Foursquare Rum/2011 expression

Collectible rum deserves consideration among bourbon and whisky lovers. Rum is beginning to make waves the way small batch tequila did many moons ago—and the hottest rums in the market now are arguably the expressions from Altamar Brand’s Foursquare Distilling. Brandon Cummins, Altamar’s director of education, has witnessed the product’s skyrocketing popularity. “The first three releases we had, 2015 and 2016, took nearly three years to sell through and now we are selling an entire release before the container touches customs. It’s all pre-sold before it lands.”

The critical acclaim is there too. Foursquare’s wins include the 2021 IWSC Outstanding Spirits Producer, and ISC Rum Producer of the Year six years running. Yet, admits Cummins, consumers need to be aware of what they are buying with regard to rum; “Collectible rum has had challenges taking off in the US market because there is so much obfuscation in the category.”

By obfuscation he means muddled information about additives and sugar content, among other things. “I am astonished by how many rums still have sugar, added flavor or coloring—many brands that have a perceived really high value have added sugar and color.” Foursquare makes a point of calling out that their rums have nothing added –no sugar, additives or coloring—but, notes Cummins, “It’s a challenge for us when consumer standards have been set by expressions we would recognize as liqueur. If I add 30g of sugar to a product it will be delicious,” and very different tasting to a rum with nothing added. Right now, says Cummins, “Rum liqueur is effectively being sold right next to high-end craft rum. Yet, they are two very different things.”

Foursquare’s offerings, aged and blended in Barbados, stand tangentially from whiskies and bourbons, making them a favoured alternative for fans of the latter. “We notice numerous whiskey collectors exploring our rum palette,” explains Cummons, adding his father-in-law as an example who was convinced from being a single malt aficionado into pairing cigars with Foursquare rum. Today, he has transformed into a fervent advocate for their rums.

The trademark flavor profile of Foursquare rums displays layers of toasted coconut, bountiful fruits such as dark cherries and plums, with a burnt citrus or orange peel hint. “With varying degrees of funk and notes of caramelized banana,” outlines Cummins.

The newly launched Foursquare Mark XXIV “2011” is a wonderful addition.

Single Blended Rum, aged for 12 years, this masterpiece combines first, second and third fill Ex-Bourbon barrels, bottled at 60% ABV. It is pure with no added color, sugars or additives, and is unfiltered. The entire process, right from distillation to packaging, happens on an island in Barbados. It retails at $119.