Brinkmann finest Ron Zuarin Classic

Brinkmann finest Ron Zuarin Classic is an eight year old Caribbean rum bottled at 40% in the soft, sweetened Spanish influenced style, a gentle entry level pour rather than a spirit forward one. Distilled from molasses on a column still and aged in ex-bourbon, it leans toward easy drinking and a sweetness in the liqueur register.

The nose is led by caramel with raisin, sugar and vanilla, and the palate stays sweet and smooth, caramel and vanilla joined by a ripe apricot and light banana note. The finish is soft and brief with a faint warmth. There is a clear sugary, almost liqueur like quality, and the fruit can read a touch dominant, but as a relaxed, undemanding rum it goes down comfortably. It is squarely aimed at newcomers and those who like their rum sweet and approachable, more a casual sipper or sweet mixer than a dram to dissect.