Overview
Brand: Old Brigand
Origin: Foursquare, St. Philip, Barbados
Still: Pot & Column Blend
Age: NAS
Finish: ex-Bourbon
ABV: 43%
While Old Brigand is not an oft-discussed brand in the rum world, for those deeper in the rum community– or those that shop at Total Wine, these bottles are known for their excellent value and old school label.
This value stems from the rum being distilled by R.L. Seale & Co. Limited, aka Foursquare; on the shelf, bottles of Old Brigand Black Label, for example, can typically be bought for under $30, both here in the US as well as in Barbados. In fact, John and Will from the Rumcast voted Black Label as the best value among other Foursquare-produced rums under $50.
Old Brigand Black Label started out with a molasses base, and is a blend of pot and column still distillate; like other Foursquare rums, this blending was done pre-casking. While the label does not offer an age statement, this has been said to be aged for over 5 years, in ex-Bourbon barrels. This is released at a strength of 43% ABV.
Appearance
Burnt orange, medium viscosity
Nose
Vanilla, bubblegum, butterscotch, flamed orange peel, hazelnut
Palate
Vanilla wafer, butterscotch, custard, milk chocolate, nutmeg
Finish
Medium, dry; vanilla custard, oak, light nutmeg, loose tobacco
Rating: 6/10
Summary
Old Brigand's Black Label is a fairly plain Bajan rum, but offers a great value for those looking for easily-sippable rum that can also be used in cocktails.
Vanilla, custard, bubblegum, and nutmeg show throughout sniffing and sipping; that bubblegum note is similar to that which I noted in Alleyne Arthur's Black Barbados Rum, also distilled at Foursquare.
Butterscotch, flamed orange peel, and hazelnut are also present on the nose, while the palate has additional notes that offer creamy texture, like custard and milk chocolate. The finish is fairly dry, tobacco smoke trailing as the flavors fade.
This is plenty enjoyable, though not challenging in the slightest. I do like that this is proofed up to 43% ABV, which should allow some more flavors to shine. I'd grab this if you see it here in the US, otherwise this is a great purchase to keep in one's rental while visiting Barbados.