This is the fifth bottling in the Exceptional Cask series from the Barbados-based Foursquare rum distillery. It is a blend of pot still and column still distillation, which has been aged for 10 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-Madeira wine casks.
Foursquare Criterion
(56%, OB ‘Exceptional Cask Selection’ 2017, 2000 btl.)
Foursquare CriterionNose: classic nose with a medium fruitiness of roasted pineapple, baked apples and overripe bananas. A bright hint of lemon. Well balanced leathery touches and oak spices (nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon). Of course this has the exotic rummy notes but it will definitely be appreciated by bourbon lovers.
Mouth: nice and more unique, I’d say. Again fairly citrusy at first (lemon peel), then growing wider and warmer. A clear smoky / charred side. Nutmeg and hints of eucalyptus and mentholated oak, even a touch of iodine? Banana and yellow apples.
Finish: long, very refreshing with the menthol, but with dark chocolate notes and toffee in the background.
A rather excellent rum that will definitely appeal to whiskey lovers. It finds a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and spicy oak. Recommended. Around € 65, exclusively available from TWE.