Foursquare 2008

A bit bolder than the other Foursquare exceptional cask offerings. One of the few rums where I have been able to pick up on individual flavors and smells. Delightful.

I'll do this review as a comparison between 2007 and 2008, which I think some people will appreciate. To be clear, both are excellent, and you can't go wrong with either. 2007 is a deeper, darker tasting, more charred drinking experience. There is a good kind of bitterness to this, in the same way that good coffee is bitter but smooth. I get burnt toffee notes with hints of dark cocoa and coffee, and a a medicinal quality throughout. Finally, I get highly caramelized sweetness on the back end that reminds me of burnt (practically blackened) sugar. By comparison, 2008 is brighter and fruitier. It is dessert in the form of berry compote over medium toasted creme brulee. A perception of sweetness exists throughout, but it never strikes a bass note in the same way as the 2007. As I return to it, I find hints of licorice, candied orange, cardamom, and cognac. If I did not know that this was only aged in ex bourbon casks, I would swear to a brandy influence of some type. Neither is better than the other. Each brings something unique to the table. At the same time, the shared pedigree of excellence is undeniable.

Sweet, smooth excellent balance.

Simply Amazing!! I can’t stop sipping this.

Very strong oak forward. The sweetness is there but almost hides delicately. Long lingering burn with spice. The heat and spice so complex it almost blinds the sweetness you get from the nose and that initial hit. It’s got that back of the tongue spicy heat that lasts longer than a lot of bourbons. One hell of a Caribbean hug.

All spice, vanilla, butter scotch, octane at 60%

A delicious and complex rum.

Beautiful light orange copper color. Butter Rum LifeSavers on the nose. Sweet sugar cane/brown sugar/molasses, vanilla and a heavy dose of oak dominate the flavor profile. The 60% ABV definitely presents itself...but fades into a long, pleasant, peppery burn. 4.20.