Foursquare 2010 12 Year Old, Exceptional Cask Selection Mark XXI

2010 represents the latest release from Foursquare Distillery, Barbados. The twenty-first release (Mark XXI) in the Exceptional Cask Selection, continuing the award-winning Vintage series which launched with the ground-breaking, and critically acclaimed 2004.

The 2005 release was awarded Supreme Champion at the International Spirits Challenge in 2018, the first time that a Rum has ever attained the highest award at the competition. The 2007 Vintage continued the award-winning run, with 2008 taking a double gold at the ISC, and the Rum Trophy at the IWSC. The ISC awarded Gold for 2009. Expectations are set to be met with the release of the 2010 Vintage.

2010 is a Single Blended Rum, in that it is a blend of heavy and light marques Rums distilled in the copper double retort pot-still, and the continuous twin column stills of Foursquare Distillery. Matured in Barbados for 12 years in ex-bourbon cask American white oak. Presented at 60% alcohol by volume, without chill-filtration, at its natural colour, and free from sweeteners and other flavourings.

Foursquare 2010 offers a complex and evolving sip. A rich intensity that is balanced in its delivery. Its approachability belying its presentation strength. A truly excellent Rum that you would want to return to time and again.

Tasting Notes by Peter Holland, Foursquare Brand Ambassador (UK)
Nose: A complex nose packed full of juicy raisins and dried figs. Lots of butterscotch and dark chocolate. A gentle earthy, herbaceous dried sage note cues against pineapple and ripe mango. Spiced marzipan, with a gentle mineral salinity.

Palate: Sweet juicy sultanas lead a riot of rich toffee and fudge-y salted caramel. Hints of Seville orange, and more sweet-ripe mango and a pleasing tart Victoria plum dimension.

Finish: A long and warming finish full of black pepper, bitter coffee, and dark bitter chocolate. More of the Seville orange note interweaves.

Overall: This Vintage release brings a complex and engaging sip that rewards exploration, but remains an accommodating companion in a social setting. The perfect bottling for those new to the Cask Strength Limited Edition releases from Foursquare, and rewarding for those who have followed the series for sometime, as 2010 is a new profile direction for the ECS Vintage series.