Doorly's XO may be the best-value aged rum in the world. Distilled at the Foursquare Distillery — the same facility that produces the critically acclaimed Exceptional Cask series — and bottled under the R.L. Seale label, it benefits from identical production standards and the same master distiller (Richard Seale) as its more prestigious siblings. The only differences are the blend profile and the price, which remains remarkably modest.
The XO is a blend of pot still and column still rums aged for six to ten years, finished in oloroso sherry casks from the Tío Pepe bodegas in Jerez. This sherry finishing adds a layer of dried fruit richness and complexity that elevates the rum significantly. As with all Foursquare products, there are no additives — no sugar, no caramel, no flavouring. What you taste is pure rum, and nothing else.
On the Nose
The nose is immediately appealing — warm vanilla and butterscotch, with a rich dried fruit character from the sherry finishing. There are notes of toffee, brown sugar, and a hint of dark chocolate. The pot still component provides subtle tropical fruit — banana and a touch of mango — while the oak contributes a pleasant toastiness and a whisper of coconut. Warm spices, cinnamon and nutmeg, round out a nose that punches well above its price point.
The Palate
On the palate, Doorly's XO is smooth, rich, and remarkably complex. The sherry influence is prominent, bringing dried fruit — raisin, fig, and date — along with a wine-like depth. Vanilla and caramel from the bourbon cask ageing provide sweetness, while the pot still element adds a fruity complexity and a subtle Barbadian character. The mouthfeel is medium to full-bodied, with a silky texture and a pleasant warmth from the 40% ABV. Dark chocolate and coffee emerge on the mid-palate, adding further layers of flavour.
The Finish
The finish is long for a rum at this price — warm oak, dried fruit, and a persistent butterscotch sweetness that fades slowly into a drier, more spice-led conclusion. There is a final note of dark chocolate and a gentle warmth that lingers pleasantly. It is a finish that would be impressive at three times the price.
Doorly's XO is superb neat, where its sherry-cask complexity can be fully appreciated. It also makes an outstanding rum Old Fashioned, the dried fruit and spice notes complementing the bitters beautifully. For anyone exploring aged rum, this bottle is an absolute must — it demonstrates that quality need not come with a premium price tag.
