Don Q Signature Release 2007

Don Q Signature Release 2007 is a nine year old Puerto Rican rum from Destileria Serralles, the long established maker behind the Don Q name. Distilled on a column still and matured in ex bourbon casks, it is bottled at a soft 40%, an aged single origin rum in the lighter, cleaner Spanish heritage style that defines Puerto Rico.

This is a showcase of gentle, oxidative oak ageing in fairly inert casks: rather than heavy distillate character, it leans on what time in the barrel brings. The nose offers dried fruit, baked apple, honey and a sweet edge, with the palate following the same line, honey, baked apple and a light woody, barrel note. The finish carries toffee, dried fruit and more baked apple. It is fruity and lightly sweet, soft and undemanding, a relaxed pour for easy drinking rather than a bold, high impact rum, with the apple and dried grape notes giving it a mellow, mature feel.