Foursquare Rum & Calvados - Equipoise Vs Drouin

Apple-tastic! I've been looking forward to these for years.

Add to the lengthy anticipation a recent blockbuster 99 points and 2024 Rum Trophy for Equipoise (from IWSC) and expectations couldn't be higher!

An odd pairing? In case the connection isn't clear - today we're looking at Christian Drouin Calvados aged in ex-Foursquare Rum casks, and Foursquare Rum aged in ex-Drouin Calvados casks!

I have already tasted and reviewed the Calvados as part of my side-by-side review of the full rum cask lineup of Christian Drouin's Experimental Series (here). So no more introduction is needed.

Foursquare Equipoise - the 25th and latest in Richard Seale's epic Exceptional Cask Series. And the first to be aged in ex-Calvados casks. Meaning “a balance of forces or interests”, I'm cautiously optimistic about the Calvados' influence on this big rum.

Both a lovely golden amber, the Calvados, to the left, being noticeably lighter

And with no further ado, onto the tasting.

I've left these pours to open up for 30 minutes before reviewing them. Two drams, a generous 30ml of each, nosed first, then tasted. The lower abv Calvados first. Assisted today by some classics from Jim Croce - incredible tunes that I should get in my ears more often!

Christian Drouin Experimental No.6, Foursquare Angles - 19yr, 46.8%, 2396btls

The 8th and most recent release of the experimental series, this Calvados spent the final 17 months of its huge 19 years maturing in casks from Barbados that had previously aged Foursquare rum. I suspect a trade went on that ties nicely to Foursquare's most recent ECS release - Equipoise, rum aged in ex-Calvados casks!

Nose:  I'm looking for an experience that's rum or calvados first, but it's not either. This is a Calvados forward nose, no doubt, but the rum influence is fully integrated, there from start to finish, and delicious. Bright, fresh, appley, orchard notes, with a backbone of caramel and bajan spice. A special dram. Calvados with Bajan rum in its veins. A tasty and super inviting nose.

Mouth: A real winner. This has come together perfectly. Sharp cider acid with a rounded spicy rum vein complementing the Calvados from start to finish. Both elements work perfectly. A little toasted apple & marshmallow on the finish.

It's sharp and acidic as you would expect - very different from a rum, but it works. Being super critical, the mouth doesn't quite deliver all the nose promises, but it's quality shit, buy it! [87+pts]

Foursquare ECS XXV - 14yr, 61%, ???btls

The 25th and most recent release of the series, this is a blend of two 14-year-old rums; one aged solely in ex-bourbon casks, and one aged for 10 years in ex-bourbon casks and then in ex-Calvados for the final 4 years. As with all the rums in the series, this is fully aged at the distillery in Barbados and has no sugar, colour or artificial flavour added.

Nose:  Big, bold and unmistakably Foursquare. Spicy clove, pepper and honey with a gentle punch of orange zest. I really like it, although I'm finding little Calvados influence.

Serious oak, but not overwhelming, with some stewed tea, menthol, vanilla-caramel & dried fruit. Possibly a touch of apple skin - or maybe I'm reaching!

Mouth: Orange, menthol, lots of coffee, toasted cedar, allspice, spicy ginger.

Chewy stuff. Licorice & clove on the spicy, impressively long, dry finish. Spicy orange everywhere, although not as 'juicy' as some ECS. I'm enjoying it but I'm surprised it is not more fruity. [89-pts]

Conclusion: It's hard to say an 89-point dram is disappointing. It's another great ECS, super value as always and I'll likely pick up more than one. It has, however, fallen short of my stupidly high expectations. The Calvados, however, over-delivered on expectations. Buy both. Try not to have any expectations and just enjoy these delicious, great-value spirits.

Addendum: I recently tried the 26th Foursquare ECS release - Magisterium. Wow! A stellar bottling and something to look forward to.

Coming soon ... 'Trinidad - it's not all about Caroni' mini-series.

Fernandes, TDL & Ten Cane. What's your prediction for the winner?