Foursquare Epilogue 19 yo (bottled 2026), Exceptional Cask Selection – Mark XXXI, 57%

Introduction

Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados is today one of the world’s most acclaimed rum distilleries, owing in large part to the uncompromising Richard Seale, who since the late 1990s has championed natural, sugar-free rum of the absolute highest quality. Epilogue – Mark XXXI – is the 31st and final release in the beloved Exceptional Cask Selection series, and with 19 years in ex-bourbon casks, it represents a historic milestone in Foursquare’s production.

Production Method

• Ingredients: Locally produced Barbadian molasses forms the foundation of this extraordinary rum, staying true to Foursquare’s tradition of terroir-conscious production.
• Distillation Process: Epilogue is a refined blend of pot still-distilled rum and column-distilled rum, creating a complexity that combines the rich and oily character of the pot still with the elegant purity of the column.
• Maturation: The rum has been tropically aged for no fewer than 19 years in ex-bourbon casks in Barbados. Tropical ageing results in a significantly higher rate of evaporation (angels’ share) than in cooler climates, which concentrates and intensifies the flavour profile considerably.
• Special Techniques: No added sugar, no colour adjustment, and no chill filtration – the rum is bottled at its natural cask strength of 57% ABV to preserve the full, untouched flavour profile that nearly two decades of cask maturation have created.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich and inviting, with deep notes of dark caramel, vanilla, and dried tropical fruit, complemented by hints of dark chocolate, oak, and spice derived from the lengthy bourbon cask maturation.
• Palate: Powerful and full-bodied, with a remarkable balance for its age and strength – exotic fruits, ripe banana, and pineapple meet sweet toffee, smoky oak, and a warm spiciness of cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Finish: Long, warm, and complex, with lingering notes of dark wood, vanilla, dried fruit, and a delicate bitterness from the tannin-rich oak that slowly fades into a soft, spiced conclusion.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Room temperature (approx. 18–22°C) to fully highlight the depth and complexity of the aromas.
• Glassware: A Glencairn glass or tulip-shaped nosing glass, which concentrates the aromas and allows the rum’s full aromatic profile to be appreciated.
• Serving Suggestions: Best enjoyed neat or with a single drop of cold water to open up the many layers of complexity. Avoid ice, which will suppress the finer nuances.
• Food Pairings: Pairs beautifully with dark chocolate (70%+), aged hard cheese, smoked meats, or a fine cigar that complements the rum’s deep, rich character.

Product Specifications

• Alcohol Content: 57% ABV (Cask Strength)
• Bottle Size: 70 cl
• Country/Region of Origin: Barbados, The Caribbean – Foursquare Rum Distillery, St. Philip
• Certifications/Awards: Foursquare Rum Distillery has repeatedly been named the world’s finest rum producer by respected international judges, and the Exceptional Cask Selection series is globally celebrated as the benchmark for premium rum without additives. Mark XXXI is the concluding and crowning release in this award-winning series.

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Foursquare Epilogue Mark XXXI is not merely a rum – it is a historic document in bottle form, representing nearly two decades of patient tropical cask maturation and a lifetime of dedication to the craft from Richard Seale and his team in Barbados.

As the 31st and final release in the Exceptional Cask Selection series, Epilogue is by definition a limited and unique conclusion to a chapter that will never be repeated – once the bottles are gone, they are gone forever.

Richard Seale is recognised by international rum experts and critics as one of the most influential and uncompromising producers in the history of rum, and Epilogue is the crowning jewel of his life’s work.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

The Exceptional Cask Selection series from Foursquare is regarded by rum enthusiasts and professionals worldwide as the ultimate benchmark for what Caribbean rum can achieve at the absolute highest level.

Once you have tasted a Foursquare Exceptional Cask Selection, it is difficult to imagine a collection without one – and Epilogue, as the historic finale to the series, will inevitably stand as a milestone on the shelf of any serious rum lover.

Awards, top placements in international competitions, and glowing recommendations from the world’s leading rum specialists confirm what connoisseurs have known for years: Foursquare sets the standard for premium Caribbean rum.

From Foursquare Rum Distillery to You

Behind every bottle of Epilogue lies Richard Seale’s unwavering commitment to delivering pure, honest, and uncompromising rum – with no shortcuts, no additives, and unconditional respect for the raw ingredients and the cask as the sole creators of flavour.

Foursquare is a family-run distillery with deep roots in Barbados’ rum tradition, and the passion and pride invested in Epilogue are evident in every single sip.

Join rum enthusiasts around the world in honouring the close of an era – and let Foursquare Epilogue Mark XXXI become part of your own special story.