Doorly's XO

Here is a Barbados rum, very representative of the style (note to Mount Gay lovers), produced by RL Seale (from the Foursquare house). No age on the bottle, but it is a blend of rums aged 6 to 10 years, all aged in whisky casks, before being refined in Olorosso casks. Richard Seale denies producing rums without any coloring or additives . Beautiful old gold color with amber highlights. The nose is fine and elegant ; mainly fruity, in particular on dried fruit (raisins, walnuts, hazelnuts) and on exotic fruit (banana, mango). The spices are very present, and the vanilla softens the nose in a whole that brings out notes of citrus fruits (in the form of marmalade and lemon), but in a rather refreshing way (zest and anise/licorice). On the palate it is sweet and rather rich , with a smoky/aniseed (acidulous) note that cuts through, the whole thing is quite complex. We are still on notes of dried fruits (raisins, hazelnut) slightly caramelized, then the warmth of spices (cinnamon) and wood take place, followed by vanilla, making the whole thing rather gourmet.

The finish is just as sweet, long, still on spices , nuts and vanilla with a smoky finish (wood, citrus zest, liquorice).

The aging in Olorosso (sherry) casks gives this rum a silky texture and a roundness characteristic of this process (a roundness comparable - but different - to Plantation rums with their aging in cognac casks). Richard Seale takes pride in producing a pure and unadulterated rum that will delight lovers of the genre.

Rating : 83

To help you (and me) find your way around, regarding the notes:

90 and + : exceptional and unique rum, it is the best of the best
between 85 and 89 : highly recommended rum, with that little something that makes the difference
between 80 and 84 : recommendable rum
75-79 POINTS : above average
70-74 POINTS : in the low average
less than 70 : not very good

Review courtesy of DuRhum.com.

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