Foursquare of Barbados is a powerhouse of rum distilling. Independently owned by the Seale family, Richard Seale is highly regarded as one of the best rum producers and blenders of his generation. On top of which he is widely praised for the distillery’s transparency and dedication to craft, certainly raising the bar of what is regarded as ‘exceptional rum’.

Having just landed in the country the Foursquare

‘Exceptional Cask’ series has been widely anticipated among rum enthusiasts. The 2011 Vintage Rum is a marriage of rum from Pot distilled ex-Bourbon cask and Column distilled ex-Camus Cognac casks. This cask strength 2011 vintage release shows complex fruits, spice, toffee, and tannin from careful oak influence.

A bouquet of caramelised grapefruit, dark cocoa, butterscotch, clove, and allspice, then morphing into notes of sandalwood, brine, overripe pineapple, candied banana, and molasses, with hints, in the background, of apricot and plums. The palate is big, expressive, and rich, serving up, amid the almost unctuous unfolding, an array of tropical fruits and dried berries; there is an intricacy here, too, a kind of embroidered quality, with notes of black tea, citrus peel, and baking spices all making themselves felt. The finish is dry and lengthy, with a marvellous and subtle tannic quality. – Notes from Foursquare Rum Distillery