The Real McCoy 3-Year is the first marque in the brand line. Produced in Barbados by Foursquare Rum Distillery; this rum (much like its cousin Probitas) is an ode to rums produced in the early 20th Century/Prohibition Era.
A blend of column and pot still rums (and I assume a higher ratio of column still rums given the profile), The Real McCoy Three-Year earns its age statement by spending three years in very old ex-bourbon barrels. It is then lightly charcoal filtered stripping most of the golden color from the rum, but leaving some definition in the glass.
And because this is an accurate depiction of Prohibition Era Caribbean rum from Foursquare; there are is no added sugar, flavor or artificial coloring.
COLOR
The bottle in particular that I am reviewing comes from the revamped line of The Real McCoy. It sports a traditional, slightly stout prohibition-style bottle with slightly tattered labeling. This is in contrast to the first-gen of The Real McCoy that sported a straight, even label.
The color of the rum has been “revamped” as well. Even with being aged in old barrels, the first-gen 3-year rum was crystal clear. The current line showcases the use of barrels by being lightly filtered through charcoal so that the rum keeps an off white/cream soda appearance in the glass.
NOSE
Because of the young age of this rum, there is an aroma of ethanol on the initial nose. Once past that, you get notes of light banana peel, confectionary sugar, pencil shavings, and macerated pineapple flesh.
PALATE
There is a lot more flavor going on than you’d expect for a white/silver rum. The profile is strong with juicy pineapple notes upfront. From there the (I assume) column heavy distillate continues to carry the, show with notes of grilled limes, bitter orange pith, and sugar-free butterscotch.
FINISH
Because of the youth of the rum, there is not a lot of complexity on the finish. As it sits on the palate there are flavors are floral forward leading with Jasmine, raw sugarcane, and light vanilla.
OVERALL
Compared to a lot of light rums on the market, this one truly hits the mark. The lighter body and fruit-forward flavors lend itself incredibly well to a host of cocktails and is surprisingly good on its well. It may not have the depth of Probitas, but it does have enough to going on to earn its spot on the back bar. Especially at nearly half the price.
Personally, this has been my favorite bottle to so cocktails with. Not only does it make for an easy-drinking daiquiri, but works exceptionally well for a mojito and as a base for a mojo marinade in Cuban pulled pork dishes.
