Some might say the now-classic Barbados rum profile is closest to bourbon’s flavor profile, but there's much more to the story. By looking at the relative intensities of fermentation and aging flavors, a more nuanced picture emerges and suggest others rums bourbon drinkers might enjoy.
Very insightful and enjoyable article as usual mate. And the “additive/adjunct” space is only getting more increased scrutiny from consumers seeking “purity” and minimal intervention in their alcoholic beverages….
This is the most important thing to many of the inveterate collectors: Someone once told them that Foursquare equaled "The Pappy of Rum," and they just memorized that rote fact and now hunt for it. Unfortunately, this involves the same degree of disinterest in the entire rest of the industry that they also apply to bourbon. They don't want something unless they're told it's hard to get.
I originally had a few additional sentences in a draft of what I published here, including whether we see something similar in rum. In the end, I decided to cut them because it distracted from my point. Some people love to latch on something mentioned as aside proceed to ignore everything else you say.
Speaking as someone who is surrounded by whiskey geeks and collectors, it's amazing how far that association has subsequently spread. There are SO many bourbon collectors out there who look for Foursquare, but have zero interest in any other rum, because they apply the same type of blinders to it as they do with Buffalo Trace, etc. They legitimately believe it's the only brand in the entire segment that is worthy of their ardor. This kind of groupthink among whiskey collectors is a problem.
Great article, Matt. Beyond the taste comparisons you make here, the hype and the collecting aspects are important too. For taters on the hunt for something new to collect, swapping a highly sought after and expensive rum for a highly sought after and expensive bourbon isn't much of a stretch. Foursquare in particular will scratch that itch for them, especially with all the love it gets from rum nerds on social media.
"Either way, more drinkers appreciating rum as a world-class spirit equal in stature to the finest whiskies and brandies helps elevate the category."
To be honest, I really don't want this. I love where rum as a category is right now, with tons of diversity and interesting new expressions coming out all the time, that are mostly priced very competitively compared to other spirit categories. I'm afraid that if rum becomes as revered and snobby as whiskey and brandy, I'll be priced out of the market lol
Great read. I’m in the opposite boat. For some reason I started with rum (I think bacardi was the first liquor i got my hands in college) and now I’m trying to jump into bourbon.
Very insightful and enjoyable article as usual mate. And the “additive/adjunct” space is only getting more increased scrutiny from consumers seeking “purity” and minimal intervention in their alcoholic beverages….
This is the most important thing to many of the inveterate collectors: Someone once told them that Foursquare equaled "The Pappy of Rum," and they just memorized that rote fact and now hunt for it. Unfortunately, this involves the same degree of disinterest in the entire rest of the industry that they also apply to bourbon. They don't want something unless they're told it's hard to get.
The Pappy of Rum originator (as best I know) is Fred Minnick., in this article:
https://www.fredminnick.com/2017/06/22/velier-foursquare-2006-greatest-rum-ive-ever-tasted/
I later wrote about the topic for Punch, and Pappy of Rum was in the headline:
https://punchdrink.com/articles/how-foursquare-rum-became-pappy-barbados-distillery/
I originally had a few additional sentences in a draft of what I published here, including whether we see something similar in rum. In the end, I decided to cut them because it distracted from my point. Some people love to latch on something mentioned as aside proceed to ignore everything else you say.
Speaking as someone who is surrounded by whiskey geeks and collectors, it's amazing how far that association has subsequently spread. There are SO many bourbon collectors out there who look for Foursquare, but have zero interest in any other rum, because they apply the same type of blinders to it as they do with Buffalo Trace, etc. They legitimately believe it's the only brand in the entire segment that is worthy of their ardor. This kind of groupthink among whiskey collectors is a problem.
You nailed it with the fermentation/aging ratio. Excellent point! Thanks for sharing.
Another very thought provoking piece Matt. Thank you.
Great article, Matt. Beyond the taste comparisons you make here, the hype and the collecting aspects are important too. For taters on the hunt for something new to collect, swapping a highly sought after and expensive rum for a highly sought after and expensive bourbon isn't much of a stretch. Foursquare in particular will scratch that itch for them, especially with all the love it gets from rum nerds on social media.
"Either way, more drinkers appreciating rum as a world-class spirit equal in stature to the finest whiskies and brandies helps elevate the category."
To be honest, I really don't want this. I love where rum as a category is right now, with tons of diversity and interesting new expressions coming out all the time, that are mostly priced very competitively compared to other spirit categories. I'm afraid that if rum becomes as revered and snobby as whiskey and brandy, I'll be priced out of the market lol
Great read. I’m in the opposite boat. For some reason I started with rum (I think bacardi was the first liquor i got my hands in college) and now I’m trying to jump into bourbon.