FOURSQUARE RACONTEUR 17 YEARS OLD 61% VELIER

Foursquare Rum Distillery, located in the idyllic landscape of Barbados, is globally celebrated for producing some of the finest rums. A significant entrant from this distillery is the Foursquare Raconteur 17 Years Old, bottled in 2023. This exquisite rum stands out due to its impressive age statement of 17 years and a formidable ABV of 61%. Only 4800 bottles were produced, making each bottle a treasure for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The climate in Barbados plays a pivotal role in the aging process of the spirits. Known for a tropical aging environment, this accelerates the maturation process due to the island's high temperatures and humidity levels. As a result, spirits like the Foursquare Raconteur develop rich, deep flavors faster than those aged in cooler climates, yielding a complexity that might take decades to achieve elsewhere. This rum, in particular, has matured under these intense conditions, leading it to exhibit an intricate bouquet and a well-rounded profile that are rare in younger spirits.

Produced from molasses, the primary base for many high-quality rums, the Raconteur is distilled through both pot and column stills. This methodological choice contributes to a more nuanced expression by combining the rich, full-bodied flavors typical of pot still rums with the cleaner, more refined profiles characteristic of column still rums. The blend of distillation approaches ensures a unique and memorable rum experience that is distinctive of the Foursquare label.

Adding to its allure, the Foursquare Raconteur is aged in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso casks, which impart additional layers of complexity and taste. The use of ex-bourbon barrels incorporates sweet, vanilla, and toasty notes to the rum, which marry beautifully with the nutty, rich, and slightly sweet profiles from the ex-Oloroso casks. This combination creates a beautifully balanced and richly flavored spirit with hints of dried fruits, spices, and a lingering sweetness that entices the palate, encouraging sips to turn into pours.

Velier, the bottler for this exceptional rum, is well-recognized within the spirits industry for its meticulous selection of barrels and its commitment to releasing only top-quality spirits. Velier, based in Genoa, Italy, and founded by Luca Gargano, has an enduring relationship with Foursquare, with multiple collaborative releases. These rums are often celebrated for their robust proofs and lack of adulteration, such as added sugars or flavorings, which appeals to purists and those seeking a genuine rum experience.

The Foursquare Raconteur is not just a rum; it’s a narrative of the rich Barbadian heritage, the meticulous craft of distillation, and the years of carefully monitored aging under the Caribbean sun. Each of the limited 4800 bottles encapsulates the essence of Barbados, offering a robust proof, deep flavor profiles, and the signature warmth that only tropical aged rum can deliver.

Given its limited availability and exceptional quality, the Foursquare Raconteur is highly sought after by collectors and rum aficionados alike. Suitable for savoring neat or on the rocks, this rum is a testament to the Foursquare distillery's ability to produce exceptional spirits that continue to push the boundaries of rum craftsmanship. Whether as a distinguished addition to a collection or a cherished gift for a special occasion, the Foursquare Raconteur 17 Years Old captures the spirit and passion of Barbados, making each sip a celebration of its storied journey from still to sip.