Don Q Cristal

Don Q Cristal comes from Destileria Serralles in Puerto Rico, a five year old column-still molasses rum filtered back to near-neutrality and bottled at 40%. The aim is deliberate: a clean, light, crowd-pleasing white built to disappear into a cocktail rather than to be studied neat.

The nose is faint and fresh, with green apple, vanilla, lemon and a slightly metallic edge, and the palate keeps things light with vanilla, citrus, apple and a touch of young wood before a thin, clean finish. This is not a rum that sets out to deliver depth, and it is honest about it; the appeal is in its smoothness and neutrality. As a base for a Daiquiri, Mojito or Cuba Libre it is reliable and easy, a sensible step up from the cheapest white mixers for anyone who wants a little more rum character and fewer rough edges.