Review by: Raygun

The Auditor dropped a bunch of rum samples on me, and…well, I’ll do my best. Had a handful of rums before, and I’m being pretty literal there. Still feeling my way there, but I’ll give this one a shot. This is a blend of column and pot still rums from Foursquare. Reviewed from a sample, initially tasted blind. Rested about 10 minutes. 

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Distillery: Foursquare

Bottler: Foursquare

Region/style: Barbados blended (pot and column still) rum

ABV: 48% 

Age: 12 years. Bottled and released in August 2019. 

Cask type: Bourbon and Madeira

Color: 1.6 mahogany

Price: $70-80

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Nose: This is…well, not strange. Pineapple upside-down cake, waffles with maple syrup. Has a very caramelized richness to it, with a hint of incense.  

Palate: I can make sense of this. On the sweet side for sure, but I like the caramel character. As a Scotch drinker, it’s got some familiar aspects to it. Waffles, pineapple, cherimoya, some pencil shavings. I’m wondering if it’s got some kind of finish. There’s something in here…I don’t think it’s sherry, but something more than a bourbon cask. 

Finish: Still rich, and definitely woody. Dark caramel, pineapple, cherimoya. A little hint of orange. No noticeable heat. In fact, it’s pretty “smooth.” But definitely rich. 

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Conclusion: Approachable for sure. I can understand why Foursquare is a popular entry to rum for whisky drinkers in particular. I did find the sweetness got a little heavy after a while. I’d probably want smaller pours of it. 

Buy a bottle? I don’t think so

Score: 74

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent rum worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.