Barge 166 Project with Boston Rum Social Club and Maison Ferrand
A unique rum maturation experience
[Written by Sterling, edited by Olivier R]
Maison Ferrand and the Barge 166 Project
Nestled along the Seine River in Issy-les-Moulineaux, Paris, Barge 166 is a pioneering venture in the world of "dynamic aging" of spirits. Launched by Maison Ferrand, this initiative introduced the world's first floating aging cellar in October 2021.




A select group from the Boston Rum Social Club (BRSC) has embarked on an exciting rum journey in collaboration with Maison Ferrand, utilizing the unique facilities of Barge 166. The barge, meticulously restored and outfitted by Maison Ferrand, functions as a buoyant cellar that holds up to 1,500 30-liter casks of cognac and rum in its below-deck rack storage. An innovative system gently rocks the barge at night, mimicking the ocean's motion to enhance the blending of the rum within its casks in a humid environment.




Exploring Planteray Rums
Planteray Rums offers enthusiasts a taste of the diverse terroirs of rum, from the scenic shores of Barbados at the West Indies Rum Distillery to the iconic distilleries of Jamaica, Fiji, Peru, Australia, Trinidad, and Guyana. The rum first undergoes distillation, casking, and aging in its native tropical climate before being transported to Chateau Bonbonnet in France for a second maturation phase in various Ferrand barrels. Under the guidance of master blender Alexandre Gabriel, this dual maturation exploits both humid and temperate climates, giving the rums a unique structure and finesse.
Barge 166 introduces a third phase to this journey with dynamic aging, offering two distinct programs for further maturation. Participants can choose either the Creation Cask Program, which allows the selection and maturation of one of six distinct rums, or the Adoption Cask Program, which involves selecting one of three currently aging rums for further maturation on the barge.
Boston Rum Social Club Selection for the cask
Our team had the privilege of selecting from a diverse range of rums from Barbados, Fiji, and Jamaica. Following a thorough tasting and careful deliberation, we chose a Jamaican Long Pond (VRW) rum from the Creation Program. This selection gives us the unique opportunity to oversee the entire third maturation phase, allowing us to monitor and savor its evolution over time. Long Pond rums are celebrated for their distinctive Jamaican funk coupled with a refined elegance.
This particular rum was exceptionally elegant, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate both the boldness of Jamaican funk and subtler, more delicate rum flavors. Even in its initial state, it was remarkably satisfying with delightful aromas of green fruits and citrus, unfolding into flavors of exotic fruits, particularly mango, without any overwhelming oak influence. This made it an ideal candidate for further maturation.
Our chosen cask, which now proudly bears a brass label with the Boston Rum Social Club's insignia, is set for the Dynamic Aging Process in a new Allary oak cask housed within the barge's humidity-controlled hold. Over 16 months, we have periodically sample the rum, meticulously adjusting the maturation process to craft our desired flavor profile. Although our frequent tastings reduced the final yield, it ensured that our custom-crafted rum achieves the pinnacle of quality and uniqueness.
What’s in the bottle?
Vintage: 2017
Aging: 7 years continental (Oak 400L) & 16 months on the Barge (New Oak, 30L)
ABV: 57.9%
Distillery: Long Pond
Distillation: 100% Pot Still
Raw materials: Molasses
Fermentation: 1 week
Volatile Compounds: 669g/hLAA
Esters: 159g/hLAA
Dosage: 0 g/L
This project holds a special place in our hearts, as it is named 'Sterling's Voyage' in memory of Sterling, the visionary who first brought this idea to life. Sterling, who sadly passed away in November 2024, was a member of the Boston Rum Social Club even before it formally existed. His unwavering support and infectious positivity left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He was instrumental in connecting the club with key industry players, always championing our growth with a smile. His legacy lives on through this cask, a tribute to his passion and the friendships he nurtured within our community.
Reserve Your Bottle Before It's Gone
If you're in Paris or Boston and intrigued by this unique rum experience, we’d love for you to try Sterling’s Voyage! This extraordinary rum, crafted with innovation and passion, is nearing its final chapter.
With only a limited number of bottles available, don’t miss the chance to be part of this remarkable journey. If you're interested in tasting this special rum, please reach out to us—we’d be happy to help you secure a bottle!