Foursquare Mandamus. Here we have another word that I never heard or come across before………Mandamus is Latin for “we command”, a legal term referring to a court order compelling action.

It’s a suitably assertive name, and one that feels very much in keeping with the Foursquare ECS range. These releases no longer arrive as curiosities or experiments, they arrive with a certain expectation attached. Foursquare Mandamus is not here to introduce anyone to the Foursquare Rum Distillery, nor is it designed to broaden its appeal. It assumes a certain level of familiarity and interest from the outset. It knows its target audience.

The ECS formula is well established: a pot and column still blend from Barbados, with long tropical ageing often given a secondary maturation (but not always) in casks other than ex-bourbon which is then bottled at cask strength. In this case the talking point is a finishing period in Port caks. Which was one of the earliest ECS releases Port Cask Finish.  Wine finishes will always be contentious in rum circles especially Fortified sweeter “wines”, often for good reason. When handled poorly, they can overwhelm the spirit, pushing everything toward sweetness. When handled well, they can add structure, depth, and contrast. Foursquare’s track record suggests the latter will occur.

Foursquare Mandamus was bottled at 64% ABV, released in the usual stubby 70cl bottle and landed in the UK at around £100 in late 2025. That price point will inevitably cause debate, particularly given how ECS pricing has steadily crept upward over the years. At the same time, consistency and transparency remain central to the brand’s appeal. Whatever else you think about the cost, you know exactly what you’re getting and what you’re not.

There’s also an increasing sense that these releases are now aimed squarely at an established audience. They’re not designed to convert newcomers or soften the category’s edges. Foursquare Mandamus feels like a rum that expects its drinker to meet it halfway, rather than one that attempts to charm its way into favour.

So lets get on with the good bit…….

Nosing  the first impression of Foursquare Mandamus is unmistakably dry and oak-led. Dark cherries, red grapes and raisins sit at the forefront,. This is followed by toasted wood, vanilla and cocoa powder.

The Port influence is clearly present, but it manifests as firmness and tannin rather than sweetness or overly sweet jammy fruit. At 64% ABV the alcohol is evident, but it remains controlled and clean.

On the sip. The Dark fruits lead  to begin with cherry, raisin and plum — We then get oak, dark chocolate and a touch of black coffee and warming spice. The Port finish adds definition rather than softening it. This is not a rich or glossy ECS release; it’s one that prioritises balance. The high strength carries flavour confidently across the palate without becoming aggressive. Foursquare Mandamus rewards slow, deliberate drinking.

Finish wise its long, persistent, and drying. Oak, cocoa, spice, and red fruit skins linger well after the sip, gradually fading rather than dropping away. The tannic edge remains present to the end.

This is a confident and assertive entry in the ECS range and one that leans hard into dryness and structure rather than easy appeal. It won’t be universally loved or as crowd pleasing as some of the slightly softer previous releases. Those who favour richer, sweeter, or softer profiles may find it challenging.

The Zinfandel finish has been applied with a steady hand, adding complexity without over shadowing the underlying distillate.

The question of value remains more complicated. At £100, expectations are understandably high, and comparisons with earlier, cheaper ECS releases are inevitable. That said, judged purely on quality, balance, and intent, Foursquare Mandamus stands comfortably among the stronger modern releases. It’s a rum that knows exactly what it’s trying to achieve — and achieves it without compromise.