Collectible rum deserves consideration amongst bourbon and whisky lovers. Rum is starting to make waves the best way small batch tequila did many moons in the past—and the most popular rums available in the market now are arguably the expressions from Altamar Model’s Foursquare Rum Distillery. Brandon Cummins, Altamar’s director of schooling, has witnessed the product’s skyrocketing reputation. “The primary three releases we had, in 2015 and 2016, took practically three years to promote by way of and now we’re promoting a whole launch earlier than the container touches customs. It’s all pre-sold earlier than it lands.”
The crucial acclaim is there too. Foursquare’s wins embrace the 2021 IWSC Excellent Spirits Producer, and ISC Rum Producer of the Yr six years working. But, admits Cummins, shoppers want to concentrate on what they’re shopping for with regard to rum; “Collectible rum has had challenges taking off within the US market as a result of there’s a lot obfuscation within the class.”
By obfuscation he means muddled details about components and sugar content material, amongst different issues. “I’m astonished by what number of rums nonetheless have sugar, added taste or coloring—many manufacturers which have a perceived actually excessive worth have added sugar and shade.” Foursquare makes some extent of calling out that their rums don’t have anything added –no sugar, components or coloring—however, notes Cummins, “It’s a problem for us when shopper requirements have been set by expressions we might acknowledge as liqueur. If I add 30g of sugar to a product in fact will probably be scrumptious,” and really totally different tasting to a rum with nothing added. Proper now, says Cummins, “Rum liqueur is successfully being offered proper subsequent to high-end craft rum. But, they’re two very various things.”
Foursquare’s choices, that are distilled, aged and blended in Barbados, are extra within the whisky and bourbon lane—which makes them a pleasant, refreshing different to followers of these expressions. “We see a number of whisky collectors buying our rums,” says Cummins. “It’s a brand new frontier for them.” Cummins provides that his father-in-law is a traditional instance. As soon as a die-hard single malt drinker (accompanied by a cigar), Cummins challenged him to pair a cigar with one of many Foursquare rums. It labored. “At present he is among the most loud and outspoken advocates for our rums.”
Foursquare’s signature taste profile reveals notes of toasted coconut, daring fruits corresponding to darkish cherries and plums together with a caramelized citrus or orange peel word. And, says Cummins, “various levels of funk in addition to notes of caramelized banana.”
The present launch is Foursquare Mark XXIV “2011”
Single Blended Rum, Aged for 12 years in a mix of first, second and third fill Ex-Bourbon barrels, bottled at 60% ABV. No Colour. No Sugar. No Components. No Filtration. Distilled, Matured, Blended & Bottled fully on island in Barbados. $119