Not much introduction is needed, this is the newest addition to the core range from Foursquare Distillery (Barbados). The R.L. Seale comes as a 10 year old and now also as a 12 year old rum, although the later is not available in Europe this being a U.S. release. Molasses based, a blend of pot and column distillates aged for 12 years in ex-Bourbon barrels in Barbados. Bottled at 46% ABV without any other additions.
On the nose it smells… well, rummy – yes, the best way to describe it. Bounty chocolate, sour cherries, sultanas, peppermint, cinnamon and black pepper. Ginger, old books, cacao nibs, dusty cardboard and nutmeg. The oak game is strong with this one. Tobacco, blueberries and orange zest.
On the palate the woody profile is reinforced. Dark chocolate, brownies, sour cherries, dried fruits and ginger biscuits. Ripe peaches, raisins, vanilla and raspberries. Tobacco, black pepper, cayenne pepper, black coffee and burnt orange zest. Great balance between wood and distillate. Brownies again with a touch of peppermint. The finish is long with tobacco, wood and dried fruits.
I always considered R.L. Seale’s 10 year old a staple Barbadian rum and the 12 year old is similar, it just takes it up a notch. Great rum, great balance, great complexity – too bad is not available in the UK.
R.L. Seale’s 12 Year Old score:
Flavour/taste: 58/70
Value for money: 14/15
Transparency/purity: 15/15
Overall: 87/100
Cheers!