Brugal Añejo Superior 5 Years

Brugal is one of the Dominican Republic's long established names, working molasses spirit through column stills for the clean, light profile that defines the Spanish style. This five year old sits at the everyday end of the range, bottled at a modest 38 percent and matured in ex bourbon wood.

Independent testing has found Brugal to be effectively dry, around four grams of sugar per litre, so the softness here comes mostly from the column distillation and the wood rather than dosage. The nose is woody with vanilla and mild caramelised notes, the palate stays light with oak and vanilla, and the finish turns a little peppery and dry. It can feel harsh neat and shows best long and iced, a dependable, low cost mixer for cola and easy cocktails rather than a bottle that asks for close attention.