Foursquare week rolls on. On Monday I reviewed a 12 yo bottled for the LCBO in Canada. That one was matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and sherry casks. I thought it was fine but nothing great. Today I have a review of another 12 yo. This one was bottled for the Whisky Exchange in London and was matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and madeira casks. This one has the added appellation, “Diadem”. As to whether that flourish came from the distillery or the retailer I don’t know. Anyway, let’s see what it’s like.

Foursquare 12 (60%; for The Whisky Exchange; ex-bourbon and madeira casks; from a bottle split)

Nose: A mix of light caramel and maple syrup off the top with vanilla coming up strong from below. Not much early sign of the madeira. As it sits, there’s more brown sugar and the fruit begins to emerge; it’s mostly jammy with currants and cherry and a bit of orange peel. With more time the caramel and vanilla meet at creme brulee. With a few drops of water it gets creamier and there’s a fair bit of toffee too.

Palate: Comes in with the fruit and the caramel. A big bite as expected at full strength, but it’s not unapproachable; full-bodied. More citrus with time but the caramel is still the top note. With more time still it gets quite spicy with cinnamon and clove emerging. Spicier still with water and the citrus expands as well.

Finish: Long. The caramel goes on for a bit and then there’s some salt and some leather. The caramel gets a little more bitter at the end with time but it otherwise develops as on the palate. Spicier here too with water.

Comments: Another lovely Foursquare. There’s no fireworks here either but I like this a little better than Monday’s LCBO release as the mix of sweet and spicy notes with the citrus is more to my taste.

Rating: 87 points.