Foursquare Sagacity

I don't have much experience with aged rums of high caliber. A cherished bottle of Appleton Estate 21, saved from a trip to Jamaica years ago, stands out as one of the finest I've sampled. Over the years, I've enjoyed a few other brands on that same quality level, but I haven't truly delved into the category until now. 2021 is when that will change. This seemed like a fine starting point for this exploration. Sagacity is a 12-year-old single blend, an unusual idea for someone accustomed to whisky. A single blended rum combines pot still and column still distillates from the same distillery before aging. Part of the blend matures in former bourbon casks, another part in former madeira casks, and then these aged components are married to create the final product. Sagacity is also a rather intriguing name for a limited edition rum. Sagacity means wisdom or sound judgment, and I believe selecting this bottle demonstrated both qualities! In a word, amazing! I sampled this neat in a glencairn glass. The bottle has been open for about two weeks. The pour presents a beautiful light walnut hue and shows substantial sheeting when swirled. The aroma isn't immediately impressive. It requires some patience and investigation to move past a dollop of sweet caramel and some damp wood. With a bit of air, I detect maple syrup on French toast with butter, a subtle meatiness, barrel wood, overripe fruit, and a whisper of brine. It's quite a journey! On the palate, this is simply a pleasure. Everything the nose suggested is richly realized. I clearly get banana, nougat, coconut, a touch of sourness, and hints of ginger. There are notes of dark cacao and a trace of bitter coffee bean. The texture is rich, oily, and sweet, leaving a candy-like coating. It's truly decadent. I feel out of my league trying to find flaws, but in comparison, I think this has a slight ethanol thinness and lacks the ultimate mind-blowing complexity found in the AE21. That's about the only criticism I can offer to prevent a perfect score. This is an outstanding spirit, period. I'm incredibly pleased this is my introduction to rum for 2021!

This exquisite brown liquid, unfiltered and without added sugar or color, is like maple syrup in tincture. Viewed under kitchen lights, a stream of barrel and/or cork particles shimmer within the bottle. This is very reassuring as it reminds me of the unfiltered nature of a Glendronach scotch, while simultaneously being far removed from the cloudy haze of a finished Belle Meade bourbon. The nose surprisingly resembles a very sweet bourbon, layered with notes of unripe banana peel, eventually transitioning into honey and brown sugar. After a sip or two, a burnt sugar note emerges along with a charcoal undertone. The palate is as a friend reviewed (thanks for your spot-on notes) "banana, nougat, coconut," and brown sugar, before a bourbon-like mouthfeel takes over. The finish of "bitter coffee bean" is accurate, along with slightly green banana. At this point, I admit - unsweetened aged rums don't agree with me (and I don't really plan on changing that). Nevertheless, I acknowledge the craftsmanship, the level of maturation, and the quality behind the creation of this distillate. Rum enthusiasts should find this expression a valuable addition to their liquor collection.

Foursquare has secured a premium position in the Rum world with offerings that rival whiskey. This was tasted alongside the highly acclaimed Shibboleth. Let's examine the first. Aroma is full of sweetness. Strong notes of caramel and molasses with just a hint of ethanol. First sip is very mellow on the tip with some honey notes. The bourbon barrel seems to have significantly softened the front end of this dram. The Madeira barrel definitely makes its presence known mid-sip with red berry hints. Some heat emerges halfway through the sip, bringing mild warmth that enhances the Madeira as the finish fades. Overall, this is a pleasant offering from Foursquare. The double barrel blend results in a very smooth experience and an enjoyable sipper.

I adore Foursquare. This is my second release from them, and I'm not disappointed at all. Wonderful aroma of vanilla, sugarcane, light brown spices, a hint of apricot. It immediately evokes images of a beach vacation. The taste greets you with a nice sweet start, featuring sugarcane and tropical fruits. Great mouthfeel, neither too oily nor too thin. The taste evolves into medium brown spices, caramel, tobacco, and leather. It lingers indefinitely. It would be 5 stars, but I slightly preferred the more assertive style of the 2007.

This rum's aroma is not overpowering, with subdued notes of vanilla and cane syrup. The flavor is sweet and soft with a slightly buttery mouthfeel. The taste includes vanilla, cane syrup, brown sugar, and butter with just a hint of cinnamon. It has a medium finish with stronger notes of brown sugar and ends with a slight coconut aftertaste. This 12-year-old is aged well and lacks a sulfur-molasses aftertaste - a positive aspect of this selection. Definitely worth the cost if you enjoy rum.

Medium copper color. Light/medium body. Abundant vanilla, overripe pineapple, and subtle oak on the aroma. Zesty spice immediately hits the sides/back of the throat on the first sip and thereafter. The palate has a grassy/straw character with strong oak flavor and light vanilla sweetness. Develops a more vibrant flavor as it sits. Certainly not in the same league as Foursquare's 2005 vintage, but for $50...is that the expectation? 4.05