Foursquare Magisterium. The latest (unless they have snuck another one out in the last few days) in the increasingly prolific Exceptional Cask Series from Foursquare Rum Distillery, Barbados.

I can’t say Magisterium is a word I have come across before. According to the Collins English Dictionary it relates to the teaching authority or function of the Roman Catholic Church. I dare say this particular name may be a bit of side swipe at another rum producer…….

On the rear of the Magisterium bottle beneath Magesterium “Mastery” is noted which ties in with the above dictionary definition.

So this hasn’t been released in the UK as yet. The bottle denotes a March 2024 release but around 6 months is pretty standard now for it to reach Europe/UK.

Foursquare Magisterium is marque number XXVI (26) in the Exceptional Cask Series. Interest in these bottlings really peaked around 4-5 years ago. It would seem that less products are making their way onto the secondary market and the “buzz” around the bottles has went down a little. Not that this will mean they won’t sell out – just not quite as quickly.

I still think the people who genuinely always wanted to buy and enjoy the liquid inside are still interested but some (like me) got a little tired of “fighting” to try and get something, which you knew was falling into the hands of collectors and flippers.

Foursquare Magisterium is a blend of three 16-year-old single blended rums. It’s components were all distilled in two stills: a Double-Retort Pot Still and a Continuous Twin Column Coffey Still. Out of the three rums, two were double-matured.

One spent three years aging in ex-bourbon casks and 13 years in ex-oloroso sherry barrels. The second rum spent nine years in ex-bourbon casks and seven years in ex-oloroso sherry. The final rum was matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks for 16 years. Fousquare Magisterium has been bottled at 58% ABV.

I’m not quite sure how much this will retail for it has been around $150 in both the US and Australian market. So expect to pay upwards of £120 for a bottle when it does hit the UK.

I’ve exhausted my information on this release so lets dive in and see how exceptional this is.

In the glass we are presented with a quite dark brown coloured liquid. With a very orange hue running through it.

The nose has those familiar Foursquare notes. Lots of coconut, vanilla and Bourbon influence. It is a very nicely balanced nose. Not too fiery or too oaked at all. Despite what some might say about rum being aged for too long in the tropics.

The Oloroso Sherry casks are certainly having an influence on Foursquare Magisterium. Lots of dark fruits – Plums, Blackberries and a bitter hint of Cranberry. There is also a very noticeable sweet sherry note.

It is a rich and warming nose – well suited to us in the UK getting it on the run up to Christmas. It’s not what I would call a summer rum.

Sipped, at the full 58% ABV it does tickle a little at first. However, it is extremely nicely balanced and after the initial sip your palate will quickly adapt and begin to appreciate the complexities it has.

The rum is 16 years old and it does have a very pronounced oak notes initially. There is a sweetness that mingles nicely alongside the bitter oak char. Which prevents either element from unbalancing the mix.

Beneath this we have an array of rich dark fruits – almost like a Black Forest Gateaux filling.

The rum is more intense and less sweet than the nose suggested. The mid palate takes on an intense oak and dry astringency. Lifted by notes of dark chocolate and those dark fruits. There are hints of leather and a little shoe polish from time to time.

The finish on Foursquare Magisterium is quite dry and again exhibits a fair amount of oak. It is long and very satisfying with a very lip smacking flavour!

This is a another great entry into the Exceptional Cask Series. I have really enjoyed re-acquainting myself with a Foursquare rum as I haven’t had one for a while.

Still producing really good stuff and still upping the ante in terms of tropical ageing.