Foursquare ECS XXIV 2011

Mark XXIV is a 2011 vintage in Foursquare's ECS range, the St Philip distillery's run of limited single blends overseen by Richard Seale, a leading champion of dry, additive-free Barbados rum. This is the classic Bajan method, heavy double-retort pot still rum married with cleaner column distillate, here taken to twelve years and bottled at a full 60%.

Matured in ex-bourbon oak with no added sugar, colour or flavouring, it shows the elegant Barbados core turned up by cask strength. Vanilla and coconut lead into tropical fruit, caramel and dark chocolate, with firm oak spice giving structure rather than sweetness and a dry, woody finish. The high proof concentrates everything, so a little water and patience reward the glass. The profile sits close to a well-aged bourbon, which is part of why this style travels so well with whisky drinkers. A serious, oak-driven pour for those who already enjoy dry, bourbon-cask Foursquare and want more intensity.