R.L. Seale's 12 Year Barbados Rum

R.L. Seale & Co. was founded in 1926 by Reginald Leon Seale, embracing the Barbados tradition of fine aged and blended rums. The landscape of Barbados rum, like many other Islands, was dominated in the earlier part of the 20th century by blends made by merchants, rather than the producers themselves. These merchants would buy bulk rum from the island's distilleries and blend it, selling bottles to consumers from their shops in the island's capital, Bridgetown. The Seale family began their now four generation rum journey in this same way, with Reginald Seale's blending shop, which this bottling pays homage to. Now in the fourth generation, current Seale of note is Richard, most recognized by his work as Master Distiller and Master Blender of Foursquare Distillery, re-opened by the Seale family in 1996. Foursquare's Rums have garnered an almost absurd amount of accolades over the last handful of years, while also building a steady cult following, eagerly anticipating each release. 

This rum, one of the few regular release Foursquare bottlings we get at the shop, is a fantastic daily drinker, and a perfect introduction to not just Barbados rum, but great sipping rum in general.

The nose shows treacle and sassafras, baking spices and incense, leading to a palate of toasted caramel, sweet plantain, barrel spice, peppercorn, and brown sugar. Touches of cacao and tropical fruits extend throughout the finish. Aged a minimum of 12 Years on-site at the distillery, under a tropical climate in ex-bourbon barrels. Bottled at 46% ABV without any added sugar or flavors.