R.L. Seale’s Foursquare Finest Barbados Rum Export Proof

"This 10yo rum from Mr. Richard Seale is in my opinion one of the most iconic products from Foursquare with its cult, pirate styled, bottle. First it appeared in a 43% version and then came this so called export proof version at 46%. Nowadays there’s also a 12yo version, but unfortunately not for sale in the EU. Hopefully I can get one when I will visit Barbados in the near future. It’s as many Foursquare releases a blend of column- and pot still rum that’s aged for minimum 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels. The nose is very pleasant, spicy, sweet and woody with scents of vanilla, chocolate, cocoa and notes of caramel, oak, nutmeg and bourbon. At the palate it’s balanced, complex, fruity, spicy, woody with a slight dryness and flavors of vanilla, nutmeg, allspice, chocolate, cocoa, black currant and some hints of coconut and oak. The finish is rather long, nutty, spicy and dry with flavors of almonds and cinnamon. Overall a complex rum without being too demanding, a real classic Bajan rum."

"Classic Barbados rum with strong barrel notes. The nose does not reveal too much, but on the palate a lot of caramel and toffee. Long finish. Beautiful drop but less complex than expected"

"8,1:On the nose, it is balanced, the different aromas complementing each other beautifully. Raisins, honey, banana, an intense peach, a fine woodiness as well as light notes of orange make up its profile. The whole thing is dry. 8:On the palate the balance is also present since the alcohol is well dosed. Orange, peach dominate here and light notes of banana, coconut, caramel, tobacco appear. Smooth it is. 8:The finish is relatively long. It is wooded, fruity and dry (increasingly so). After a moment, light tobacco notes appear."

"My new cocktail bajan and it’s a very solid one. Medium-bodied and a 46% that is well integrated. The attack almost seems like it will veer the taste towards light at first but the mid-palate saves it in a big way with some good foursquare yumminess that makes it quite delicious rather than boring or one-dimensional (something that can not be assumed at this price point). Absolutely good enough to keep around as an everyday sipper and I look forward to trying it in the corn n’oil, colonel beach’s plantation punch, and the jump up and kiss me. PS. Bonus points for a great bottle with a metal seal."

"A little disappointing... I was expecting a complex and typical rum of the Barbados. In reality its notes are closer to a Hispanic and it is rather light aromatically. A turnip"

"The nose is Hispanic.The palate is woody and toasty.The finish is dark.The whole is rather wise.A bit disappointing considering the signature of Foursquare, apart from the coconut present from beginning to end."

"Goûté ce jour en festival. Je pensais que ce rhum était un énième rhum sucré et coloré. Ce n'est pas le cas, on retrouve bien la trame Barbade et la présence de notes boisées apportées par le fut est agréable. Sympa pour débuter."

"Not bad, could be a nice starter as it’s quite low in alcohol."

"This was a nice surprise especially when looking at the price tag. Nice and fruity with a lovely roasted wood backbone. Nice balance between the elements, not perfect but still good. Lightly dry and oily on the palate."

"For it's price I think it is a great rum. For me better than Doorlys 12YO and I am even thinking whether I like it the same or more than XO. Retasting: Direct comparison with Doorlys XO and Doorlys 12. Seales is a little bit sharper than both Ds. Surprisingly enough I thought Seales would be better than my favorite XO or that it is at least on the same level but no. For next comparison I will also include the 14YO Doorlys. Taking 2 points down to 73."

"Bug app, but long final. It's very well done."

"Safe choice from Barbados, a good Foursquare-replacement. Round and spicy rum, with relative good balance."

"I just noticed that i first placed my rating and review on the 43% abv version, so now it's fixed 😅 Price / quality = very good 👌 fruity flavors with a touch of oak. Bottle design is top notch."

"For the alcohol content and price a very good rum! He is softer than the name and percentage suggests! The taste is pleasantly spicy and woody with a healthy spiciness! In the finish it leaves a warm, slightly toasty taste! Worth a recommendation for me!"

"The nose has some dark fruits, something like figs or raisins. A good amount of woody notes and coconut in the background. The palate is a lot drier than the nose would suggest. Lots of grown-up dark chocolate notes and dry roasted nuts. Heaps of wood. The finish is medium to long. The nuts are hanging around for a while as is the chocolate. A nice neat sipper. Easy going and nothing too challenging. A nice "introduction to good rum" rum."