When requested to call a rum distilled in Puerto Rico, the world thinks of Bacardi. Undoubtedly, Bacardi has corned the advertising of Puerto Rican rum on the world stage, however not in its personal yard. Situated in Ponce, Destileria Seralles’s Don Q outsells Bacardi by a large margin domestically.
In 2023, Destileria Seralles was awarded the Inexperienced Award from The Drinks Enterprise within the class of Renewable Vitality Implementation. Other than appreciating the style, maybe the distillery’s dedication to home power conservation is a part of the attraction to locals? As is frequent for Spanish-style rums, Don Q makes use of a column nonetheless and ferments molasses. All of Don Q’s rums are tropically aged.
Don Q produces rums largely geared toward cocktails together with a couple of rums that advantage savoring neat. In the present day we’re wanting extra on the latter class, with critiques of Don Q Reserva 7 Years Outdated and Don Q Gran Reserva Anejo XO. Bacardi has the world’s consideration, however do Puerto Rican locals know one thing the world doesn’t? Let get to it!
Don Q Reserva 7 Years Outdated Rum – Main off on the nostril is buttercream frosting, adopted by a whiff of Swiss Miss cocoa powder. A contact of crisp Riesling wine follows, blended with dried apricot. Nonetheless, there’s a slight off-note of sawdust that takes the bouquet in an disagreeable path. Debuting on the palate, delicate caramel adopted by a tender vanilla are first on the scene, then a lightweight peach notice arrives to hitch flat ginger ale. The mouthfeel is skinny, making the expertise really feel delicate. Darkish chocolate leads the way in which on the end, accentuated by the sweetness of plum and the spice of nutmeg. Nonetheless, there’s a noticeable astringency that lingers a bit too lengthy and unravels the expertise on the finish. Reserva 7 Years Outdated is an acceptable rum for cocktails, however not one thing I overly wish to sip by itself. 80 proof. B- / $36
Don Q Gran Reserva Anejo XO Rum – This bottling accommodates rum aged between 9 and 12 years in ex-bourbon casks, completed with solera rums aged as much as 50 years. Aromas of plump raisins mesh with vanilla to open. Whiffs of cinnamon and molasses comply with, joined by toasted coconut. On the palate, vanilla taffy kicks issues off together with a twinge of cinnamon. Crisp purple apple and Cherry Coke current on the midpalate, which is medium in viscosity. Because the end approaches, vanilla offers approach to roasted espresso notes, with a contact of maple syrup mingling with cinnamon to wrap issues up with a comparatively quick end. This rum serves as a advantageous selection for a base in an elevated cocktail, but in addition an above-average selection for sipping neat. When you’re eager about a top quality inexpensive rum from the Don Q portfolio, you possibly can’t go improper right here. 80 proof. B+ / $59
Aka DonQ.
Don Q Gran Reserva Anejo XO Rum
$59
