Barbados is the undisputed champion this year. Of the 20 best-rated rums tasted by experts,the competition’s No. 1 rum in the world with 99 points is R.L. Seale’s Foursquare 14-Year-Old Equipoise Rum.
For the 2024 IWSC Spirits Judging, around 100 international judges gathered in London to taste over 4,000 spirits entries from around the world. The strong judging team comprised of Master Blenders, Master Distillers, Buyers from on-trade and off-trade, Spirits Educators, Consultants and renowned Spirits Communicators.
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Aged rums have historically done well at the IWSC, as judges appreciate the complexity of these rums. However, it still took everyone by surprise when a flight of 11-15 year-old rums were all awarded a medal, but not just any medal, all rums received either a gold or gold outstanding, something that has never been seen before in IWSC history.
R.L. Seale’s Foursquare 14-Year-Old Equipoise Rum isn’t your typical rum, though. At 61 percent ABV, it can likely be sipped in small amounts rather than combined with mixers. According to the more than 100 expert distillers and blenders and industry professionals gathered for the competition, it also has a unique flavor profile.
The judges were highly impressed by the “enticing aromas of leather and olive oil, 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.”
