Angel's Share Title
Foursquare 2010 Exceptional Cask Selection Mark XXI
When visiting the Foursquare Rum Distillery as part of the Barbados Rum Experience, I purchased this bottle at the Copper Still Bar and gift shop. Foursquare’s CEO, distiller, and blender Richard Seale curates the exceptional cask selections and only releases products that he finds unique for the series. Each bottling is limited and available on the global market for a relatively short period of time. Over the years I have acquired a few of them, but I have mostly experienced them during random rum tastings or a friend sharing a sample with me, so it was hard to resist the opportunity to pick up a bottle when I had a chance. The 2010 incarnation of the series is a blend of Foursquare’s double retort pot still and column still rums aged for 12 years in used bourbon casks and blended to 60% ABV. This expression was first released in July of 2022 and, true to all Foursquare products, has no sugar, no color, and no flavor additives.
Foursquare 2010 Exceptional Cask Selection Mark XXI
Appearance
The 70 cl bottle is the standard bottle design used for many of Foursquare’s products. The label shares details about the product and normal government regulations. The bottle is secured with black security wrap that covers the top and most of the neck of the bottle, which has a plastic cap and synthetic cork inside. The liquid holds a medium amber color in the bottle and glass. Swirling the liquid creates a thin band that releases a single wave of legs before evaporating and leaving a ring of pebbles around the glass.
Nose
The aroma delivers notes of vanilla, pineapple, rock fruit, sweet mango, and ripe bananas front and center. At the midpoint, I found anise, black cherry, and orange zest. As these notes fade, a light note of acetone drifts in along with black pepper and graphite mineral notes.
Palate
Like the aroma, the caramelized vanilla leads the way with a warm, dry entry. Fruit and spice notes hit the palate fast, and it takes a little while to decipher everything coming at the palate. I found flavor notes of peach, banana flambe, plums, and grilled pineapple. Spice notes arrive mid-palate, releasing black pepper, cloves, anise, cinnamon, baking spices, and a strong dose of alcohol. As the flavors fade, the pepper lingers a bit, and the oak tannins really come out to play in a long, warm finish.
Review
One thing that is clear when imbibing this rum is that it has aroma and flavor markers that identify it as a Foursquare product. However, in my experience, there is nothing else quite like it in the company’s portfolio. The warmth of the spirit, the balance of fruit, spice, and wood notes hit differently and a tad harder than other rums in the Exceptional Cask series. This spirit is intended to be enjoyed neat, but it could really shine in a cocktail that calls for a higher proof rum with a lot of fruit esters. If you are someone who enjoys the Foursquare line, this is a must have addition for you to explore.
