Don Q Blender‘s Reserve 2024

Don Q Blender's Reserve 2024 is an extra anejo from Destileria Serralles in Puerto Rico, a molasses rum blended around an average age of roughly fifteen years and matured in ex-bourbon casks, bottled at 40.7%. Serralles is one of the island's defining houses, and Don Q is its flagship, built in the light, dry Spanish heritage style.

The profile is restrained and approachable. Vanilla, cocoa, oak and dried fruit run through nose and palate, with a barrel and dried fruit finish and a slightly dry edge from the wood. It stays light and easy despite the age, with a dry sweetness and a little more to find for those who look, though some find it bottled a touch thin. There is no obvious added sugar to fatten it up, so it reads clean and gently oaked. It makes a fine dry Daiquiri base and an easy neat sipper, a logical and low risk step up for anyone who enjoys the lighter Don Q expressions.