One shared love around the world

Everything began in 2016 when Damien Hugues, an admirer of Alexandre Gabriel’s work, created a Facebook group dedicated to Planteray rums. What started as a simple chat space quickly became a true gathering place. Very soon the group attracted fans of our rums from all over France and beyond. Today, more than 4,000 members make up this vibrant, active and international community.

Seeing a fan group of this size spring up around a brand is unusual, and especially thrilling for the team at Planteray.

"The group keeps growing without losing its spirit. Members swap bottles (they’ll buy rare releases, then split them into samples so everyone can taste), trade cocktail ideas, and tip each other off to great finds," explains one moderator..

As the workload grew, Damien brought on two more moderators, Alban de Valence and Steve Cossin. Steve also created and edits the Planteray encyclopedia, a resource that catalogs every bottling ever released worldwide.

Members range from first-timers to seasoned collectors and experts. They’re united by a shared philosophy: the desire to discover diverse rums from Barbados, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia. But also the attachment to a company that both innovates and stays transparent, whether it’s reviving lost traditions or disclosing every detail about each bottling.

No matter who they are, the connection between fans and Planteray is real. The phrase “one big family” isn’t an overstatement.

The Addict Festival: a gathering designed for them

In 2023, a long-running idea finally took shape: an annual event to thank the community that’s growing alongside us. Held at Château de Bonbonnet, the first Addict Festival was a joint effort between the Planteray team and the group’s most dedicated members.

The gathering is far more than just another event, it’s a chance to put faces to names, share one-of-a-kind experiences, and tighten our bond. And, of course, the weekend is the perfect time to learn, explore, and share our mutual love of rum.

"There is a real connection between us. For instance, I’m part of a Planteray working group that’s planning the next Addicts Festival," says Steve Cossin.

The 2025 edition (20th-22nd June)

The weekend will begin on Friday evening in a relaxed atmosphere. It's all about bringing everyone together around a meal with Caribbean flavors, featuring live music and conversations over drinks.

Saturday delivers the festival’s signature moments, starting with the one and only Alexandre Gabriel’s masterclass. Also, this year, a major surprise awaits participants: they will get an exclusive sneak peek at the coveted Extremes 6 collection, an ultra-limited edition that normally sells out long before they even hit the shelves.

Among the many experiences offered, participants will also have the opportunity to dive into various immersive workshops that blend discovery, knowledge-sharing, and hands-on expertise in the world of Planteray.

The day will conclude with a dinner prepared by the Gueuleton team, followed by a show and live concert.

A bond that keeps growing

The Addict Festival is the living connection between Planteray and its community. It’s more than a rum get-together, it’s a moment for recognition and sharing. The story keeps unfolding, written by - and thanks to - everyone involved.

"The Addict team has lots of other projects in the works, made possible by the trust and friendship we share with the Ferrand family," the moderators add.

See you next year?