John D Taylor Velvet Falernum Liqueur Barbados

John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum Liqueur (11% ABV) is the original, classic falernum from Barbados, crafted in the late 1800s and still made today by R.L. Seale & Co.

John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum is the gold standard for falernum—a luxuriously spiced, lime‑bright liqueur with that legendary velvety texture. Essential for tropical cocktails, sipping on its own, or taking your cocktail game to island levels.

🥥 Flavor & Texture

• A rum‑based spiced‑syrup liqueur sweetened with cane sugar, jam‑packed with lime peel, almond, clove, ginger, nutmeg, and warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom 

• Velvety smooth on the palate, offering a luscious mouthfeel (“velvet” indeed), balanced by zesty citrus and a pinch of spice .

🍹 Use in Cocktails

• The MVP of tropical and tiki mixing—perfect for Rum Swizzles, Zombies, Mai Tais, Corn ‘N Oil, swizzles, and spiced punches 

• Think of it as spiced, boozy simple syrup: use it in daiquiris, mojitos, sangria, or stirred drinks to add texture, warmth, and a tropical twist 

👃 Tasting Notes

• Nose: Bright candied lime and clove, with whispers of nutmeg, cinnamon, lemon thyme, and allspice 

• Palate: Rich and spicy—lime cordial meets toasted almond and clove, with a gentle pick‑me‑up of ginger and nutmeg

• Finish: Sweet and warming, lingering with zesty lime and aromatic spice.

✅ Clinical Highlights

🌴 Why It Matters

• It’s the authentic falernum, regarded as the original and indispensable for Caribbean‑style drinks 

• A multitool in cocktail crafting—adds sweetness, spice, texture, and tropical character all in one elegant, low‑ABV pour 

🍸 Quick Serve Idea

• Corn ‘N Oil (Barbados classic): 2 oz aged rum, 1 oz Velvet Falernum, sizzle with Angostura bitters and lime juice. Stir and serve.

Must-Try Cocktails with Velvet Falernum

1. Corn ‘n Oil (Classic Bajan cocktail)

• 2 oz aged Barbados rum (like Doorly’s or Mount Gay)

• 0.75 oz Velvet Falernum

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Lime wedge (optional)

Stir over ice and serve in an old-fashioned glass. Dark, sweet, spicy perfection.

2. Royal Bermuda Yacht Club

• 2 oz white or aged rum

• 0.5 oz Velvet Falernum

• 0.5 oz lime juice

• 0.25 oz orange curaçao

Shake with ice, strain into a coupe. Think Daiquiri with a spicy Caribbean twist.

3. Kingston Negroni (Tropical twist on a Negroni)

• 1 oz Jamaican rum (e.g. Smith & Cross)

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 1 oz Campari

• 0.25 oz Velvet Falernum

Stir and serve on the rocks with an orange twist—bold, bitter, and lightly spiced.