Foursquare Epilogue marks the end of a cycle that began in 2008: the Exceptional Cask Selection series reaches its thirty-first and final chapter. The choice of name is not insignificant: Epilogue concludes a collection that built its reputation on numbered bottlings, selected one by one by Richard Seale , master distiller and master blender of the distillery. At 19 years old , this vintage also becomes the oldest rum ever bottled by Foursquare .
Epilogue's composition follows a method unique to Foursquare: combining two distillates produced at the same site, one from a pot still, the other from a continuous distillation column. This technical marriage gives the single blended rum a base that is both dense and precise.
The two distillates shared the same aging process: 19 years spent entirely in Barbados, in casks that previously contained bourbon.
At bottling, as is customary for this “ECS” series, no adjustments are made: no sugar, no coloring, no chill filtration. The rum is offered at its cask strength of 57% ABV.
Jérémie's tasting notes
On the nose: generously vanilla-scented, it opens with a delicate floral register of jasmine and orange blossom, quickly joined by notes of grapefruit and caramelized brown sugar. A compote of orchard fruits, dominated by apricot and peach, provides a delightful, indulgent sensation. With aeration, the profile gains depth: the caramel intensifies elegantly, while dark chocolate, leather, and tobacco compose an increasingly expressive trio.
On the palate: the attack is ample, direct, and perfectly balanced. Cooked brown sugar and bitter cocoa lead the way, before giving way to candied orange, a subtle balsamic touch, and sweet spices, where clove and nutmeg intertwine harmoniously. Foursquare's signature is found in the characteristic note of toasted coconut, present with more restraint than usual. Accents of dark chocolate, leather, and tobacco complete the experience, echoing the aromas on the nose.
The finish: exceptionally long, it prolongs the tasting experience with woody and roasted notes, where cocoa and tobacco complement each other perfectly. A subtle bitterness lingers, never overpowering.
