Equiano Original Rum
Equiano Original Rum is an 86-proof (43% ABV) 750mL Afro-Caribbean rum — the world's first rum to blend liquid from two distilleries on two different continents. Molasses rum from Gray's Distillery in Mauritius, aged ten years in French Limousin oak and ex-Cognac casks, is married with Foursquare rum from Barbados, aged eight years in ex-Bourbon casks — then the blend is rested in ex-bourbon casks and bottled at Foursquare. 100% natural, with no added sugar, spices, or colorants. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 43% (86 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Blend: Gray's Distillery, Mauritius (10 yrs, French oak + Cognac casks) + Foursquare, Barbados (8 yrs, ex-Bourbon casks)
- Style: 100% natural — no added sugar, spices, or colorants
- Creators: Ian Burrell + Richard Seale; named for Olaudah Equiano (1745–1797)
East and West, in One Bottle
The rum follows the journey of its namesake: Olaudah Equiano, the Nigerian-born writer, abolitionist, and freedom fighter whose path ran from Africa to the Caribbean and on to England. Global rum ambassador Ian Burrell and Foursquare master distiller Richard Seale built this blend to honor that voyage — Mauritian rum aged a decade in Cognac-seasoned French oak meeting Barbadian rum aged eight years in American white oak, two hemispheres in one glass. Buttery oak, marmalade, chocolate truffle, and dried berries on the nose; rich chocolate and oak with butterscotch and stem ginger on the palate; juicy raspberry and orange oils on the finish. And with 5% of annual profits donated to equality projects, every bottle gives back. Explore the Equiano collection and Del Mesa's rum shelf.
Tasting Notes
Buttery oak up front, followed by marmalade on toast, chocolate truffle, and dried berries. Still rich in chocolate and oak on the palate with butterscotch and stem ginger in support. Finish of juicy raspberry, orange oils, and caraway.
How to Enjoy
Sip neat to appreciate the two-continent blend, or over a single large cube. Elegant enough for the top shelf, balanced enough for a premium rum Old Fashioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Equiano Original unique?
It is believed to be the world's first rum blending liquid from two distilleries on two continents — Gray's in Mauritius and Foursquare in Barbados.
Is anything added to Equiano rum?
No — it is 100% natural with no added sugar, spices, or colorants.
Who was Olaudah Equiano?
A Nigerian-born writer, abolitionist, and freedom fighter (1745–1797) whose journey from Africa to the Caribbean and England inspired the rum; the brand donates 5% of annual profits to equality-focused projects.
Two continents, one bottle — order Equiano Original Rum online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.