R.L. Seale & Co. is a Barbados rum business that dates back to 1926 and which is still in operation by Richard Seale, the fourth generation of the Seale family. Today Seale is best known as the master distiller and master blender of Foursquare Rum Distillery, which the company reopened in 1996.

This 12 year old bottling hails from Foursquare, of course, and fans of the particular style will certainly find much to like here. Aromas of toasty oak and coconut husk play with a significant overripe fruit element — quite tropical — that feels perfect for tiki. I was expecting a bit more of an aggressive quality to the nose, though, which otherwise comes across as fully focused on fruit. The palate again pops with that overripe fruit note, plus some secondary elements of nutty almonds, sesame seed, and a cream soda sweetness. A light floral character emerges later in the game on a body that is surprisingly gentle considering the slightly elevated abv. The rum’s nutty elements build as the finish arrives, where some greener, somewhat vegetal characteristics come into play. The conclusion winds things down with a welcome lick of vanilla.

All told this is a versatile — if somewhat straightforward — rum that should offend no one, though it lacks some of the exuberance for which Foursquare is so well-known.

92 proof.

B+ / $47 / altamarbrands.com

R.L. Seale's Barbados Rum 12 Years Old

$47

8.5

Rating

8.5/10

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Christopher Null

Christopher Null is the founder and editor in chief of Drinkhacker. A veteran writer and journalist, he also operates Null Media, a bespoke content creation company.

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