Foursquare Convocation
Single Traditional Barbados Blended Rum
62% ABV / RRP: £98.00

Nose: An indulgent and deeply satisfying, rich, sweet soirée of sun-drenched sultanas, luscious prunes, sticky dates, ripe bananas and fragrant orange peel. The fruit-forward nose is layered beautifully with warm, dessert-like undertones of dulce de leche, dark chocolate ganache and moist malt loaf. As the nose develops, it reveals an assertive and bold spice blend of anise, nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger, all gently wrapped in the comforting embrace of sweet, charred oak. It’s a nose that invites contemplation and rewards patience.

Palate: The first sip is an explosion of vibrant, sweet complexity – maraschino cherries lead the charge, closely followed by a medley of dried fruits, grilled pineapple rings and Dapple Dandy plums. There’s a lush, almost chewy quality to the texture that delivers additional layers of flavour: sticky toffee, anise, white pepper and beautifully integrated wood spice. Just when you think it’s done revealing itself, a teasing wisp of menthol adds a freshness and lift to the deeper, richer notes.

Finish: Gloriously full-bodied and impeccably rounded, the finish rolls on with a confident, lingering presence. It’s as if each note from the nose and palate takes one last bow – sweet fruits, exotic spices and aged oak — all in harmonious reprise. Long, warming and utterly satisfying!

Summary: Having had the good fortune to sample a pre-release sample of this bottling, I eagerly entered the now all-too-familiar competitive sport of securing a bottle of the latest Foursquare release — and I’m thrilled to report that the effort was well worth it. This 14 Year Old expression from the revered Barbados distillery is nothing short of a tasting triumph. It’s one of their most balanced releases to date imho, with both the ex-Bourbon and ex-Madeira cask influences clearly defined yet seamlessly integrated. Each cask brings its own character to the fore without overshadowing the other, creating a rich, multi-layered sipping experience that is both enthralling and epically enjoyable!