Foursquare 9 Single Cask Cask Strength (Rolling Fork)

Rating: 12/23 Nose: Very oily with a touch of burnt sugar. As it warms, subtle brown sugar and tropical fruits emerge, along with a hint of ethanol. Palate: Oily, sweet, and spirited. It tastes somewhat young, but not excessively so. It has warmth without harshness. There's a sweet water flavor present, along with some typical rum characteristics, possibly from the cane sugar. Hints of wood and spice are detected, but not prominent. Late Palate: A pleasant wave of vanilla appears. While not the most complex, it's quite drinkable, despite the high proof. Finish: Definitely oily. Lingering hints of slightly burnt caramel, with some spices. Perhaps faint traces of tropical fruit and just a tiny whiff of vanilla. - Conclusion - It doesn't surpass Obtainium 13 Light Whiskey (13/23), but it's definitely better. Diamond Port Mourant 13 (Hamilton) (13/23) is richer and more complex but less sweet and fun; however, it's less spirited. This creates a dilemma. The bold oiliness from the Obtainium is now more apparent. This has a much lower proof but similar heat. I'm now leaning towards this not being as good, though it's close, likely a 12 or 13. It might be a bit too harsh for a 13, so it seems like a 12. Revisiting this, I'm appreciating the vanilla more. Russell's Reserve 10 (16/23) is superior, offering more complexity and refinement with delicate floral vanilla and cherry. I'm definitely settling on the 12 to 13 range, unfortunately leaning slightly towards a 12. There are enjoyable aspects, but this 9-year-old Foursquare is disappointing. It lacks the expected maturity and is rough, not decadent or complex enough. The description mentions a rye barrel finish, which might explain the heat, spice, and clean water, but it doesn't enhance the rum. Some rye character is present but not impressive. It tastes young and the rye finish seems ill-suited. This is an underwhelming Foursquare.