John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum Liqueur
John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum Liqueur is the original falernum — the 19th-century Barbados recipe that tiki bartenders still treat as the gold standard. An 11% ABV rum-based liqueur from R.L. Seale & Co. at Foursquare Distillery in St. Philip, Barbados, built on lime, almond, clove, and ginger, with "velvet" in the name for its unmistakably silky texture. If you make a Mai Tai, a Zombie, or a Corn 'n Oil, this is the bottle behind it. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV/Proof: 11% ABV / 22 proof
- Size: 750mL
- Origin: R.L. Seale & Co., Foursquare Distillery, St. Philip, Barbados
- Production: rum-based liqueur sweetened with cane sugar; botanicals of lime peel/zest, almond, clove (including wild cloves from trees near the distillery), ginger, plus nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom
- History: recipe dates to the late 1800s; John D. Taylor was among the first to bottle falernum commercially
The Tiki Essential
Before the tiki revival, falernum nearly vanished — and Taylor's was the bottle that kept the flame. Made by the same Seale family operation behind Foursquare rum, it is the benchmark other falernums are judged against: lime brightness, almond depth, clove warmth, ginger snap, all in a velvety body. No tiki bar worth the name is without it. Explore more liqueurs or the John D. Taylor range.
Tasting Notes
Lime and almond up front, warm clove and ginger through the middle, cane-sugar sweetness rounding it out — silky, spiced, and unmistakably Caribbean.
How to Enjoy
Half an ounce transforms a Rum Swizzle, Zombie, Mai Tai, Corn 'n Oil, or Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. Also excellent neat over ice, lengthened with soda, or drizzled over desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is falernum?
A Caribbean spiced liqueur of lime, almond, ginger, and clove — "velvet" refers to its silky texture. It originated in Barbados in the late 1800s.
Who makes John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum?
R.L. Seale & Co. at Foursquare Distillery in St. Philip, Barbados — the same family operation as Foursquare rum.
What is the ABV?
11% ABV (22 proof).
What cocktails use it?
The classics: Rum Swizzle, Zombie, Mai Tai, Corn 'n Oil, and Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.
The bottle every tiki bar builds on — order John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum Liqueur online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.