Angel's Share Intro and Credit
R.L. Seale’s Old Brigand Barbados Rum
During my first visit to Barbados in 2011, my wife and I visited the Foursquare Rum distillery for the first time. Back then the company was known for making R.L. Seale, Doorly’s, Tommy Bahama, and Old Brigand. The distillery and rums they make have changed, and distiller Richard Seale has become a trusted voice in the international rum industry. The Old Brigand brand was purchased from the Alleyne Arthur Company by the R. L. Seale and Company in 1993 and is still being produced today. The product is a blend of pot and column still rums that have been aged in used bourbon casks for five years and blended to 43% ABV before bottling.
Appearance
The 700 ml is a standard Madeira bottle design with a metal screw cap. The liquid holds a golden amber color in the bottle and glass. The label provides the basic information about the rum with the “Brigand” centered on the label over a map of Barbados.
Swirling the liquid creates a medium band that slowly thickens and releases a couple of waves of tears before leaving pebbles around the glass.
Aroma
Caramel apple, honeyed vanilla, clove, and baking spices dominate the aroma. As the rum settles, the light char and wood spices and mineral notes intermingle with the other notes.
Palate
The first sip delivers a light buttery mouthfeel with a rush of spicy vanilla custard. Additional sips reveal notes of dark chocolate toffee, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. There is a touch of dried orange peel and toasted oak tannins punctuated by black pepper notes. The wood notes begin to dominate, and mineral rich tobacco notes form what becomes a nice long finish.
Review
When visiting Barbados, it is easy to spot establishments featuring the Old Brigand logo, and along with Mount Gay, it was easily the most recognizable brand seen around the island. This rum is a workhorse rum for Foursquare Distillery, easy to sip, and multifunctional in a large range of cocktails. From rum and cola to traditional rum punches to tropical and Tiki cocktails and even hot buttered rum, Old Brigand does a good job augmenting a flavor profile and not getting lost in it. A great deal has changed at Foursquare Rum Distillery, but it is good to see that the tried-and-true Old Brigand products continue as a cornerstone for the historic brand.
