Experience the exceptional Holmes Cay 9 Years Old 2012 Foursquare Port Cask Ex-Bourbon Single Cask High Proof Rum—a limited release crafted from a rare single cask at Barbados' famed Foursquare Distillery. This distinguished rum, aged nine years in ex-bourbon casks before receiving a luxurious port cask finish, delivers a harmonious blend of light caramel, honey, and oak on the palate, evolving into rich notes of raisin and stone fruit with a crisp, oaky finish. Bottled at a robust 55% ABV for true connoisseurs, this high proof rum offers complexity, intensity, and the uncompromising quality for which Holmes Cay is known, making it an essential addition to any serious rum collection.
Production Process & Profile
The Holmes Cay Barbados 2012 Port Cask begins its journey at the prestigious Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados. This premium spirit is crafted as a harmonious blend of pot and column still distillates, creating a perfect balance of complexity and refinement. The rum undergoes an initial 8-year maturation period in the tropical climate of Barbados, developing its core character and depth. What truly sets this expression apart is its additional 18-month secondary maturation in carefully selected ex-port wine casks in New York State, imparting unique flavor dimensions and complexity. Bottled at a robust cask strength of 55% ABV, this high-proof rum preserves its full flavor profile without dilution. The limited production of only five casks ensures exclusivity and exceptional quality control throughout the aging process.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Rich amber hue that showcases its extended aging process.
Nose: Inviting aromas of light Christmas spices greet you immediately, complemented by subtle hints of plum and vanilla.
Palate: The first sip reveals a delightful complexity with prominent notes of cherry and vanilla leading the experience. Further exploration unveils layers of toffee, walnut, and wine-like characteristics that dance across the palate.
Finish: Remarkably dry and lingering, featuring Christmas spices, stone fruit nuances, and pleasant tannins that provide structure and sophistication.
What Makes It Special
Holmes Cay Barbados 2012 Port Cask represents the pinnacle of rum craftsmanship with its unique dual-aging technique. The initial tropical aging in Barbados develops the rum's foundation, while the port cask finish adds remarkable complexity and distinguishing character. As a limited release with only five casks produced, this expression offers rum enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience a truly exceptional spirit. The decision to bottle at cask strength preserves the rum's authentic character and intensity, allowing connoisseurs to appreciate its full flavor potential. The prestigious Foursquare Rum Distillery, known for its exceptional quality standards and innovative approaches to rum production, provides an impeccable pedigree for this outstanding expression.
How to Enjoy
This premium rum deserves thoughtful appreciation. Serve it neat in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the complex aromas and allow them to develop fully. A small splash of water can open up additional layers of flavor while maintaining the rum's essential character. For a sophisticated pairing experience, enjoy alongside dark chocolate, dried fruits, or artisanal cheese to complement the rum's rich profile and port cask influence. The Christmas spice notes make it particularly appealing during holiday celebrations or special occasions. Whether savored alone as a contemplative sipper or shared with fellow spirits enthusiasts, Holmes Cay Barbados 2012 Port Cask delivers an exceptional rum experience that showcases the finest qualities of Barbadian rum-making tradition enhanced by innovative cask finishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Holmes Cay 9 Years Old 2012 Foursquare Port Cask Rum?
This premium rum is a 9-year-old single cask edition from Holmes Cay, produced at the world-famous Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados. It features a blend of column and pot still rum that was aged 8 years in Barbados, followed by an additional 18 months of secondary maturation in second-fill port casks in New York. It's bottled at 55% alcohol by volume (high proof) without any added sugar, color, or flavors.
How many bottles of this rum are available?
Only five casks of this premium 9-year-old rum were produced for the 2024 edition, making it a limited release.
What are the tasting notes for this rum?
The rum offers light caramel, honey and oak on the palate yielding to raisin and stone fruit, with a crisp, oaky finish. Some tasters note vanilla, coconut, oak, light red wine, strong raisins, light peach, and pine aromas.
Is this rum cask strength?
While it's bottled at high proof (55% ABV), it's not technically labeled as cask strength for this particular release. ## Production Details
Where is Holmes Cay rum distilled?
This specific rum was distilled at the Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados, which is renowned worldwide for producing exceptional rums.
What type of distillation process is used?
The rum is a blend of column still and pot still distillation methods, which provides a balance of lightness and complexity to the final product.
Has this rum been aged in different locations?
Yes, the rum underwent a unique aging process, with 8 years in Barbados followed by an additional 18 months of secondary maturation in second-fill port casks in New York State.
Are there any additives in this rum?
No, this rum contains no added sugar, coloring, or other flavors. The complex flavor profile comes entirely from the distillation and aging process. ## Purchasing Information
What is the bottle size?
The rum comes in a standard 750ml bottle.
Is this a collectible rum?
Yes, with only five casks available in the 2024 edition, this is considered a limited release and may be desirable for collectors as well as rum enthusiasts.
How should I store this rum?
Store your bottle upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Unlike wine, rum doesn't continue to age in the bottle, but proper storage will help maintain its quality and flavor profile.
What makes this rum special compared to other Foursquare releases?
This particular release stands out due to its unique secondary maturation in port casks, which adds distinctive fruity notes to the classic Foursquare profile. It's also part of Holmes Cay's carefully selected single cask program, highlighting exceptional and unique expressions of rum.
