Rum

Foursquare LFT White Barbados Pure Single Rum: A Spirited Review

When it comes to highly anticipated releases in the world of rum, Foursquare Rum Distillery never fails to capture the attention of enthusiasts. The Foursquare LFT White Barbados Pure Single Rum, a 100% Pot Still Distillate, stands out as one of the most awaited releases of 2022. Lucky enough to receive a generous sample ahead of its official launch, I’m excited to share my insights on this unique spirit.

Scheduled to be part of the coveted Habitation Velier series, this release is already creating a buzz among aficionados, even though bottle numbers and pricing details are yet to be disclosed.

Foursquare’s reputation precedes it, thanks to its prolific output and the visionary Richard Seale, the distillery’s owner. To add a fresh perspective to this review, I’ll bypass the familiar details of Foursquare’s history and focus on Mr. Seale’s insights into this particular rum and its nomenclature.

In a departure from the conventional “high ester” terminology, Seale introduces a new acronym: LFT, meaning Long Fermentation Type. This choice reflects the distillery’s commitment to crafting a rum with an extended fermentation process, an approach dating back to the early days of rum making.

The Foursquare LFT White Barbados Pure Single Rum, distilled in 2021, is a 555gr/hlpa Ester Count powerhouse. Distinct from Jamaican High Ester Rums, Seale emphasizes the need to respect intellectual property rights and introduces this new category to communicate the rum’s nature without appropriating established terms.

For transparency, the rum is a blend of cane juice and molasses-based rums, bottled at a robust 62%. The molasses-based component undergoes fermentation with a cultured yeast for over 72 hours, while the cane juice rum relies on naturally occurring yeast over several weeks.

In the glass, the unaged white rum reveals a spectrum of aromas. Initially dominated by vanilla, sweet chewy toffees, and varnish, the nose evolves with time, unveiling notes of petrol and a unique intensity of flavor and complexity.

On the palate, the Foursquare LFT White Barbados Pure Single Rum delivers a spicy experience with hints of chilli pepper, salted caramel, and cinnamon. The initial intensity gives way to sweeter molasses notes, sugar cane juice, and a plethora of toffee and caramel. While it may not be the go-to choice for sipping neat, its unaged fierceness finds its stride in cocktails.

As a mixer, this rum truly shines. A rum and cola become a flavor explosion, showcasing toffee, molasses, vanilla, and caramel, with a robust undertone of floor polish, petrol, and varnish. It’s an intense concoction that will thrill cocktail enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the Foursquare LFT White Barbados Pure Single Rum may not cater to every palate as a neat sipper, especially considering its unaged profile. However, its intense character and bold flavors make it an exceptional choice for mixing, elevating classic cocktails to new heights. Whether in a Daiquiri or a Ti Punch, this rum demands attention and offers a unique experience for those willing to explore the boundaries of rum craftsmanship. Stay tuned for its imminent release and brace yourself for a spirited journey through the world of Foursquare.