“No Coke required.” Chris Malone Mendez (Men’s Journal) writes that “The world’s newly crowned best rum comes from Barbados, according to experts.” He’s talking about R.L. Seale’s Foursquare 14-Year-Old Equipoise Rum., produced in Barbados. [Many thanks to Peter Jordens for bringing this item to our attention.]

With its roots in the Caribbean, rum for many people has become synonymous with tropical locales and delicious dark liquor cocktails. Unsurprisingly, at this year’s International Wine & Spirits Competition, the region boasted most of the highest-rated rums among the several hundred tasted by experts. One country in particular holds the crown. 

Barbados is the undisputed champion when it comes to rum at this year’s IWSC. Of the 20 best-rated rums tasted by experts, the country produces more than half of the choices, with eight of them being from R.L. Seale’s Foursquare distillery on the island. 

The competition’s No. 1 rum in the world with 99 points is R.L. Seale’s Foursquare 14-Year-Old Equipoise Rum. At 61 percent ABV, it isn’t your typical rum and can likely be sipped in small amounts rather than combined with mixers. It also has a unique flavor profile, according to the more than 100 distillers, blenders, and other industry professionals gathered for the competition. 

“Enticing aromas of leather and olive oil greet the senses, leading to a tantalizing blend of citrus peel, cinnamon, oak, dark chocolate, and nutmeg. Plummy, spiced fruit dances on the palate upon a soft, sweet mouthfeel. A dry, tangy finish lingers, revealing layers of caramel, banana bread, and tobacco. Luxurious and long-lasting,” they gushed. 

Coincidentally, the first-ever record of rum in history was on the island of Barbados. Other countries in the top 20 responsible for great rum include fellow Caribbean nation Martinique and the Southeast Asian countries of Thailand and Cambodia.

For full article, see https://www.mensjournal.com/news/world-newly-crowned-best-rum-island-nation