R.L. Seale & Co. Foursquare 1985 Distilled Old Rum

R.L. Seale is the family name behind Foursquare, so this 1985 distilled bottling is the distillery's own, drawn from its strict no additives pot and column tradition in Barbados. Aged sixteen years and bottled at a soft 43%, it represents an older, gentler register of the house style.

Matured in ex-bourbon oak, it shows vanilla, caramel, espresso and chocolate on the nose, the palate sweet at the edges with barrel and warm spice. The finish turns peppery with dark chocolate over a sweet, oily base. Unsweetened and island aged, the lower proof keeps it light and easy, leaning on a buttery, pastry softness rather than power. It reads as a relaxed, mature Barbados pour, the spice carrying the finish while the body stays gentle, a quieter side of the distillery than its full strength single casks.