Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Don Q Vermouth Cask Finish Rum

Product Story

To be honest when I heard months ago that Don Q was to release an aged Rum finished in Vermouth casks I was a bit perplexed. What would the Vermouth bring to the party and would it possibly trample on the subtle accents of their Rum? One very extended nosing and the subsequent sip calmed any fears — this is a winner. Brilliant Don Q Rums aged five to eight years in seasoned American white oak casks are rested in Italian white oak casks that had previously aged the unique Mancino Vecchio Vermouth (Rosso aged one year in cask) for just four to six weeks. This brief cask finishing adds amazing flavors and aromatics that you simply will not encounter in any other spirit.

Brand Story

In 1934, the Don Q brand is created. The name pays homage to fictional character Don Quixote. Don Q is the second best known Rum brand from Puerto Rico in the minds of many American consumers while in Puerto Rico Don Q rules. This is an old-school brand that is quietly leading the way in innovation in a number of areas from product development to their stellar environmental initiatives. Don Q has earned a loyal following of those seeking honest, quality Rums.

Tasting Note

Brilliant, deep golden color with amber accents. The aromatics are so seductive that you can be satisfied nosing this Rum for hours. Rich red fruits mingle with charred oak, vanilla, caramel, honey, and hints of nutmeg, allspice, and white chocolate. The palate echoes the nose delivering a complex marriage of red berries with rich brown baking spices, oak, soft citrus accents, and lovely secondary notes that are unique to this great Rum. Although it's lush and generous it's also dry and vibrant on the finish as the fruit becomes tart and the spices lean toward pepper. Full-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a fresh dose of acidity and Don Q's solid commitment to make Rum without excessive sugars.

How to Serve

This beautiful Rum needs a little, very little, help right out of the bottle with perhaps an addition of just a few drops of water. However, there is for sure a temptation to utilize this in cocktails and I will surely experiment. The key will be to accentuate the red fruits without making a drink that is overly sweet thereby killing the subtle undertones. It's a dirty job but someone has to do it.

Price: $ 49.99

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