Appearance

Analyzing the Foursquare Rum Distillery Port Cask Finish through the Spiegelau Willsberger glass, the rum resembles a dark gold/light amber coloring.

Aroma

I am pleasantly surprised that a $35 bottle of rum can deliver this range of aromas. The port and bourbon characters are both noticeable. I’d also say the time aged in each barrel (6 years in port, 3 years in bourbon) was spot on. Port style notes of sweet raisins, plums, ripe Bartlett pears and slightly grainy mango. From the bourbon side, a subtle oak and caramel.

Flavor

The rum delivers a youthful, bright and dry mouthfeel. Initial few sips are lacking in depth. With a few more sips, there’s some faintness in raisins, roasted coffee beans, cocoa, oak, vanilla, baking spices and tannins.

Balance

Although the flavors are lacking in depth, there is balance in the port driven and bourbon driven flavors without compromising the baseline of rum. Further, the alcohol/heat is in check.

Finish

The finish is also a bit lacking, namely comprised of earthiness (cocoa and coffee beans), spice (baking spices) and tannins on the sides of the tongue and rear palate.

Overall

The Foursquare Rum Distillery Port Cask Finish is a prime (yet rare) example of having a stellar nose, but a tasting experience that failed to deliver. I expected the tasting to match the wonderful nosing of the port and bourbon finishings, while still preserving the integrity of the rum. Instead, what I received was thin flavors and overall lack in depth and body. The youth and brightness unfortunately showed a bit too much. I’ll be very curious what Foursquare can do given an older rum and further subsequent maturations.

Jiunn Liu

SCORE

5.58

Cost/Point

$6.27

Scoring System

Personal Spirit Review: Foursquare Rum Distillery Port Cask Finish