A.F.D. Ron Barceló Blanco

A.F.D. Ron Barcelo Blanco comes from Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos, the production arm behind one of the Dominican Republic's three B's. Distilled from molasses on a column still, this is the entry level white in the range, bottled at a light 37.5% and made for mixing rather than contemplation. The nose runs rough and industrial, with harsh, minty and medicinal notes showing the youth of the spirit.

The palate softens into buttery caramel and a sweet, sour edge, finishing light with butterscotch, hazelnut and citrus. This is a sweetened white rum, and it reads best judged as a cocktail base rather than a neat pour, where the sub 40% strength and simple profile sit fine in a long drink. Some find it surprisingly smooth and floral for what it is, but its honest role is as an easy, sweet mixing rum, not a sipping bottle.