Foursquare - Summons - 14 years old - 62%
Located in Saint Philip, Barbados, Foursquare Rum Distillery cultivates a rare technical heritage where a double retort pot still and a Coffey column still work together to produce precise, dry, and unadulterated rums. The Exceptional Cask Selection collection brings together the most accomplished expressions, bottled at high proof, without coloring, added sugar, or chill filtration, to offer a true expression of the Barbadian style. Convocation, number XXVIII in the series, embodies this commitment to authenticity.
Convocation is a 14-year-old single blended rum, a blend of two rums aged entirely in tropical climates: one matured for fourteen years in bourbon casks, the other for fourteen years in Madeira casks. Bottled at 62% ABV, it preserves the vibrancy of the distillate and the depth of aging, while highlighting the signature noble fruit and spice character characteristic of Foursquare. This expression is produced in limited quantities as part of the ECS Mark XXVIII series.
The nose opens with dried fruit and ripe citrus, with notes of sultana, pineapple, and orange peel, joined by vanilla, cocoa, and a touch of blond tobacco that adds depth. With aeration, hints of toasted walnut, toffee, and sweet spices emerge, reminiscent of nutmeg and ginger. The palate, ample and balanced by the natural alcohol content, unfolds with a clean, oily texture. The heart blends toffee, juicy tropical fruit, and a hint of bitter orange, while nuances of macadamia and fine leather recall the Madeira influence. The finish, very long and dry, extends the register of dried fruit, warm oak, and fine molasses, with a saline return that invites the next sip.
At the table or in the living room, serve it neat after a few minutes of rest in a tulip glass, or slightly warmed with a few drops of water to unfold its layers. It pairs well with lightly sweetened duck à l'orange, lacquered pork, clothbound cheddar, or 24-month-aged Comté. At the end of a meal, it finds a perfect match with a walnut tart, a lightly sweetened chocolate fondant, or roasted pineapple with spices—pairings that highlight its tension and depth.
