsta as “a tribute” to centuries-old rum making traditions.
“The long fermentations, the wild yeasts, the deep, complex distillations that only a handful of traditional distilleries still master today. It’s a modern creation, but one born from centuries of rum-making wisdom. It’s our way of celebrating that heritage, by sharing a piece of what was once kept behind distillery doors.”
He added: “These are techniques that come straight from the roots of rum culture, and we wanted to honour them. It’s made from those special distillation runs that were once the pride and secret of great rum makers. In a way, it’s like bringing back a lost language of flavour.”
But, he said, “Hogo Monsta isn’t for everyone. It’s intense, it’s alive, and it demands understanding. But for those who know, it’s pure magic.”
Planteray Hogo Monsta launched globally in October, and is available in a 200ml format for €34 (US$39).
Only 5,000 bottles will be released across select markets including the UK, France, the US, Barbados, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Belgium, and Germany.
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