Transcontinental Rum Line, Barbados 2012
ABV: 46%
Country: Barbados
Age: 5 years
Cask: Unknown
Still: Unknown
Price: Unknown (I paid £35, pre-fees at auction)
Distillery: Foursquare Distillery
I recently picked up a bottle of Transcontinental Rum Line’s Barbados 2012 at auction, and was excited to finally sit down and give it a proper tasting. This series combines adventurous branding with an emphasis on showcasing rum styles from different parts of the world, often through limited vintage bottlings. The Barbados 2012 is one of those releases that promises both transparency and character, making it a fun one to dig into.
The Transcontinental Rum Line is an independent bottling project from La Maison & Velier, a name that’s become synonymous with innovative, high-quality spirits. Their concept is simple but clever: highlight the journey of rum from its tropical birthplace to its European maturation. Many of the rums in this line spend part of their life ageing in the Caribbean and then continue their maturation in Europe—giving drinkers a chance to explore how climate and cask conditions influence the final spirit.
The Barbados 2012 was distilled at one of the island’s respected distilleries and bottled after a period of both tropical and continental ageing. Like the rest of the range, it’s produced with an eye on honesty: no additives, no colouring, no shortcuts. For fans of Barbados rum, or anyone curious about how independent bottlers can offer a fresh perspective, this release is a great example of what makes the Transcontinental Rum Line stand out.
Nose
Initially a warm and dry sweetness that is quite inviting despite some ethanol. Coconut husk and cooked walnuts give way to the ‘traditional’ Barbados profile of juicy pineapple.
Palate
I’d say that this is on the lighter side for a Barbados rum with minimal wood influence (no pepper or tannins) but a little gentle vanilla. The finish has a burnt orange bitterness. Despite the tropical profile this isn’t particularly sweet. Overall a really nice balance with a short finish.
6/10 – This is a no brainer for the price I paid. It’s nothing crazy, just a simple profile, done well.
My scoring system, explained
- 10: Exceptional. This is best in class and a firm favourite of mine.
- 9: Outstanding. Near perfection, a bottle I would be sad to finish (and very happy to restock!)
- 8: Excellent. An evening spent sipping this would be a very good one.
- 7: Great. Add to cart, no questions asked.
- 6: Very good. At the right price I would definitely buy a bottle.
- 5: Good. If someone poured me a glass you wouldn’t hear me complain.
- 4: Above average. Not quite good but better than some.
- 3: Average. Average at best, this isn’t offensive but equally not exciting either.
- 2: Not for me. This simply means it’s not a profile I find enjoyable; rather than a reflection of quality.
- 1: Not the spirit. This is a poor representation of the spirit.
