Top independent judges have confirmed what Bermudians have known for years, that Gosling's Black Seal Rum is a world class spirit.

The Chicago-based Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) has just given their seal of approval to the Bermuda product as a "best buy'' at US$19, and has conferred upon it their highest award, the Platinum Medal, at The World Spirits Championships.

Black Seal, in its first try at being rated by the BTI, was just one point away from being crowned as the World Champion Rum. The results of the exhaustive testing were contained in the July issue of The Wine Enthusiast magazine.

The BTI is an independent products testing service and the World Spirits Championship is the largest instance of international spirits judging on the North American continent. In obtaining 96 out of a possible 100 points in computerised testing, the 80 proof rum is described as "Dark amber, orange rim. Medium-full body and sweetness. Notes of mint, ginger, prune and black licorice. Deep, assertive and highly flavoured. Very fragrant, with herbal sharpness. At the finish there is softness and elegance. A most complex, unusual spirit.'' The World Spirits Championships rated only one rum higher (97), Appleton Estate (Jamaica) Extra 12 Year Old, 86 Proof.

Competition judge, Mr. Richard Cooper, said of the old Bermuda blend, "The number two finisher, Gosling's of Bermuda, won the only other Platinum medal with a score of 96 points. Until World War I, Gosling's was available on tap only. After the war, barrels were replaced by bottles.'' The Bermuda blend beat out other popular rums which included Havana Club, Myers, Bacardi Reserve, Captain Morgan's, Cruzan, Brugal, C.J. Wray, Mekhong, J. Bally and a list of others from countries that included the Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Thailand, Cuba, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Barbados and others.

Gosling's, which touts themselves as "Bermuda's Oldest Business House'' having been founded in 1806, were not surprised at the results.

Vice president, Mr. Malcolm B. Gosling, said that their US importer, Marie Brizard Wines & Spirits, USA, had entered the product into the competition, and are now using the results to further promote the product. Mr. Gosling said,"The result is good for a product coming from a small place like Bermuda. We're very proud. We are making a mark. We've had demand from overseas from consumers who have been to Bermuda and tried the product.

They've gone back to the US, Canada and Great Britain and all over. They are writing and asking how they can get our product over there.

"So now we are really concentrating on export. Results from such an international competition like this could help us with our marketing efforts.

"We just got into Canada, and they are having some good success. Our first shipment is on the way to the UK now. We are also in negotiations with distributors in other parts of the world. So there is a growing awareness for Black Seal Rum.'' The firm is approaching 30,000 cases of rum distributed throughout the US martket, but believe that once they reach that mark, sales could suddenly take off there. It is one reason that development of other markets has begun, to ensure as wide a distribution system as possible. There has even been demand from the Caribbean.

"Right now we are talking to quite a global company, as far as just having the distribution rights through the Caribbean, '' added Mr. Gosling.

SEAL OF APPROVAL -- Mr. Ted Gosling (centre), manager of the Gosling's production plant, holds the Platinum Award won by Black Seal Rum. He is joined by vice president, Mr. Malcolm B. Gosling (left) and blender and manager, Mr.

Ken Simons (right).