Equiano Original

Review #1484; Rum #784

I know I am very late to trying this rum and that as of this writing, Ian Burrell is no longer involved due to a trademark dispute so don’t go out and buy it. But, this is a blend of rums with molasses rums from Gray’s distillery on Mauritius and Foursquare on Barbados. The Gray’s aged for 10 years inex-cognac and French oak casks, the Barbados for 8 years, and they were blended together and married in ex-bourbon casks for this bottling with no additives. When this rum originally released 5% of all company profits and $2 of every bottle purchased went to freedom and equality projects.


Distillery: Gray’s and Foursquare

Bottler:  Equiano

Region: Mauritius and Barbaod

Still: Pot and Column

ABV: 43%


Nose: Vanilla, Caramel, Toasted coconut, Lemon, Ginger, Pineapple,  Orange Peel

Palate:  Medium Mouthfeel, Caramel, Toasted Coconut, Lemon, Ginger, Pineapple, Vanilla Cream, Black Tea, Orange Peel

Finish: Medium length finish, Toasted Coconut, Caramel, Black Tea, Lemon, Ginger, Vanilla Cream, Orange Peel


It’s a bit of a shame that there was the fallout around this brand because this is some seriously great rum. Its complex, fruits, spices, a bit of sweetness and tea help to round it out. It drinks very well and doesn’t come across as thin or watery. It has enough going on that as Ian would say, this is sessionable rum. I could see myself just sipping on this all night.

Final Score: 88


Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.

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