Review: Don Q Reserva and Reserva Especial Rum

Understanding the various expressions from Puerto Rico’s Don Q can be confusing, with at least four of them called Reserva in some fashion. Reserva 7 Years Old and Gran Reserva Anejo are different than the two rums we look at here today — both new additions to the portfolio.

Here’s a look at the latest duo from Familia Serralles. Aka DonQ.

Both are 80 proof.

Don Q Reserva Rum Review

No age statement, but this blend of rums spends at least five years in former bourbon barrels, so it’s only slightly younger than the Reserva 7 Years Old expression — though it now stands as the youngest Don Q Reserva on the market. This is a quite sweet expression, sweet vanilla and buttercream leading the nose toward increasingly candied territory, with butterscotch dominant. Notes of tannic oak remain in the picture, though, signs that ample maturity runway remains for what amounts to a fairly entry level opening. The palate surprises with less overt sweetness than the nose telegraphs, again moderately tannic and driven by almond, but tempered with bittersweet chocolate and some vague fruit notes, primarily apple. The astringency Jacob mentioned in the 7 Year Old lingers here, though less clearly, perhaps doctored up a bit to wash it away. At least the price is right. B / $21

Don Q Reserva Especial Rum Review

Aged 7 to 10 years in bourbon barrels, placing this as the 3rd most luxe rum in the Reserva lineup. Here a clear tropical character takes hold, with aromas of coconut and pineapple (thankfully) rising from the glass. A more forceful spice, cloves over nutmeg, is also evident, giving the aroma a real tiki quality. At the same time, it’s complemented by a curiously savory note — fish sauce, with its slight saltiness, being the closest analogue I can come up with on short notice.

There’s plenty of fruit on the palate, but soon it shows a more exotic side, fresh pineapple turning toward grilled, coconut toward a toasted character. Layers of raisin and dates come into focus as the initial tropical rush fades, the finish showing a slight florality, before leaning back into darker fruit tones. Maraska cherry hits on the finish, offering a level of depth I didn’t really expect to find here. Twice the price of standard Reserva, and worth it. A- / $40

The post Review: Don Q Reserva and Reserva Especial Rum appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.