3 badge mixology Kirk and Sweeney RESERVA

This Kirk and Sweeney Reserva is a Dominican Republic rum distilled by Bermudez, one of the country's classic three B houses, and bottled by 3 Badge Mixology. It sits in the soft, accessible Spanish style, molasses based and column distilled to a light, clean spirit that takes most of its character from the barrel and from a rounded sweetness.

The nose runs to vanilla, caramel and a bourbon like edge, and the palate is sweet and creamy with caramel, coffee, vanilla and light wood, finishing soft and gently woody. It is straightforward rather than complex, and honestly a little sweet, which is part of its easy appeal. At 40% it is a comfortable everyday pour, best enjoyed over ice or in simple mixed drinks like a rum and cola rather than as a layered rum to study neat. Drinkers chasing dryness or funk will want to look elsewhere, but for relaxed sipping it does its job well.