A.F.D. Bacoo 3 Year Old Rum

Bacoo 3 Year Old comes from Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos in the Dominican Republic, a young entry in the Spanish style that trades age for freshness. At three years and 43% it is bright and lively rather than deep, openly pitched toward easy drinking and mixing.

Distilled on a column still from molasses and aged briefly in ex-bourbon oak, it keeps the fruit forward and the wood light. The nose jumps with citrus, mango and banana over a peppery edge, the palate runs lime and lemon with more pepper and tropical fruit, and a short lime-and-barrel finish rounds it off. There is a touch of caramel sweetness, but the character is zesty and fruity rather than heavy, which makes it a natural mixer for a daiquiri or rum-and-cola as much as a casual neat pour.