Although you may not be familiar with the Rum Duty Act of 1906 in Barbados, the ramifications of this legislation was significant in forging the landscape of Bajan rum since its enactment. After it was passed it created a two-tier system, altering the manner in which rum could be distributed in Barbados because distillers could only sell rums in bulk, which forced wine and spirit merchants to create their own brand.
In 1908, Martin Doorly & Co was registered. It soon evolved into Doorly Macaw Rum and, although bulk rum was traded in casks long before, it became the first bottled rum to be exported from the island. Although Doorly’s rum is rarely referred to as Doorly Macaw Rum anymore, its bottles and packaging still tend to feature the Neotropical parrots, and the image is still a traditional and recognisable trademark of the brand.
Doorly’s is not a brand purely of historical record, however. R. L. Seale acquired Doorly’s in 1993 and, in keeping its history, decided that it would become an export brand. It continues to thrive today, and it is still owned by R.L. Seale and produced at the wonderful Foursquare Distillery. A range of its superb rums can be found here, such as Doorlys 3 Year Old, Doorly's XO Rum and the famous Doorly's 12 Year Old - so be sure to check them out - and enjoy!