Foursquare 2007 Sovereignty 14-Year

This is the latest Foursquare release in their Exceptional Cask Series. It is a blend of pot and column still rums ages for 14 years in Barbados in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. Bottled at cask strength with no additives. It is the 19th release in the Exceptional Cask Selection series.

ABV: 62% Tied with the previous high ABV Nobiliary (#12)

Because of the high ABV, I’m going to do this one without and with a splash of water.

No Water (rested 10 minutes)

Nose: Cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, dark chocolate. The alcohol is definitely there!

Palate: Initial alcohol burn. Slightly thick on the tongue. Black pepper, earthy. Sherry and bourbon are very noticeable.

Finish: Nice long finish, but the alcohol lingers. Berries, like blackberry and blueberry.

Rating: 8/10

Water added (1 ml of purified bottled water in 30 ml, rested 10 minutes)

Nose: Alcohol is definitely attenuated. Sherry and bourbon, allspice, black pepper. Little or no chocolate.

Palate: Much smoother. Moderate mouthfeel. Black pepper, and some buttered popcorn. The sherry and bourbon pop.

Finish: Nice long finish, but the alcohol is not as strong. Berries, now more raspberry than blackberry and blueberry.

Rating: 9/10

This is another outstanding ECS release from Foursquare. Interestingly, one of the reasons that I’m moving from bourbon to rum is I was tired of paying $100 USD a bottle for mediocre whisky. This bottle set me back $120 USD (in Oklahoma, YMMV) but I don’t regret it for an instant (but don’t tell my wife….).

This is a delicious monster, so I don’t think that I’ll be drinking it neat. Probably with a larger amount of water - like a milliliter or two in an ounce. While I wouldn’t normally use a rum like this as a mixer, I’m going to have to try it at least once in a mixed drink. I’m only afraid that I’ll never want to mix drinks with $25 rum again….

1. I have been waiting to sample Foursquare Sovereignty and my first impression from this is the fantastic nose from this sample. I simply keep inhaling the aromas and want it to last as I only have a 1 oz sample. Just wonderful! At 62% ABV this is to be enjoyed slowly to get the full effect of this wonderful rum. I can see why most are raving about this rum, it is simply fantastic. The only problem is that I MUST add this to my list of “Rums to Buy”. Wow, this is so good!

The aroma of this rum when I first opened it was very strong. I poured a glass and let it breathe. The taste is complex with notes of coffee, blackcurrant and lots of spice. This is unlike any of the other Foursquare Exceptional Cask releases. Enjoyable, but not my #1 of the Foursquare rums I’ve tried.