Don Q Gold Rum

Gold Rum Review - Four, primarily Spanish style Havana Club Anejo (USA) Don Q Gold Bacardi Gold Koloa Kauai Gold Havana Club Note: The bottle has been open for a bit, still about two-thirds full Appearance: A medium gold color, similar to German beer Nose: Quite strong ethanol, with hints of caramel and... crème brûlée? Palate/Finish: A hollow impression of caramel and vanilla, reminiscent of a dried-out old rum cork, but somewhat light; a slight earthy bitterness like young oak; subtle sweetness but not truly fruity, ethanol is restrained, bitterness increases on the palate Aftertaste: Smells like sophisticated caramel candy, tastes like a toffee bar after returning. Conclusion: May not fit in this category, but surprisingly had more developed "usual suspects" type flavors, and stood out in terms of color down to the last sip. Might be more noticeable in a mixed drink than the others. Don Q Note: Nearly empty, and has been for quite a while, likely months Appearance: Pale straw, like a dry white wine Nose: Light ethanol, toffee, and some fruit, perhaps papaya? Palate/Finish: Light but inoffensive, barely any burn, caramel; burnt sugar, some burn, some wood tannin; brown bread, subtle vanilla, not much fruit; there is some burn, some wood tannin; brown bread, subtle vanilla, not much fruit Aftertaste: Smells like a fruit bowl, tastes like agave nectar after returning. Conclusion: Lovely fruitiness compared to the others, almost shockingly so. Probably a better-balanced mixer, and pleasant enough to sip on its own. Inviting nose and satisfying palate. Bacardi Note: Freshly opened small 200ml bottle, but it sat on a store shelf for who knows how long... Appearance: Medium light gold, like domestic beer Nose: Cleaning products at first, then ethanol, like steeped black tea? Finally, some sweetness, like vanilla latte syrup Palate/Finish: Smooth entry with some light vanilla caramel; sweeter with almost-bitter woody pine notes lingering; vaguely sweet, somewhat ethanol, light bitterness Aftertaste: Smells like sawdust, tastes like the dregs of watered-down vanilla iced latte after returning. Conclusion: Bad nose with a smooth taste, oddly enough, though a less appealing flavor profile than others in the category, I can see why this might be a friendly choice for mixing, if one wanted a less refined experience than the common BCB. Koloa Kauai Note: From a sample bottle purchased at the distillery store, and not opened immediately upon returning home. Appearance: Light gold, like oaked Chardonnay Nose: Initially savory, almost bready, like a fresh homemade loaf, then strangely sweet, like cleaning products, and an almost cucumber-like vegetal note, peculiar. Palate: Light flavor, some burn, some lingering wood; not fruity, somewhat earthy, barely sweet; faint but rounded flavor of some nutty dessert Aftertaste: Smells like hay, tastes like buttered pancakes with a hint of dried maple syrup after returning. Conclusion: This likely doesn't fit well in the category, but what else to compare it with? The different process is evident in the product, with unusual notes on the nose and palate. Curious to try a small daiquiri, but it makes me think more of a cane juice spirit than molasses due to the unusual and unexpected notes.

Consumed neat. It has a clear, golden straw color with very lingering legs. The aroma is of tropical fruits, molasses, some aged oak, and vanilla, with a faint hint of funk. The taste mirrors the nose with sweet molasses, tropical fruit, mild baking spices, funk, oak, and vanilla. The finish is moderately long, featuring molasses and funk. Overall, this rum holds its own against pricier bottles. It's not the best for sipping, but it's drinkable. It's an excellent mixer, especially considering the value at $22 for a large bottle, which adds a little extra for its price. It's a staple for my tiki bar.

Lately, I've been mixing a lot of rum drinks, and this one just hasn't measured up when held against Plantation 5 year. It's got a drier, sharper, and less mature profile, which some people who prefer drier rums might like, but it's not for me. For what it's worth, it's okay on its own, though you're unlikely to purchase this specifically for sipping.

For what it is, its flavor is quite similar to Don Q Silver; it's smooth, sweet, and neutral, offering everything you'd appreciate in Don Q Silver, but with a slightly more pronounced baking spice character. However, it does lack body when compared to other gold and darker rums.

Don Q Gold looks light and clear, with tiny bits of sediment visible in sunlight. It smells of vanilla, oak, and sugar. The taste mirrors the aroma, with a creamy texture. Don Q Gold has a light body and a finish of moderate length.

Light straw color, with fruity and slightly unusual notes. A slight burn in the finish. I plan to try aging it in a whiskey barrel for 12 weeks.