FOURSQUARE MASTER SERIES #5
BARBADOS
WHY BUY: The "Pappy of Rum.” That’s the honorific best-selling drinks author and bourbon maven Fred Minnick gave to Foursquare Rum, and folks, there’s not even a touch of hyperbole in that statement: these extraordinary rums not only transcend their category, but also stand alongside the finest expressions of Cognac, bourbon, and whisky in the world. Master Series No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4 flew out the door, and No. 5 — a high-octane (124 proof) 14-year, double-distilled, single blended rum that was matured in rare ex-Black Muscat casks, and that wowed us in our recent tasting — is certain to follow. This is an all-timer, and one you absolutely don’t want to miss out on.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "To drink Foursquare Rum,” Forbes wrote, "one must only possess a dream of tasting some of the finest things that money can buy.” And they are by no means alone in their assessment. The International Spirits Challenge — to single out just one judging panel — named Foursquare "Rum Producer of the Year" an astounding nine years in a row.
OUR TASTING NOTES: One of the most complex and intense rums we’ve ever tasted. Wow. Once it commands the palate, it never lets up. On the nose, dark fruits evolve into cocoa, and from cocoa to raspberry and huckleberry, with a bright hint of citrus at the end. And behind all of this, a lingering savory note that will put you in mind of a cross between dark roast coffee and hot chocolate. The palate turns these promises into payoffs. Coconut and cocoa nibs give way to roasted pecans, vanilla, and custard, while brown sugar and roasted sesame deliver bright and savory background notes. Throughout, and strikingly, it maintains a silky, buttery, almost creamy character. And, no less impressive: as massive as the proof is, it doesn’t at all drink like it; this is a smooth and almost satiny slow-sipper, and one that all but demands a quality cigar.
THE STORY: Though the distillery itself was founded only in 1996, the Seale family's roots in Barbados' sugar and molasses industry stretch back nearly 300 years, to the 1730s. It's this rich and storied heritage, combined with a distinctly modern and forward-thinking business ethos, that has enabled Foursquare to emerge as perhaps the foremost name in the world of premium, artisanal rum. Transparency and authenticity are of the utmost importance to Foursquare, and you could say that these are the no-secret secrets of its phenomenal success. Every aspect of the production process, from distillation to aging to blending, takes place on-site at the distillery, overseen by the legendary Master Distiller Richard Seale, the 4th Generation of R.L. Seale & Co. And the results speak for themselves — these are rums of unparalleled complexity, depth, and resonance.
THE METHOD: Master Series Edition No. 5 is a seamless marriage of artisanal pot-distilled and traditional Coffey-distilled molasses spirits. Distilled in both the copper Double-Retort Pot Still and the Continuous Twin Column Coffey Still, this 14-year single blended rum underwent an intricate double maturation. After 9 years in ex-Bourbon barrels, it was then transferred into ex-Black Muscat casks for an additional 6 years. All aging, blending, and bottling occurred entirely on-site at Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados. True to Foursquare's steadfast insistence on purity and integrity, it contains no color, no sugar, no filtration, no flavor additives.
ABV: 62% (124 proof).
FUN FACT: The sprawling Seale estate boasts a striking and unusual sight on its sprawling plantation: an 18th century windmill, a picturesque reminder of the island's rich agricultural heritage and a nod to the family's long-time roots.
OUR GUARANTEE: As always, we only buy and source directly from the distiller, so you can be confident that your rum will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Don't hesitate to secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2025. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer not valid in KS, KY, MI, NC, NE, NM, NY, TN, VA, & WA. This offer will expire on Wednesday, December 31st, 2025.