I enjoy R(h)um, genuinely I do. I just don’t talk about it, or review it, anywhere near as much as whisk(e)y. But when your friend who represents Foursquare reaches out, and asks if you want to meet Gayle Seale on Monday? You say yes; without hesitation. And to make it better? Gayle brought something that hadn’t even been released yet.. The brand new Probitas Green.
Quick disclaimer, this was a trade sample that I received through my day job but informed Gayle and the Altamar Brands team (Foursquare’s US importer) that I would be taking it home to taste further (I spit at work), and review.
Before we dive into the tasting notes, what is Probitas Rum? Well until recently this definition from the Altamar Brands website was a great one; “A Unique Blended White Rum, consisting of rums from Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados and Hampden Estate in Jamaica. Distilled, Matured, Blended and Bottled entirely in the Caribbean. 47% ABV.”
But after today? Not so accurate anymore. Because today I present to you, Probitas Green Label; a blend of rums from Foursquare in Barbados and Hampden Estate in Jamaica with a higher ABV, and seemingly higher aged stocks. But as always, we can’t let colour inform our decision. I was told that there is in fact some caramel colouring in this blend, but that it was made entirely in house by Richard Seale himself. This is clocking in at 57% ABV, and is expected to land in 6-8 weeks to distributors here in the USA.
Oh, and did I mention I was the first person outside Team Foursquare to try this? I think it’s time for a drink…
In the glass this presents as a beautiful opaque burnt amber, with perhaps a twinge of gold.
On the nose it’s got a touch of Jamaican funk, with a very prevalent caramel and flan sweetness. It’s slightly esthery, and grassy, while retaining touches of vanilla, and fig. It almost evokes liquid Fig Newton.
On the palate it’s esthery, vanilla and grassy. There’s a slight sharpness on the mid palate and sides of your tongue. Burnt honey, a hint of leather, and a whisper of orange oil all round this out beautifully.