DDL El Dorado 5

DDL's youngest El Dorado age statement, distilled from molasses at the Diamond distillery and matured in ex-bourbon, this five-year-old is the brand's newcomer-friendly Demerara. At 40% it is soft, accessible and clearly on the sweet side, made to be poured freely rather than studied.

In keeping with the El Dorado house style, it is sweetened, so it drinks rounder and more dessert-like than a dry independent bottling. Expect butterscotch, vanilla and toffee on the nose, then brown sugar, vanilla and light wood on a slightly thin palate, with a short, warming finish of vanilla and mocha. It shines best in long drinks, daiquiris and dessert-style cocktails, where its sweetness and easy character carry well. This is an honest mixer and an approachable first taste of Guyanese rum rather than a neat sipper.