Review #956; Rum #303: Down Island Barbados 20yr (2002)

Down Island Barbados 20yr 2002 (Foursquare)

DISCLAIMER: I received this sample from Down Island Spirits.

This is a bottling from new independent rum bottler Down Island who is based in Florida. This rum is a single cask of Foursquare rum that, unlike almost all other releases, is 100% pot still. This rum from molasses was distilled on that pot still, aged for twenty years in a refill American Oak cask, then bottled with no additives or chill filtering.

ABV: 48.1%

Nose: Bright and fruity, Guava, Pear, Passionfruit, Toasted Coconut, Cinnamon, Toffee

Palate: Medium mouthfeel, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Guava, Passionfruit, Toffee

Finish: Medium length finish, slightly industrial, Toffee, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Black Tea, Guava

Rating: 7/10

A great rum for me. Going in I really expected this to not be for me. The low proof (Though all the 2002 Foursquares are low proof) and longer age both I suspected to be negatives that would bring this way down. Imagine my surprise at the industrial, fruity, and spicy profile this brings to the table. Very unique amongst all the Foursquares I have tried (and double checking my archive it is my most reviewed rum distillery). Incredibly flavorful at the proof as well.

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect