Foursquare Mandamus 16 Year Old Rum Exceptional Cask Mark XXIX

Foursquare Mandamus 16-Year-Old Rum — Exceptional Cask Mark XXIX is a profound expression of Caribbean rum craftsmanship: richly layered, supremely balanced, and remarkably refined for its age. With deep molasses sweetness, warm spice, oak complexity, and a creamy, long finish, it exemplifies how extended maturation can elevate a mature rum into contemplative sipping territory while retaining vibrant island character.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Bottled by Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados, this Exceptional Cask series celebrates the distillery’s meticulous approach to rum making and cask mastery. Mandamus refers to a set of high-caliber, single-cask releases chosen for their exceptional depth and character. Mark XXIX denotes the specific iteration in the series, each distinguished by cask history and maturation influences.

Distilled from nutty, robust molasses-based wash and fermented with Foursquare’s signature yeast strains, the spirit is cut at traditional Caribbean strength before entering a long, patient maturation in carefully selected oak barrels. Over 16 years, the rum develops dramatic complexity: oak integration, concentrated fruit and spice notes, and a seamless interplay between sweetness and structural tension.

Foursquare’s philosophy emphasizes purity of expression with minimal filtration, allowing the wood influence and inherent distillate character to shine through clearly. The result is a rum that feels both historically rooted and vibrantly present.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
A rich, aromatic sweep of dark brown sugar and treacle, layered with molasses, ripe banana, toasted oak, and baking spice. Hints of coconut husk, roasted nuts, and gentle cigar box nuance add dimension, while subtle orange zest and dried fig rise through the complexity.

Palate:
Full-bodied and luscious, with a core of deep caramel and toffee, balanced by blackstrap molasses, tropical fruit reduction (banana and mango), and warm spice — cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Oak tannin supports without dominating, contributing a soft cedar-like dryness. Mid-palate reveals dark chocolate, espresso beans, and a whisper of dried tobacco leaf.

Finish:
Long, generous, and warming: rich oak spice lingers with slow-receding sweetness, toasted coconut, and a touch of saline minerality that keeps the close invigorating rather than heavy.

Quick Overview

Serving Suggestions

• Neat in a Snifter or Glencairn: Best to appreciate its layered aromatics and palate depth.

• Slightly Chilled: A gentle drop of cool temperature softens oak warmth while preserving complexity.

• With a Few Drops of Water: Opens tertiary aromas and eases integration of spice and fruit.

🍸 Signature Sip & Pair Ideas

Island Ember
Pour 1.5–2 oz Mandamus 16 in a tulip glass. Allow 5 minutes to breathe. Savor slowly.
Why it works: Pure expression of age and oak integration.

Fire & Cocoa
Pair 1 oz Mandamus 16 with a square of 70–85% dark chocolate.
Why it works: Cocoa’s bitterness juxtaposes the rum’s deep sugar and wood tones.

Barbadian Sunset
Serve neat alongside grilled pineapple with a squeeze of lime.
Why it works: Tropical fruit brightness contrasts the rum’s rich depth.

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Cheese: Aged Gouda, Manchego

• Desserts: Sticky toffee pudding, caramel crème caramel

• Savory: Grilled pork belly with rum glaze, jerk-spiced lamb chops
  These pairings echo the rum’s caramel and spice while balancing its oak structure.