Don Q Cristal Rum

While searching a store for an affordable unaged rum for a party cocktail this weekend, my usual preferred brands were either unavailable or lacked an unaged option. I had never heard of Don Q, but at least it was imported and inexpensive, as indicated by its placement on the second-to-bottom shelf. Its proximity to a 151 proof aged version was also somewhat impressive, as overproof rums are generally scarce, especially in the state of Ohio. What I discovered upon researching it after returning home is that this is actually aged, with the color removed. This information is not indicated anywhere on the bottle, which strikes me as a puzzling decision, and I don't understand why only bottom-shelf rums employ this practice (looking at you, Bacardi). I'm hoping this will taste more awful than anticipated, so I can potentially use it in my cocktail requiring an unaged rum. A nose of lemon, lime, and unripe banana initiates the experience, accompanied by an unmistakable scent of high-quality, hospital-grade hand sanitizer. Given the deception involved, I would anticipate smelling oak or barrel notes due to its unusually high age, but if they are present, they seem artificial. In fact, the remaining aromas of white pepper and various citrus oils (particularly grapefruit) are precisely what I would expect from an unaged rum. An initial taste reveals a bright yet potent floral flavor. The spirit slightly tingles the gums, and as it does, a subtly spicy, floral, and citrusy taste emerges, strongly reminiscent of juniper berries and other gin characteristics. This is where the enjoyment ends; as soon as the mouth is opened, all alcohol flavor dissipates, leaving only a watery liquid. As another insult, a distinct finishing note I'm detecting is that of an unaged, neutral spirit or grain (like corn or wheat), reminding me of vodka or new make; what is this distillery attempting to create? A disappointment is an apt descriptor for this experience, as it is slightly worse than I had anticipated, yet not a complete, laughable failure. Instead, we have a spirit that is clearly undecided about its intended identity or flavor profile, leaving me with a somewhat better understanding of why Don Q is among the few distilleries to produce a rum they specifically label as "151." Fortunately (in all the wrong ways), I believe I can still utilize this in a batch cocktail, as everyone attending has never spent more than $25 on any bottle of anything in their lives. Having said that, Don Q Cristal being the perfect candidate to fulfill such a role doesn't exactly serve as a strong endorsement.

I've encountered excellent reviews for this rum, so it might be a matter of my personal palate, but generally, it is very comparable to Bacardi Superior. It does possess a slightly less pronounced rubbing-alcohol aroma—though only marginally. The mouthfeel is also a bit more substantial than Bacardi Superior's, but it remains thin, and the flavor is still dominated by rubbing alcohol. After a few minutes, the aftertaste is still alcoholic and harsh, lacking the fruity notes that Bacardi Superior at least offers on the finish. Even when mixed with cola, it has a stronger resemblance to vodka than rum.

Don Q Cristal is an extremely clear silver rum, similar to vodka. It has a refined, high-class vodka scent. The palate is smooth and warm, with hints of vanilla and citrus, followed by a clean, vodka-like finish. This rum works best in vodka cocktails like Screwdrivers and Chi Chis, appealing more to vodka fans than traditional rum drinkers. It doesn't have the depth for tiki drinks, but it's fine in standard Daiquiris and Long Island Iced Teas.

Very cheap and as I explore different drinks, it's still among my favorite light rums. The flavor profile is very easy for new drinkers like me. It smells like a vacation, with a distinct alcohol scent, ginger, light coconut, and tropical fruit notes. It tastes smooth and quite neutral, it's sweet on its own, and it enhances flavors in cocktails well.

Not a fan of unaged spirits, but a gift included this bottle and some barrel aging spirals. I sampled it before adding the wood. It's quite palatable straight, actually. Naturally, it would perform better in a cocktail. After two weeks with the aging spiral, there was minimal difference, only a slight increase in the ethanol heat.

Don Q Cristal is transparent, with minuscule specks of sediment. The alcohol streaks are consistent. It smells very faintly of molasses and oak. The flavor has these notes, with noticeable alcohol. The body is medium, and Don Q Cristal has a moderately long finish.