Foursquare Rum Sponge NAS 15 (2005 & 2007)

Decadent Drinks bottle this Foursquare under their Rum Sponge label, drawing on the 2005 and 2007 vintages from Richard Seale's St Philip distillery in Barbados. At fifteen years and reduced to 50%, it is a softer, easygoing take on the house style, with the classic balance kept intact, though added sugar is unconfirmed here.

The spirit is the familiar pot-and-column Foursquare blend, aged in ex-bourbon oak. It runs squarely down the coconut and vanilla line, with caramel, banana, cocoa and a roasted, coffee-like edge, the finish warm with caramel, vanilla and toasted coconut. The reduction to 50% suits it, leaving the body round and the alcohol well integrated. This is a comfortable, very drinkable Foursquare for relaxed evenings, less intense than the cask-strength editions but holding all the recognisable Barbados character.