Relicario Superior

Relicario Superior is a Spanish style rum from the Dominican Republic, made on a column still in the smooth, approachable idiom of the former Spanish colonies. The new make off a column is light and clean by design, so character here comes mainly from the cask and from rounding rather than from heavy spirit.

It drinks soft and sweet, with vanilla, caramel, light fruit and a touch of oak, finishing peppery and mild. Several drinkers note it reads sweet enough to suggest some sweetening, which fits the style, so this is better understood as a gentle, rounded sipper than a dry one. At 40% and a friendly price, its natural home is mixing: it plays the same role as a basic Barcelo or Brugal, very comfortable with cola and lime. A relaxed everyday rum rather than a contemplative one, and an undemanding place to start.