Extinct Bird Marks The Arrival Of An Equally Elusive Rum
Doorly's is one of the many impressive rums crafted at the renowned Foursquare Distillery in Barbados. A familiar name to UK rum enthusiasts, Doorly’s XO has long been available as a top-tier sipping rum. One of the most distinctive features of the Doorly’s range is its colourful macaw-themed labels: the 3 and 5 Year Old expressions showcase the Yellow and Scarlet Macaws, while the XO, aged between 6 and 12 years, features the rare and endangered Hyacinth Macaw.
At the top of the Doorly's lineup is the Doorly’s 12 Year Old, which comes in a smart presentation box and bears the image of the elusive Spix’s Macaw — a bird feared to be extinct. This clever avian motif doubles as a way to signal the rank and maturity of each Doorly’s rum in the range. Once available only in very limited quantities directly from the distillery, Doorly’s 12 Year Old has finally landed in the UK, offering local rum lovers a chance to taste this exceptional spirit without leaving home.
---
Doorly’s 12 Year Old Rum
A sophisticated blend of pot and column still rums, Doorly’s 12 Year Old consists of 90% rum aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels and 10% aged in Madeira casks. After blending, the rums are given additional time to marry, resulting in a harmoniously integrated spirit. The nose is rich and enticing, offering deep chocolate and toffee aromas with no harsh alcohol burn. The Madeira influence introduces tropical notes like banana and sultanas, layered with classic hints of caramel and vanilla.
On the palate, a wave of initial sweetness is followed by warming pepper, leading into dry oak and a subtle, pleasant heat. The finish is impressively long, dominated by oak and vanilla with touches of cinnamon and nutmeg rounding things off beautifully. This Bajan rum is an absolute standout — expertly balanced, complex, and satisfying from start to finish. Foursquare’s commitment to purity (with no added sugars or additives) is evident, delivering a rum that’s smooth, elegant, and a true testament to their blending mastery.
Do yourself a favour and skip the flight — buy Doorly’s 12 Year Old Rum here.