The International Wine & Spirits Competition has honored R L Seale Distilling’s Foursquare 14 YO Equipoise Rum with the 2024 Rum Trophy, recognizing it as the world’s finest rum.

Foursquare, 14 YO Equipoise Rum has been named the leading rum in the 2024 IWSC evaluations.

The IWSC, the longest-running spirits competition globally, conducts one of the largest annual assessments of spirits and is renowned as one of the most esteemed competitions in the industry.

The Foursquare Distillery was founded in 1996 by the Seale family, who have been crafting rum since 1820. It is situated on a historic sugar plantation in St. Philip, Barbados.

Richard Seale, who hails from a lineage of distillers spanning four generations, is at the helm of Foursquare Distillery. He is recognized for his dedication to traditional rum-making practices while also embracing innovative methods to produce exceptional rums. Under his leadership, Foursquare has established itself as a prominent name within the rum industry.

At Foursquare Distillery, the production process employs both pot and column distillation methods, with a firm stance against using additives such as caramel or sweeteners. The distillery utilizes both molasses and sugar cane juice, allowing for a diverse range of flavors. The aging process of the rum takes place in a variety of casks, including ex-bourbon, Sherry, and wine, all contributing to the creation of intricate and layered flavor profiles.

The rums produced by Foursquare are celebrated for their nuanced complexity, remarkable balance, and outstanding quality. Below is a general overview of the aroma and taste profile typically associated with Foursquare rums.

Often, Foursquare rums present a rich and intricate nose characterized by multiple layers of aromas. These notes encompass vanilla and caramel, alongside dried fruits like raisins, figs, and apricots. Additionally, baking spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are apparent, complemented by a distinct presence of well-seasoned oak. While the rums also display subtle floral and herbal notes, their intensity can fluctuate significantly depending on the specific expression.

The rums present a smooth and rich experience on the palate. They are characterized by prominent flavors of caramel and toffee, which add a delightful sweetness and texture. Accompanying these are hints of dried fruits like raisins, figs, and dried apricots, along with slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate and coffee, complemented by spicy undertones of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, alongside well-seasoned oak and vanilla. This blend of flavors creates a sophisticated complexity that beautifully balances the sweet and spicy elements with the subtle bitterness from the chocolate and coffee.

Typically, the finish of Foursquare rums is extended, offering a gentle sweetness along with lingering impressions of seasoned oak, spices, and caramel.

The IWSC Judging Panel highlighted the Foursquare 14 YO rum with the following notes:

Aromatic hints of leather and olive oil initially capture the senses, leading to an intriguing mixture of citrus peel, cinnamon, oak, dark chocolate, and nutmeg. The palate is greeted by spiced fruit that dances elegantly, offering a gentle, sweet mouthfeel. The finish is dry and tangy, gradually unveiling layers of caramel, banana bread, and tobacco, resulting in a luxurious and enduring experience.

Foursquare is renowned for producing some of the finest rums globally, and the 14 YO Equipoise stands out as one of the best. Under the expert guidance of Richard Seale, Foursquare has ascended to the ranks of premier rum makers and has played a significant role in reinstating Barbados as a key player in rum production and innovation within distillation. For rum enthusiasts, the offerings from Foursquare are definitely worth discovering.

One Community. Many Voices. Create a complimentary account to express your opinions.

Our community focuses on bringing people together through open and respectful discussions. We invite our readers to share their perspectives and exchange ideas in a supportive environment.

To facilitate this, we kindly ask you to adhere to the posting guidelines outlined in our site’s Terms of Service. Below, we’ve highlighted some fundamental rules. In short, maintain a respectful dialogue.

Your submission may be denied if it appears to include:

User accounts risk being suspended if there is evidence or suspicion of users participating in:

So, what does it take to become a power user?

We appreciate you taking the time to review our community guidelines. For a comprehensive overview of posting regulations, please refer to our site’s Terms of Service.