2009 Foursquare Exceptional Cask Selection 12 Year Old Full Proof Single Blended Rum (750ml)

For those serious about rum, Foursquare needs no introduction. Within an industry dominated by corporations, marketing hype and additives, the distillery has become a byword for classic Caribbean styles. Master Blender and Distiller, Richard Seale continues to fight for transparency in production and labelling. His talent and drive led noted spirits authority, Fred Minnick to describe Foursquare as "the Pappy of rum." This is the seventeenth Exceptional Cask Release since the original 1998 edition. These releases are the personal passion of Seale. Typically around eleven to twelve years old and bottled around the 60% ABV mark, the 2009 is an 'all-natural' (nothing added) blend of pot and Coffey distilled molasses rums, delivering the kind of purity, poise and elegance at 60% that leans towards XO cognac. Full-term matured in Barbados in 1st, 2nd and 3rd fill ex-Bourbon barrels, the flavour profile follows the aromas in a complex, seamless integration of banana bread, baked pineapple, mango, dried figs, coconut, wild honey and sweet spices that powers on at remarkable length. There is barely a trace of burn from the alcohol, the finish finely balancing the sugars with notes of cigar box, pepper and molasses cake. It feels utterly effortless from beginning to end. Give this sensational rum time to breathe to experience it at its best. Very limited stocks.

Other reviews... Wow! Surprised this hasn’t had a full house given to it yet so here is one from me. This is better than the 2007, and as good as the 2008. Different yes, more subtle, less burn and dangerously easy to sip. Richard Seale is a genius. 10/10 - rumratings.com