Foursquare 2004

Very woody, perhaps even aggressively so. Remarkably though, the alcohol flavor is not overwhelming. There are some pleasant citrus notes in here that balance the alcohol flavor. Cinnamon is clearly present. There are some prune notes mixed in with some lighter fruit and even some caramel. It's pretty good and some depth appears, but I'm not sure that it is better than Ron Diplomatico, which costs half as much, so why buy this? Ron Diplomatico its sweetness with wood as well, so this could have been better had it reduced it's sweetness and includes wood rather than just amping up the wood (and smoke). On the other hand, the fact the Ron Diplomatico's strong wood is weighted toward the finish is a problem because it persists for so long. Overall though, the quality of these two is about balanced. It smells like fireworks with a hint of spice and caramel. The palate is drying yet complex with a nice balanced sweetness. There's something strongly bitter across the center that is a bit much, but it's otherwise nicely flavored. I might like a bit less sweetness, but it's a solid standard rum. Beyond the fireworks and rye bitterness, there are butterscotch and cane sugar notes mixed with quite a bit of spice featuring pepper. The rye flavor is clearly herbal, but there is a nice crisp fruit note hiding in there - apples perhaps. This is quite drinkable at cask strength, though not terribly enjoyable. It tastes very burnt, which might be suggesting cocoa powder. The level of sweetness is actually OK, but it would be better without the cane sugar notes. The finish is a bit too herbal. Watered down, the fireworks are quite present. The character doesn't change a ton, but there's a little more of a dark corn syrup quality. Disappointingly, the complexity is reduced with water. I don't get what complexity everyone says they're seeing. It's decently complex, but it's also just kind of a standard smoky rum. At least the herbal flavors due down a bit with added water. I could totally sip this and I would be rather nonplussed. Watered down, there is a bit too much alcohol and mineral. It's not super exciting.

Wow! This rum's reputation really precedes it! Beautiful amber in the glass. On the nose I get some dark fruity notes, I am thinking figs and stewed apples. Tons caramel, sugar, vanilla, and a nice oakiness. Palate: wow you can tell this is full proof but in a good way. No holding back on the flavors. Really full bodied/viscous mouthfeel, lots of burnt sugar/creme brulee, and dark candied fruits. Oak and some nice char really come through on the finish. Super smooth and long finish.

As a full fledged Whiskey/Bourbon drinker for more than 30years, this Rum is truly a masterpiece. Rich, viscous and not overly sweet. Balanced notes of vanilla, molasses, spice and oak on the nose. On the palate it’s cocoa, spice, oak, and caramel. Finish is long and warming but not overpowering. Fantastic pour and should be enjoyed neat (IMO) I enjoy all my whiskey at high and or cask strength so this is right up my alley. Cheers!

Sweet, but balanced. Notes of orange and sugar. Minimal burn. Easily the best of the Foursquare dated releases and my favorite of any offering they have had. 2005 pales in comparison as it is dominated by charred oak, whereas the 2004 provides enough oak to contribute to the profile without being overbearing. If you like the 2007, you will most likely love the 2004 so track a bottle down if you are able.

As perfect as I’ve had. Every second of the sip explodes with flavors - berries and vanilla cream, slight cinnamon and oak, a little bit of tobacco on the very end. A complete journey from start to finish. One of the best bottle on my shelf.

Awesome stuff that lives up to the hype. This rum has flavors of coffee, chocolate, peppermint, peppers, barrel spices, and a little vanilla and caramel without using any additives. Loved by drinkers of whisky, brandy, tequila,...