Foursquare Equipoise Mark XXV 14yr Rum
122pf
Another named Foursquare Exceptional Cask Selection release, another Google search to find out what it means. “Equipoise” means “balance of forces or interests” or simply “a state of equilibrium” – I just took the first two results, but it does make sense since most of the Foursquare limited edition releases are pretty well balanced in flavour profile.
This marks the 25th bottling from the well regarded Exceptional Cask Selection and the very first release from the distillery that uses maturation in Calvados barrels. This is a blend of two components, one that has been aged for 10 years in ex-Bourbon casks and then aged further for 4 years in former Calvados barrels and a 14 year old aged exclusively in ex-Bourbon casks all in the tropical climate of Barbados.
It’s worth mentioning that Equipoise scored a not-so-modest score of 99 points (out of 100 if anyone was wondering) and the International Wine and Spirits Competition the year of its release, 2024.
Foursquare Equipoise is molasses based, pot and column distilled and aged for 14 years in ex-Bourbon and former Calvados barrels. Bottled at 61% ABV without any additives or chill filtration.
On the nose it feels woody and rich. Cloves, ripe red apples, stem ginger and sour cherry jam. Nutmeg, tangerines, liquorice and black pepper. I think I’ll have to let it breathe a little as the oak is quite intense. Sandalwood, maple syrup, some cardamom and cola. Canned plums, Earl Grey tea, raisins and dried figs. Ripe bananas, vanilla, old leather and a touch of minerality.
On the palate the oak really comes forward. Bourbon, biscuits, cloves and liquorice. Earl Grey tea, black pepper, blood orange and fresh ginger. As with many other Foursquare releases, the tropical maturation makes it feel quite chewy. Ripe plums, raisins and a hint of Fernet. Cola, sarsaparilla, cinnamon and some tobacco. Cooked red apples, sour cherries, nutmeg and raw cacao nibs. The finish is long with allspice and rich red fruits.