Foursquare Nobiliary

Nose - bittersweet molasses, dark chocolate, strong oak, clove, allspice, vanilla, grass, anise, toffee, violet, coconut, nutmeg, orange pith, leather, tobacco, caramelized banana, black cherry, grape, pineapple rind, moderate to high ethanol burn. Taste - bittersweet molasses, leather, tobacco, pineapple, orange zest, clove, allspice, dark chocolate, salted caramel, coconut, cherry, mint, grape, vanilla, nutmeg, sweet floral notes, tannic oak, overripe banana, moderate to high alcohol bite, finishing medium long with molasses, dark fruits, chocolate, and strong, tannic oak flavors. The nose is similar to the 2007 Exceptional Cask release I tasted yesterday, but the Nobiliary is deeper, richer, and less confectionery. The leather, tobacco, and oak notes are also cranked to eleven. The palate follows suit with explosively rich molasses, chocolate, and dark fruits. Pineapple, banana, and brandied cherries are also in the mix. What a fantastic rum! In my mind, Foursquare is the Texas whiskey of rum. And I love Texas whiskey. Big, bold, tannic, and jam-packed full of amazing aromas and flavors. As a 14 Year product, the two extra years absolutely refine the experience. It’s still hot, but not nearly as youthful and bright as the 2007. This is getting a very high score. In fact, it’s going to be the first non-whiskey spirit to crack my elusive 4.5 ranking. And I’m tempted to give this a perfect 5.0, but will try it a few more times before making the final decision. Regardless, Nobiliary certainly lives up to its name. I can’t imagine rum getting much better than this. I wonder if an extra two years of aging could possibly improve it? We’ll find out tomorrow.

The nose lures you in with a rich and decadent butterscotch pudding followed by rum notes of bananas foster, coconut macaroons, and fresh cut pineapple that then drifts to bourbon notes of cherry pie filling, orange peel, chocolate followed by spices of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, leather and old polished mahogany with high ethanol burn. The taste is a continuation of those sweets on the nose with a velvety rich mouthfeel starting with grilled pineapple, coconut, butterscotch pudding, bananas foster then cherries and oranges, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, leather and old polished mahogany with high ethanol burn. This finishes long with boozy pineapple upside down cake with bourbon spiked frosting, sweetened coconut flakes, maraschino cherries, orange, ginger, leather, and old polished mahogany that lingers for minutes. This is a high octane rum that brings in those sweet dark rum flavors and marries them together with bourbon notes that taste old, bold, balanced and complex. I could nose and taste this for hours without being bored as the bourbon and rum notes create this rich, decadent, and incredibly unique experience akin to eating a Michelin star version of bananas foster with a side of coconut macaroons while sipping a glass of well-crafted older bourbon. I highly recommend this for any whiskey or rum drinker as this is just a masterpiece that could compete with spirits two to three times its price and easily beat them.

Sample graciously provided by @ctbeck11 poured next to the 2009 ECS. Compared to the 2009, this appears to be a shade or two darker. The nose and palate similarly show a bit more depth, richness, and wood. It seems to be hotter than the 2009, even more so than the 2% ABV would suggest, but the finish brings something that I can’t quite put my finger on, which puts it over the top as better than the 2009. Really enjoyable experience sipping this one. However, given that I’m a relative newby at aged rum (and that I’m a value shopper), I’m not sure if it’s as much better as the price difference would indicate. I found the 2009 for about 80, and it sounds like the Nobillary retailed for 120+. This actually makes me want to go buy another bottle of the 2009, because while I think this is better, it makes me think the 2009 is a screaming deal for a rum that seems to be maybe 85% the quality as perhaps what may be the pinnacle of rums. Thank you to @ctbeck11 for the opportunity to try this one!

The nose is light, fruit, burnt sugar, nutmeg, and a hint of molasses and vanilla. No alcohol burn at all. Palate is similar, sweet prunes, cloves, and pepper lingering on the finish, finally fading to a molasses cookie. Very mellow for 124 proof. I've had several bottles of the year labelled Foursquares which are very good. This is easily better and worth the extra money. Pour it over ice and the flavors really come out. Don't waste this in a cocktail. Best rum I've ever had.

Nose is sweet and full of caramely redhots with hints of melon. Initial taste is incredibly smooth with lots of spices and brown sugar. This isnt normal american brown sugsr mind you. This is pilloncillo from mexico or panela from colombia, a deep brown sugar where rhe wonderful impurities dance and twirl on your tongue. Just s perfect hint of learhery tobacxo. A littke air brings on the burn like tedhots. Oh gosh its delicious Finishes clean wirh a nice after burn.

Dark and spicy, the bourbon cask influence is unmistakable. Up front, I find strong coffee notes with green peppercorn, anise, and nutmeg. Vanilla appears in the middle with a pastry cream finish. This is a sipper for any lover of American whiskey or of strong flavorful spirits. Amazing at any price