http://www.life-n-styles-barbados.com/
In this website there is a very detailed description of the Foursquare Rum Distillery, realised by Green Engineering for R.L.Seale in 1996 .
R.L.Seale is surely one of our Best Customers, and we have a similar view of our work : the passion for excellence. For this reason i'm cooperating with Mr. Richard Seale very closely and continuously in researches about quality of Rum and system for lowering the energy consumptions of the plant.
I would like to thank the "Life n Style in Barbados" website for making this article available also for the GreenCLUB . The original version is available at the following link : http://www.life-n-styles-barbados.com/foursquare-rum-distillery-and-heritage-park.html
A Rare Barbados Heritage Attraction
In Barbados, the handsomely groomed Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park situated in St. Philip, offers over 8 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds respectful of over 250 years of heritage, in producing sugar, rum and molasses.
Foursquare, the name of the factory inspired by the Square pond in the area was a sugar plantation as far back as the 15th Century and the site of rum production during the 17th Century.
This prominent park can be described as a museum –paying tribute to so many parts of Barbadian history on a scale, showcasing the magnitude of sugar’s reign and the prominence of its heir loom, rum.
For the rum connoisseur it is a delightful art exhibit, for the family and children, it is interesting and educational.
For plant enthusiasts, it is the place to meander and collect the scientific names of the plants you adore.
This attraction in Barbados is a free, self- guided tour; the information provided appears on signage throughout which details every process and historic significance of every section of ths rum distillery in Barbados.
A Heritage Museum and Park – Make it Educational or Artful
Inside of the Foursquare Rum Distillery, there is an elegant ambiance of form and function, tradition and innovation, procuring excellence.
Large photos of traditional field workers and the old sugar factory are prominently displayed with enhanced lighting.
Exposed brick from the old structure adds character along with hundreds of casks/barrels, filled with fine Barbadian rums stack over 20 feet high and precisely arranged by year.
This modern Barbados rum distillery differs from other Caribbean rum distilleries in that its interior is resonant of a boutique winery- spacious and pristine.
An Aged Old Tradition – a family Blend of Perfection – the Finest Barbadian Rums
The rum blended at Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park is produced by R.L. Seale and Co. Ltd., a wholly family owned and operated rum company, dating back to the 1820s, this family business is one of the last remaining Barbadian manufacturers of rum and one of the last independent manufactures of the spirit in the Caribbean.
R.L. Seale and Co. Ltd has professionally bottled fine rums for years, many of which are Barbadian favourites, appreciated also by many in the Caribbean and the world. (See favourite Barbadian rums on our rum page, click here.)
This distillery’s special rums for export and the Barbados market include: ESA Field, Doorlys, Old Brigand, Foursquare Spiced Rum and Tommy Bahama.
Walking through this family’s traditional and modern operation- A rum gift centre displays the exquisite rums made at the Foursquare Rum Distillery and a self guided path, shows the main ingredients for the foundation of any spirit called rum (water, molasses and yeast).
Behind this interactive display, you’ll notice state-of- the-art equipment used to mix, these main ingredients.
The process goes something like this... the molasses is diluted with water, and the yeast is diluted with warm water to hydrate it.
he molasses is then fed steadily in to the hydrated yeast, after the yeast has grown to a certain amount within a vessel, three quarters of that mixture is transferred to a large, empty, stainless steel, fermentation vat, the other quarter of this mixture remains in the vessel to grow more yeast.
During the fermentation process the yeast converts sugar from molasses in to alcohol.
At the Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados, fermentation is carefully monitored by computer to bestow a long and slow ferment.
The rum is then placed in natural oak barrels to age. During the aging process, the rum reacts with the oak to give the rum its characteristic flavour and colour.
As the rum ages, the length of time spent in the barrel is responsible for developing and defining the spirit- It is during these years, the finest rum in Barbados is developed.
“The older the rum, the more complex the aroma and taste and the more exquisite the bottle- The more flattering it is as a gift.”-
Master blender and distiller Richard Seale employs authentic methods in producing, blending and artfully maturing these fine rums to quality specifications every barrel.
ùA practice that has garnered the company’s rum notable awards. Including medals awarded to Foursquare Rum at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 02, 03 and 04. While Doorlys XO was awarded BEST IN CLASS (Caribbean Gold Rum) at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2009 in London.
Foursquare Rum Distillery - Environmentally Friendly Production (Reduce, reuse and recycle)
Perhaps this is no surprise, after seeing acres of lush grounds, beautified gardens and well manicured trees across the estate. The environment, for Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park is a top priority.
Carbon dioxide- the green house effect gas released during the alcohol making process is trapped and passed through a Carbon dioxide purification plant at the Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados, where it is then stored as carbon dioxide liquid, and dispersed to soft drink manufacturers, restaurants with drink dispensers and business using the liquid for welding.
Further waste from the Foursquare Rum Distillery plant is treated.
The first, spent wash, is condensed in to a thicker form called Condensed Molasses Soluble (CMS) used for animal feeds and as a fertilizer in agriculture.
The other part of the waste which is treated is effluent, because based on its Biological Oxygen Demand, if effluent is passed through water, it will suck the oxygen out of the water. This waste is treated by aeration allowing the effluent to pick up oxygen from the air.
The end product is then used for irrigation on the premises. When you see these premises, you’d want some aerated effluent for your garden or back yard too.
These sound, environmentally friendly practices have also made Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park the recipient of environmentally friendly awards.
The celebrated operations of Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park in Barbados, is the “brain child” of owner, Sir David Seale, one of Barbados’ renowned businessmen, who together with his son Richard Seale enhance the rum making process through adopting “green practices and energy saving initiatives”, while opening up the operations of the distillery to the public for all those who wish to enjoy an integral part of Barbados’ heritage and culture.
Something for Everyone
The Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park literally has something for everyone to delve in to, this estate on Barbados is so amazingly attired, dotted with all types of trees and shrubbery along its paths, each plant with a plaque presenting its scientific name, making the winding pathway a plant lover’s attraction, there are plenty of benches along the way.
The ruins of another historic structure and blooming vines make alter at the next round-about, an area and backdrop suitable for a fairytale wedding. The old sugar cane pit another remnant of the 15th century sugar plantation is now covered, arranged theatre style, and hosts film screenings, plays and Jazz acts during the Barbados Jazz festival.
There are other museums the whole family can enjoy without leaving the Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park, including a small folk museum, and a large outdoor display of some of the machinery which was used in the old sugar plantation back in 1636.
Not to mention a vast and well equipped play ground to make children’s play everything they could ever want, this is attraction in Barbados is sure to keep them happily occupied for hours. Swing sets, mini fierce wheel and slides are just a few of the play ground’s pacifiers.
There is also a cafe where you can relax, have light snacks and beverages, on glass top table tops placed over casks, and an art gallery and gift shop, where you can pick up some island art and craft, other souvenirs, T-shirts and of course Barbados’ best rums.
Rich in heritage and culture, this free tour is educational, artful and well-rounded, suitable for everyone. The entire estate is great for a family day out, a day for the children to try something new and a way for you and your friends to get away from it all. And an inviting place to have an unforgettable outdoor island wedding.
There isn’t another rum-making heritage attraction in Barbados with as much depth of character and historic sincerity as Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park or with as much realism of the heritage of rum-making dating back to 15th Century. In our opinion it is a wonderful tourist attraction in Barbados for locals and visitors.
If you’re thinking you can savour everything this attraction in Barbados has to offer, think again, there is no way you’ll do an see it all at Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park in a only a couple hours, make a day of it or even visit twice.
