Détente - A Rum Review

Détente - It is a French term meaning : “the relaxation of strained relations or tensions”. The term was mostly used to describe relations at times in between stressful times between The U.S. and the Soviet Union. If you are stressed after trying this superb rum there is something wrong with you!

Foursquare Rum Distillery Détente is Mark XIV, or the 14th of their Single Cask Collection ( I currently have 9 of them and covet the rest!). It contains a blend of rums from both the Artisanal Double-Retort Pot & Traditional Twin Column Coffey Stills.

It is a blend of two single blended rums – one aged 10 years entirely in Ex-Bourbon barrels, and the other aged 4 years in Ex-Bourbon Barrels, then transferred to Ex-Port Casks for an additional 6 years.

All rum is aged in total for 10 years. Bottled at 51% ABV in August 2020.

Aged rum can be just as subtle and nuanced as a bold Cabernet or Barolo. In this vintage, there are soft notes of toasted coconut and a slightly perceptible hint of current, raisin and apple. However, everyone’s olfactory does vary. But the Port Cask is the winner here, it leaves a round finish that lasts far past your last sip.

Its high ABV (51%) compared to most other sipping rums may keep some away, but I would challenge that. Sip it neat at first! The less water added during the proofing process allows a greater expression of the more subtle elements present in the bottle, I.E. the Port Cask could be overpowered by the Bourbon Cask, but it is not. Both all allowed to flourish, and you smell and taste the apple, berry and the slightest toasted coconut accents. So, if sipping this solo does not appeal, I would recommend this rum in a Sherry or Port forward cocktail. Or, in a Rum Negroni as the feature spirit. The balance of the Vermouth, Bitter (I like Cappelletti vs Campari) and this Rum will be a crown pleaser! Enjoy!