Oliver & Oliver Cubaney Gran Reserve Selecto

Cubaney Gran Reserve Selecto comes from Oliver & Oliver, the Dominican blending house behind the Cubaney and Opthimus ranges. The Dominican Republic's gentle, vanilla and caramel ron is the template here, and this expression sits at the soft, accessible end, bottled at a notably light 38%.

Made from molasses on a column still, it is mild and rounded by design. The nose shows wood, vanilla, caramel and allspice, the palate is sweet with honey and soft wood, and the finish brings caramel, cocoa and a touch more allspice. The strength is low enough that the alcohol all but disappears, leaving an easy, mellow drink. Sugar is not declared and it reads mildly sweet rather than sugary. This is a relaxed introduction to the Spanish style, lighter and less cloying than some, equally suited to casual sipping or undemanding mixed drinks.