Don Q Signature Release Single Barrel 2005

Initially it’s just sweet ethanol on the nose, it never really goes away, but subsides enough for light tropical fruits, vanilla, caramel and charred oak notes to poke through. It’s actually quite pleasant. Light bodied, slightly creamy and semisweet on the palate with vanilla prominently on display, also some barrel spice, oak and light caramel. I know it’s rum, but could almost be fooled into thinking it’s a light whiskey. Finish is lengthier than expected, sides of my tongue are numbed, a somewhat bittersweet, caramel, oakiness resided on the center of my tongue for minutes.

This was an great rum. I had it a few years back before I learned how to appreciate good spirits more. Sadly it’s gone, but I have the 2007 waiting in queue. The flavor were good, but if you have the opportunity to try one of Don Qs Double or Aged casks releases, give it a try. Bouts the Vermouth and Sherry are very good.

An elegant, single barrel expression from Puerto Rican rum brand Don Q, distilled in 2005 & aged in American white oak. It has an aromatic birth with notes of sugarcane, grilled pineapple & toffee; while a rich & creamy life adds notes of coffee bean & vanilla; that led to a balanced death of medium length. June 2017

This rum to me is an argument for the importance of the rum maestro. This one note dry rum with a fair amount of heat could be a key ingredient to a great blend. As it is, a really a good cocktail rum, but not a sipper.

Excellent. Reminds me of a good bourbon with just a slight bit more rum sweetness. More spice than usual on a rum. Very enjoyable.

Well rounded, oaky. Complex and interesting palette.