Foursquare Penultimus

Introduction

Foursquare Penultimus. This represents the 30th releases in the ECS. As the title suggests it is the second last in the ECS. Why they didn’t got for a round 30 I’m not so sure. Though the gap between number 1 and number 2 was a good number of years.

First up, its about the first ECS Series since they started with the fancy names where I actually know what it means without having to consult Google,. So there is a plus point for me.

Foursquare Penultimus is a 15year old ex Bourbon cask rum blended with a 10 year ex-Bourbon cask with a further  5 years ageing in ex-Moscatel cask (dual maturation). It has been bottled at 57%. This I have been told is going to be the new standard presentation strength moving forward with Limited Edition releases.

Although the ECS is finishing it does not mean Foursquare’s output will stagnate. There will be something new in Autumn. Foursquare have the better part of 50,0000 barrels maturing at Foursquare, So they certainly aren’t going to stop the aged limited editions.

Presentation wise Foursquare Penultimus comes in the standard 3/4 stubby rounded ECS bottle we should all now be familiar with. A 70cl of this liquid will set you back around $100.

As is the Foursquare way it is a blend of Pot and Column distilled rums. I don’t have much else to say to be honest, so lets move on.

Tasting

Straight away on the nose it’s doing a lot of the things you’d want it to. Plenty of that classic coconut and vanilla, a bit of sweetness. Then the Moscatel cask adding a slightly darker, fruitier edge. Nothing over the top more raisins and a bit of fig than anything fresh or jammy. It’s actually quite well judged.

On the palate it’s pretty much what you’d expect but in a good way. Nicely put together. You’ve got the usual caramel, vanilla, and oak combo. There’s a bit more depth here than your standard ex-bourbon offering.

The wine cask adds a slightly richer feel dried fruits, a touch of plum, maybe a bit of red grape skin and there’s a gentle spice running through it that keeps things interesting. It does lean a little towards the drier, oakier side but not to the point where it becomes hard work.

The 57% is noticeable but it’s well integrated. You can sip it neat without too much trouble, though it does open up a bit with a drop of water if you want to take the edge off and bring out a bit more of the fruit.

Finish is very enjoyable. Fairly long, dries out nicely with lingering spice and oak, plus just enough of that Moscatel influence hanging around to remind you it’s there.

Verdict

Overall, it’s difficult to pick fault with rum when it is made as well as this. This one maybe is not the most exciting or distinctive ECS release in terms of age or offering a new twist, but it’s hard to fault in terms of balance and drinkability. Which is how rum should be judged rather than on gimmicks, fancy marketing and faux history

The Moscatel cask is handled well this could have been very sweet. adding something without taking over. It feels like one of those bottles that’ll just quietly grow on you the more time you spend with it.