R.L. Seale’s John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum

John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum from R.L. Seale's is a Barbados liqueur rather than a rum, the long-established market leader of its kind and a fixture behind any serious tiki bar. At a low 11% and openly sweet, it is a mixing ingredient, not a standalone pour, and the copy makes no pretence otherwise.

The profile runs to lime, clove and warm baking spice with gingerbread and apple on the nose, then a syrupy, sugary, clove-laced palate and a sweet, spiced finish. This version carries a more pronounced lime and a light funk than many rivals, with the almond note dialled back. Its job is to add sweetness, citrus and spice to cocktails, and it does that well, a dependable, classic falernum for Corn n Oil, tiki builds and any drink that needs a lime-and-clove lift.