Objective Notes

Very Smooth (on the RnD scale of Harsh-Smooth-Very Smooth-Extremely Smooth)

The medium-amber rum, colored by 10 years aging in oak, reveals a wonderfully sophisticated bouquet, with sweet-but-earthy aromas of fresh cut cane, buttered sweet potato, dried plum and raisin, clove, cinnamon.  Initial Taste is fully complex, though lighter than the aromas would lead you to expect.  Olde Brigand is medium-full bodied, with a seriously traditional rum character and pronounced but pleasant alcohol.  The finish is long and interesting for its variety: first sweet, then earthy, then ending more dry with a hint of anise.

Anecdotal Notes

Despite the current penchant for instant and romantic nostalgia, more likely the truth is that the Brigands of old (plunderers, bandits) plying their terror on the Spanish Main in the 17th and 18th centuries lived a life far less noble than this rum of the same name – and perhaps survived at the rough trade for fewer than the 10 years this excellent spirit has spent maturing in oak. 

Sometime in 2007, Olde Brigand was reformulated and repackaged in a taller more conventional bottle.  The shaped bottle shown here, with its signature hand hold dimple, is  styled after the leather flasks common among sailors hundreds of years ago.  The showpiece bottle is now used for another of Foursquare’s noteworthy rums; owner Richard Lawrence Seale’s namesake R.L.Seale’s Barbados 10 Year Old Rum. 

Pot and Column stills at Forsquare distillery reaching for the heavens

photo by Mike Streeter - RumConnection.com

Regardless of the label, the spirit inside is produced to the same wonderfully high standards, blending the output of both pot stills (heavy rum, flavor) and vacuum column stills (lighter rum, higher ABV) . As far as the shaped bottled is concerned, acquire the superseded Olde Brigand as a collectible, but buy R.L. Seale’s to drink.  Either rum displays equally well on the shelf, but you must treat yourself to this consummate Bajan spirit.

Taster’s Opinion

Dave - September 2008: During a brief stay on Antigua, I dropped into Papa Zouk’s my favorite rum shop in the Caribbean, where proprietor Bert plied me with a delicious dinner of the house special fish, then completely spoiled me with the finest rum from their impressive collection of over 200 bottles. 

After sampling every noteworthy rum that I didn’t already own, I challenged the affable owner to serve something different.  He pulled Olde Brigand off the shelf, humbly telling me “you might like it”.  Like it?  Heck yeah - its rare, well aged, full bodied, comes in a distinctive bottle, and has tons of traditional Bajan flavor.  At home I hope to be as generous.

Update November 2010:  Having just visited the Foursquare Distillery and discussing rum with fourth generation owner Richard Seale (the only son of the only son of the only son of the distillery’s founder), I am thoroughly impressed with the care and dedication that goes into Richard L. Seale rum.  He truly puts his heart and sould into evey bottle.  Driving into the impeccably clean and groomed facility, a large sign boasts the motto:  “We Do It Right”.  Absolutely. - Dave

Update - November 2010:  Awestruck from touring the Foursquare distillery with owner Richard Seale and drinking his rums on Barbados, I had but one thought: Life just keeps getting better.

R.L. Seale’s 10 Year Old has replaced the Olde Brigand of yore.  (But a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.)   Foursquare produces rums of the finest craftsmanship, none more deserving of the owner’s name brand than the one shown here.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Dave - 8.5 Flasks

Most recently reviewed by: Dave in September 2008, at Papa Zouk’s Fish and Rum shop on Antigua.