The Real McCoy 5 Year Aged Rum

The Real McCoy 5 Year Aged Rum hails from the Foursquare Distillery in Barbados, a place with a reputation for producing unadulterated, high-quality spirits. Its origin story is tied to Captain Bill McCoy, a Prohibition-era rum runner known for never diluting his offerings, which led to the phrase "The Real McCoy" signifying genuineness and quality. This particular rum isn't a new kid on the block but rather a modern classic, conceived by documentary filmmaker Bailey Pryor after researching Bill McCoy's life. The brand, and Foursquare Distillery under Richard Seale, are known for their commitment to traditional rum-making without added sugars, flavors, or chemical stabilizers, using a blend of pot and column still distillation and aging in ex-bourbon barrels.

The Real McCoy 5 Year offers a wonderfully balanced profile of soft oak, a hint of vanilla, and subtle spice, making it a versatile player in your home bar. It truly shines in classic rum cocktails like a Daiquiri or a Mojito, bringing a smooth, authentic Barbados rum character without overpowering other cocktail ingredients.

Expect oak, dried fruit, and brown sugar on the nose, with a hint of vanilla. The first sip brings caramel, toasted almond, and a buttery cinnamon character from its time in bourbon-aged oak. It finishes with lingering toasted coconut and a whisper of tobacco.