Doorly's 5 Year Review

Doorly’s 5 Year represents Foursquare Distillery’s entry-level offering, delivering a straightforward Barbadian rum experience at an accessible price point. The 5yo is a single blended rum, a combination of column and pot still, aged in former bourbon casks whereafter it’s bottled without any dosage or additives at 40%.

Technical Assessment

Matured in ex-bourbon casks and bottled without added sweeteners or flavourings, this expression demonstrates Foursquare’s commitment to authentic rum production. The production methodology combines both pot and column still distillate, creating balance between character and approachability. The rum is a blend of rich and heavy pot still rum, and light, aromatic column still rum, which makes for an excellently balanced spirit.

Nose Evaluation

The aromatic presentation delivers vanilla and toffee characteristics with light spice integration. The aromas is fruity, woody and spicy with hints of vanilla, toffee, citrus and oak. The nose maintains pleasant accessibility while providing sufficient complexity for the price category. Aroma brings vanilla, toffee, and gentle wood, establishing clear expectations for the palate experience.

Palate Analysis

The palate execution fulfills the nose promises with smooth vanilla characteristics and tropical fruit development. The integration demonstrates competent blending without excessive heat interference at 40% strength. This rum is nice and smooth on the palate with vanilla and caramel coming through the dry fruit comes in more on taste then smell. The technical scores reflect adequate performance within its category positioning.

Finish Assessment

The rather short finish is round with tastes of vanilla, toffee, oak and spices. The conclusion lacks persistence compared to higher-aged expressions but maintains pleasant characteristics through the limited duration. Short finish represents the primary limitation of this expression.

Performance Context

This is a serious contender for best rum in the £20 price bracket. The rum functions effectively across multiple applications, serving both as accessible sipper and reliable cocktail base. Easy sipping and easy drinking this is certainly what many would class as a “premium mixer”. RumX tasters agree: a balanced, unfussy rum that shines for the price—especially as an everyday sipper or mixer.

Final Assessment

Doorly’s 5 Year executes its role as entry-level Barbadian rum with technical competence and reliable value proposition. The expression delivers authentic Caribbean character without pretense, making it suitable for both newcomers and experienced drinkers seeking straightforward quality. Within its price segment, it represents solid value for those requiring dependable mixing rum or uncomplicated sipper.