Foursquare 2011
ABV: 60%
Country: Barbados
Age: 12 years
Cask: ex-bourbon
Still: Pot and Column blend
Price: £80
Distillery: Foursquare
If you’re a fan of exceptional rum, then Foursquare Distillery needs no introduction. Located in Barbados, this distillery has built a reputation for crafting some of the highest awarded rums in the world, and Foursquare 2011 is no exception. Foursquare 2011 is part of the highly sought-after Exceptional Cask Selection series (24th release), if you’re lucky enough to find a bottle, don’t hesitate—this is a collector’s item and a delightful neat sipper.
Nose
This has been sat in the glass for around 30 minutes before I’ve started my tasting. The opening note for me here is a small amount of acetone that quickly dissipates to a stunning bouquet of flavours! There are some bold spicy flavours coming through – think pepper, ginger and cloves; these notes are being complimented beautifully with raisins, strawberries and a mixed nut trail mix.
There is a warming wood influence that makes me think of damp, old wood that has been tossed onto a fire.
Blackcurrant concentrate rounds this off with a sprinkle of rock salt.
Palate
A literal explosion of red fruits, bold tannins and not insignificant heat as I take my first few sips. I found myself constantly going back and forth between glass and notebook as a new flavour jumped out or I honed in on a specific element.
The blackcurrant from the nose is still here… but taking the form of a blackcurrant jam on slightly burned sourdough toast. A complimentary smokiness makes me think that this cask saw a decent amount of char.
This has quite a heavy, tart, drying profile that’s chewy with burnt baking spices.
9/10 – A bold, complex, and collectible rum
My scoring system, explained
- 10: Exceptional. This is best in class and a firm favourite of mine.
- 9: Outstanding. Near perfection, a bottle I would be sad to finish (and very happy to restock!)
- 8: Excellent. An evening spent sipping this would be a very good one.
- 7: Great. Add to cart, no questions asked.
- 6: Very good. At the right price I would definitely buy a bottle.
- 5: Good. If someone poured me a glass you wouldn’t hear me complain.
- 4: Above average. Not quite good but better than some.
- 3: Average. Average at best, this isn’t offensive but equally not exciting either.
- 2: Not for me. This simply means it’s not a profile I find enjoyable; rather than a reflection of quality.
- 1: Not the spirit. This is a poor representation of the spirit.
