Bacardi Cuatro Añejo 4

Bacardi made its name on light, clean, column-distilled rum in the Spanish-heritage style, and this Cuatro is a four-year Puerto Rican expression aged in ex-bourbon wood. At 40% it is soft and approachable, a small step up in roundness and maturity from the brand's entry-level bottles rather than a leap into intensity or complexity. The character comes largely from the barrel, as the light distillate leaves the wood to do most of the work.

Expect soft vanilla, honey, light wood and a touch of apricot, slightly sweet and very round for its age, with a peppery edge appearing on the palate. It stays gentle and a little thin, which is why it works best as a smoother upgrade for a Cuba Libre, a highball or an easy cocktail rather than a neat pour. For anyone who already enjoys standard Bacardi with cola, this is a safe, more polished option that keeps the familiar house aroma intact.