<![CDATA[RumJourney.com - The Real McCoy 3]]>

Real McCoy 3 year old rum is produced by the Foursquare Distillery, located in Barbados, for the brand's founder Bailey Pryor. While researching his film The Real McCoy, Bailey traced the origin of the original rum that Captain McCoy ran to the states during Prohibition to the Foursquare Distillery. So it is fitting that is rums are produced under the supervision of Richard Seale, who uses a combination of column and pot stills to produce the spirits. He then ages the rum for three years in used American Oak Bourbon Barrels. It is then filtered and blended to 40 abv and bottled at Foursquare for distribution. Currently the product can be found in the U.K. and U.S. and is also available through several online retailers. For more information about the company and it's history please check it out at: realmccoyspirits.com.

Appearance/Presentation

The 750 ml bottle holds the crystal clear rum. The front label provides basic information about the rum, while the back has the basic history of The Real McCoy along with the required legal information.

Nose

When I poured the rum in glass there was a nice solid pop of ethanol vapors. I let the liquid settle and when I smelled the liquid discovered a lush banana note countered by a tart berry note. As these notes soften, the pleasant smell of oaky vanilla lingers.

Palate

The first sip of the rum hits with a nice peppery pop and accompanying heat. As these initial notes fade savory vanilla envelops the tongue. Hints of oak and fruit weave in and out as the rum fades in a light refreshing finish.

Review

When my wife and I began our exploration of rums one of the first islands we visited was Barbados and the very first distillery we explored was Foursquare. Saying this, I have to admit that this rum is like comfort food for me as this visit led me to exploring a lot of rums from that island. Real McCoy 3 is a solid, well rounded spirit with some characteristics that can be found in some of the best rums produced in Barbados and by Foursquare. If you are in the mood to sip something with a little fire behind it, this rum's for you. Should you want to punch up a cocktail calling for a white rum, grab this bottle and see what happens. As distribution continues to expand across the U.S. this rum is reported to be right around 20 dollars, which is a true bargain.

This review first appeared in Got Rum? magazine.