Foursquare Sagacity

I am not experienced with many high quality aged rums. Among the best I've had is a prized bottle of Appleton Estate 21, left from a purchase of several made years ago while traveling to Jamaica. I've enjoyed perhaps a handful of other brands on that same level of quality over the years, but until now I really haven't explored the category. 2021 will see that change. This seemed like a nice place to start the journey. Sagacity is a 12yr single blend, which is an unique concept for a whisky guy. A single blended rum has both pot still and column still rums from the same distillery blended together prior to aging. Some of the blend is aged in ex bourbon casks, some in ex madeira casks. Then those aged elements are blended to make the final product. Sagacity is also a pretty interesting name for a limited edition rum. Sagacity is the quality of being wise or having good judgment and I think buying this bottle showed both! In a word, wow! I tasted this neat from a glencairn. The bottle has been opened for about 2 weeks. The pour is a lovely light walnut and it shows significant sheeting on a swirl. The nose isn't immediately amazing. It takes a little time and some exploration to get beyond a dollop of sweet caramel and some wet wood. After a bit of air I get maple syrup on French toast with butter, a little meatiness, barrel wood, over-ripe fruit and a hint of brine. It's a heck of a trip! On the tongue this is just a delight. Everything the nose hinted at is richly delivered. I definitely get banana, nougat, coconut, a bit of sour and traces of ginger. There are notes of dark cacao, and a trace of bitter coffee bean. The mouthfeel is thick, oily and sweet with a candy-like after coat. This is quite decadent. I feel out of my depth trying to find fault, but in comparison I think this has just a touch of ethanol thinness.and is lacking the last word in the mind-boggling complexity I've enjoyed in the AE21. That's about all I can say to justify not giving this a perfect score. This is a fabulous dram, full stop. I'm beyond thrilled this is my introduction to rum in 2021!

Unadulterated by filtering, added sugar or color, this exquisite brown liquid is maple syrup in tincture. Seen under kitchen lights, a stream of barrel and/or cork particles scintillate within the bottle. That's very heartening as it reminds me of the unfiltered state of a Glendronach scotch - while - at the same time, far removed from the cloudy louche of a finished Belle Meade bourbon. The nose surprisingly resembles a very sweet bourbon, layered with unripe banana peel notes, eventually seguing into honey and brown sugar. After a sip or two, a burnt sugar note arises along with a charcoal backing. The palate is as @Cornmuse reviewed (thank you for your dead-on notes) is, "banana, nougat, coconut" and brown sugar, before a bourbon-like mouthfeel takes over. The finish of "bitter coffee bean" is right on as well, together with slightly green banana. At this point, I confess - unsweetend aged rums don't jibe with me (and I don't really intend to change that). Still, I recognize the workmanship, the degree of maturation, and the quality behind the make up of this distillate. Rum aficionados should find this expression a worthy addition to any liquor cabinet.

Foursquare has established a premium place in the Rum world with bottles that sip like a whiskey. This was the first of a side by side with the highly regarded Shibboleth. Let's give the first a whirl. Nose is full of sweetness. Strong notes of caramel and molasses with just a hint of ethanol. First sip is very mellow on the tip with some honey notes. The bourbon barrel here seems to have really softened the front end of this dram. The Madeira barrel defintely comes through mid sip with red berry hints. Some heat comes on halfway through the sip bringing some mild warmth that brings on more of the Madeira as the finish fades away. Overall this is a nice offering from Foursquare. The double barrel blend results in a very soft experience and a pleasant sipper.

God I love Foursquare. This is my second release of there's to try and not disappointed in the slightest. Wonderful smell full of vanilla, sugarcane, light brown spices, bit of apricot. Already makes me want to be on a beach. Taste caresses you with a nice sweet start, with some sugarcane and tropical fruits. Great mouth feel, not too oily or thin. Taste transforms into medium brown spices, caramel, tobacco, leather. Lingers forever. Would be 5 stars but I enjoyed the slap-in-the-face style of the 2007 just a bit more.

This rum is not overpowering to the scent with muted notes of vanilla and cane syrup. The flavor is sweet and soft with a slightly buttery mouth feel. The flavor is vanilla, cane syrup, brown sugar, and and butter with just a hint of cinnamon. It has a medium finish with stronger notes of brown sugar and ending with a slight coconut aftertaste. This 12 year is aged well and has no sulfur-molasses after taste- a strength of this selection. Well worth the investment if you like rum.

Medium copper color. Light/medium body. Heavy doses of vanilla, overripe pineapple and subtle oak on the nose. Zesty spice hits you immediately on the sides/back of the throat on first sip and thereafter. The palate has a grassy/straw vibe with strong oak flavor and light vanilla sweetness. Develops a more vibrant flavor as it sits. Certainly not in the ballpark of Foursquare’s 2005 vintage, but for $50...is it supposed to be? 4.05