Don Q Añejo Rum

Score: 11/23 Nose: Not heavy. Sweet, but not sticky. A faint earthy scent and a dryness like paper or slightly unripe dried tropical fruit is present. Sugary tropical fruit notes gradually emerge. Palate: Fairly even and less sweet than anticipated. Not overly oaky, but sweet with tropical fruit notes (pineapple, mango, tart curaçao orange, unpeeled apple). A slight dryness, a hint of earthiness, and some caramelized sugar. Some parts are a bit sharp with that caramelized sugar taste becoming dominant, and it's somewhat thin. The balance is otherwise good. This lacks the richness and depth of Appleton Estate 12, missing its pleasant barrel character and sweet notes like vanilla. The balance is also less successful and it's somewhat rougher. Finish: Primarily dry and not very fruity. The bitterness is more prominent than the sweetness. - Summary - Appleton Estate 12 and Plantation Xaymaca are superior. This is much closer to Plantation 3 Star as a straight pour. While Plantation 3 Star is a pleasant light rum, it's not typically considered a neat drink. This offering is, I believe, slightly more suited for sipping than that one. Based on this, I'm considering a score of 11 or 12. It was very close to a 12, but it's just a bit too harsh for that mark, hence the 11. Sample provided by a friend:)

Nose - faint molasses, honey, caramel, apple, vanilla cream, banana, nutmeg, clove, oat, floral hints, mild to moderate ethanol burn. Taste - sour apple, light molasses, ginger, banana, black pepper, butterscotch, vanilla, grape, floral notes, lemon, clove, peppermint, grass, bitter herbal notes, moderate alcohol bite, with a medium-short finish of molasses, baking spice, and sour apple flavors. The nose is rather light and spice-forward. Caramel, molasses, and banana are present along with some honeyed, spiced apples. The palate unfortunately drifts into youthful sourness. Many of the aromas carry over as flavors, but with some added citrus, herbal, and minty notes. The finish is sour and baking spicy, but generally unremarkable. Another completely average rum, suitable only for mixing in my opinion. It’s too youthful, light, and sour to be a serviceable sipper. Overall, it’s certainly not the worst rum I’ve tasted, but I don’t see a place for it on my shelf, except as a component in a one-off cocktail I may make in the future.

The aroma is pungent, alcoholic, and funky. On the palate, there's vanilla, banana, funk, and spiciness. It's neither a sweet nor a medicinal rum. The finish is quick with some apple notes. It's not an everyday sipper and would likely work best as a traditional mixer.

Consumed in a shake with Don Q Anejo rum, Marie Brizard, apricot liqueur, cheesecake, and graham cracker crumbles. It had a sweet oak cheesecake flavor. Enjoyed at a movie theater while watching a film.

Smooth notes. I was actually surprised. It's bitter at first but doesn't linger. The finish is smooth with a slight vanilla aftertaste. I can't quite pinpoint it yet, but it leaves a pleasant coating on the palate.

A solid aged rum suitable for daily use in mixed drinks. Perfect for a Cuba Libre.