Rum Exchange A.F.D. Ron Cristóbal Niña

Ron Cristobal comes from Alcoholes Finos Dominicanos, the Dominican Republic distillery behind a long list of softer Spanish-style rons, with this bottling carrying a twelve year age statement and a Rum Exchange label. Distilled on column stills from a blend of molasses and cane juice and laid into ex-bourbon wood, it follows the smooth, approachable template that defines the style, where the spirit stays light and the character is built afterward.

This one is openly sweetened, and the copy will not pretend otherwise. The nose gives caramel, coconut, vanilla and brown sugar, the palate doubles down on caramel, vanilla and toffee, and the finish stays sweet with a touch of spice. At 40% it is creamy, soft and dessert like, an easy introduction for those with a sweet tooth and a natural neighbour to Zacapa style or Plantation style pours. Anyone chasing a dry, oak driven sipper should look elsewhere, but as a gentle sugared treat it does exactly what it sets out to do.