Released in 2017; this is the second limited-edition offering of the Real McCoy rum line from Foursquare Distillery in Barbados in collaboration with Bailey Pryor and consists of only 3,000 bottles. This single-blended rum focuses on a higher ratio of copper pot distillate to column still. It is then aged separately in two batches: one in ex-bourbon barrels for 12 years and another for 10 years in virgin oak casks.
Even though there is a 12-year-old rum in the blend, the bottle carries a 10-year age statement. I have experienced some confusion from customers about the higher price for the 10 year versus the regular 12-year Real McCoy. This is because Barbados law dictates that if an Age Statement is on a bottle; it must represent the youngest component of the blend. I think the reason behind this has something to do with transparency. This is also a big reason why consumers should not get hung up on age statements. 1) “Older” is synonymous with “Better” and 2) Just because there is a younger or no statement does not mean there are not some fantastic older components in the blend. The goal is to achieve balance.
Once the two components are blended, they are left to marry for an unspecified amount of time so that their profiles can effectively meld. It is then bottled at 46% abv with no added sugar, flavor or artificial colors.
COLOR
Perfect auburn.
AROMA
As it comes out of the glass the influence of the virgin cask is apparent. Aromas of rich, chewy caramel and fresh-baked chocolate chip banana bread leap out of the glass. As the sweetness dissipates, there are notes of leather, freshly used briar pipe and highlights of lemon custard.
PALATE
Upfront there is a quick robust flavor of bread crust that gives way to chewy Cow Tales candies. The caramel crème flavors turn to banana pudding, warm maple syrup, and blueberries.
MOUTHFEEL
Creamy
FINISH
Snappy and earthy ginger, tobacco, resin, barrel char, and lingering scotch bonnet spice.
OVERALL
First, let me state that I enjoy the nose and finish on this quite a bit. The bakery and briarwood aroma is something that I would love to snuggle up to on a cold autumn evening. And the finish hits the sweet spot for me as someone who cut his teeth on well-aged bourbons. With that being said; this is a good release; but not my favorite. I was told a couple of times that this release was intended to target the bourbon crowd and it does its job at that. However, it perhaps did too well of a job at it? It is a big heavy rum. However; this is more about the oak than the distillate.
If you are a rum or bourbon drinker, and you want something rich, heavy, and satiating, seek out what is left of this release. If you value balanced fruit/grass/barrel character of Barbados rums, this may not be for you. Makes a mean Rum Old Fashioned though.
