Foursquare Black Muscat Rum

Foursquare’s Master Series is at its 5^th iteration. Only available at Total Wine in the US, it’s been a very popular series of releases. I've tried all of them so far and my favourite by a mile is Master Series 1. That one had very recognizable specs, being a 12 year blend of rums, aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. There have been many of those, in 12 or 14 year versions and I have to say it’s surprising how different they can be. Master Series 1 being one of the best.

Master Series 5 is rather different. Yes it’s 14 years and ex-bourbon barrel was used for part of the ageing, but the second maturation was done in ex-black muscat cask (9 years ex-bourbon, 5 years ex-black muscat). When I read that I instantly yelled “EQUIDEM!”. One of the best Foursquare rums ever. My level of enthusiasm went up 200%........to immediately come down 50% when I realized the word “black” is missing on the label. I asked Richard Seale and he mentioned it simply didn’t fit on the label. I was able to sleep well after that.  

Comparing Master Series Edition No 5 to Equidem is logical and in my case inevitable. Surely it can’t be better than Equidem. But, what if it is?! Then I’ll have to see if I can score another bottle of it. What if it isn’t?! Then it provided me a good reason to drink some Foursquare rum at least. Either way, life is good.

I did this in a couple of sessions, where I sipped MS5 on its own during the final session for reasons I will explain in the conclusion. My focus in regards to the notes is on MS5, since I’ve already reviewed Equidem, I will only describe the difference in experience with the latter.

Nosing

Foursquare Master Series 5

Wonderful brown sugar with light coconut, candle wax, light red wine wrapped in chocolate, vanilla, molasses, citrus, light honey, glossy magazine, red fruit, orange, slightly sharper than Equidem (could be open vs closed bottle)

Foursquare Equidem

Stronger on the wine, leather and chocolate. It feels rounder, thicker.

Tasting

Foursquare Master Series 5

Coconut, strong oak spice, tobacco, wine, chocolate, light vanilla, red fruit, citrus. It’s somewhat lighter and crispier than Equidem. Mouthfeel is thinner and the medium finish is a tat too bitter for my liking, especially at the very end where it feels like I took a bite out of the barrel. Termite bourbon drinkers might love that.

Foursquare Equidem

This is not close. Thick, luscious, tobacco galore. Just the right amount of oak, wine, chocolate. Excellent long finish without bitterness. In one word: phenomenal. In multiple words: one of the best rums I’ve ever had. 

Conclusion

The reason why I tasted Master Series 5 without comparing it to Equidem in the last session, was to not let it cloud my judgement. Equidem is off the charts excellent. MS5 is a very good rum on its own, but pales in comparison. I like the slightly lighter, fresh, crispy nature it has. It combines quite well with the usual Foursquare flavour profile. The bitter finish is a let down for me. Overall I prefer the “heavier” flavours and thicker mouthfeel of Equidem. I’ve realized I need to increase its score, it really is that good.

I wouldn’t buy another bottle of MS5. Equidem though, please someone sell me a bottle or two!

One caveat I have to make, the MS5 was a freshly opened bottle and Equidem one that has been open for a while. This affects the tasting experience. I noticed I started appreciating Master Series 5 more the longer it was in the glass. If you have an open bottle and you leave it for a while, your experience might be better than mine.

Scores

Foursquare Master Series 5 – 86

Foursquare Equidem – 95

Click here for info on the scoring method.

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