Introduction

I’ve always admired Foursquare for their transparency and commitment to traditional rum-making, so whenever they release something under their Exceptional Cask Selection (ECS) series, I’m paying attention. The Mandamus release caught my interest for a few reasons: one, it’s a single blended Barbadian rum; two, it’s fully aged in ex-port casks; and three, it’s bottled at a chunky 60% ABV. That combination promised both structure and sweetness, and frankly, I was curious to see how the port influence would play out without overpowering the spirit.

Nose

From the moment I poured it, the aroma was quite assertive. Dark stone fruits—plums and black cherries—came through right away, followed by dry fig and a hint of burnt sugar. There’s an earthy undertone of oak and something that reminded me of pipe tobacco. After giving it a bit of air time, some lighter notes came forward—dried orange peel, vanilla, and the faintest floral edge. Complex but not chaotic, and definitely more dry than sweet on the nose.

Palate

The first sip made it obvious—this is not a rum tiptoeing around. The alcohol presence is impactful but not harsh. Full-bodied and dry throughout, it carries layers of flavour. That port cask influence shows up more in the form of complexity rather than sweetness. Rich flavours of raspberry compote and blackcurrant jam meet well-integrated oak, baking spices, and dark chocolate. There’s also a tannic element, kind of like black tea, that adds grip and keeps things grounded. No added sugar here, and the rum’s natural heft comes through clearly.

Finish

The finish is long, slightly drying, and lingers with notes of clove, red fruits, and seasoned wood. There’s a warmth that folds into a subtle smoky leather tone. It fades gradually but purposefully, leaving dryness on the tongue rather than sweetness. This isn’t a dessert rum—it’s more meditative.

Price and Value

Foursquare’s ECS releases typically land in the £80–£100 range, depending on the market, and this one falls right in line. Given its age, cask treatment, and strength, I think it offers fair value for those who enjoy bold, no-additive rums. It’s not going to be the easiest pour for everyone, but it’s clearly crafted with serious intent. If you’re focused on quality over novelty, you won’t feel short-changed.

Background

The Mandamus release is part of the Excellent Cask Selection series from Foursquare Distillery in Barbados. Headed by Richard Seale, the distillery has become known for its transparency and for championing rum as a serious spirit category. The Mandamus expression is a single blended rum (a combination of pot and column distillates) entirely aged in ex-port wine casks. No sweeteners, no colouring, no chill filtration—just 100% rum aged in the heat of the Caribbean. It's a limited release, like most ECS bottles, making it something to pick up when you see it.

Final Notes

Would I buy this bottle again? Yes, especially if I were sharing it with friends who appreciate bold, dry rums with a bit of complexity to work through. This isn’t going to be a starter rum; the high ABV and lack of sweetness might overwhelm someone used to softer or sweeter styles. That said, for someone looking to understand what cask-strength, naturally aged rum can offer, it's an excellent example.

It's best suited for a quiet evening where there’s time to sit with a dram and let it evolve. Compared to Foursquare’s more bourbon-forward expressions, the port cask shifts the flavour balance toward darker fruits and tannins, making it a unique standout in the ECS range. I’ve enjoyed it more each time I’ve come back to it—which, for me, is always a good sign.