Don Q Gran Añejo Rum

Puerto Rico
40%
£52

“Rum” – from a modern multi column still.

ABV Hydrometer Test: 40% ABV @ 20°

* M

Six generations of the Serrallés family have been distilling fine rums in Puerto Rico since 1865. The brand is actually named after the fictitious character Don Quixote.

Although they distill using modern multi-column stills, Destileria Serrallés in Puerto Rico produces honest rums, free from additives and pirate-based marketing b*llsh*t. The result is Spanish-style “rons” that are light in style, but with character and flavour.

Today I am reviewing one of my “go to” rums – the Gran Añejo. It is a blend of rums typically aged between six and 12 years in ex-Bourbon barrels, although it does also contain some Solera-aged rums that could be as much as 50 years old. This is Don Q’s “premium” offering, their top-of-the-range if you like.

Under Richard Seale’s/Luca Gargano’s proposed rum categorisation, this would most-likely be classed as a “Rum” – from a modern multi column still. As with all Don Q rums, there are no additives and my hydrometer test showed a measure of 40%, the same as the label.

Bottle/Presentation 2/3

I love the decanter style of bottle that houses Don Q Gran Añejo. With a glass stopper, it oozes premium quality. The bottle comes in an outer box and the stopper has an artificial cork.

The label does not have a lot of info about the rum though.

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Glass/Aroma 8/10

In the glass Gran Añejo is a light sparkling and shiny golden colour. There are thick and heavy legs on the sides of my glass that are quick to drop down the sides.

On the nose is a combination of fruit and caramel. Pineapple, mango, banana and light citrus together with Muscovado sugar, vanilla and macadamia nut.

Taste, Initial-middle 33/40

The entry of this rum is beautifully soft and smooth, albeit light in style. I could be drinking a Sherry at this point. There is dark chocolate, caramelised bananas, apples and pineapple.

Taste, Middle/Throat 34/40

The smooth profile continues through the middle of the mouth and to the rear. There is more caramel, becoming more burnt as you taste more of the rum. It is balanced by a touch of dry oak influence. A hint of pepper, roasted coffee and macadamia nuts.

Afterburn 5/7

The finish is medium in length and continues to be a fine balance between caramel and dry oak. There is a hint of vanilla here too.

TOTAL 82/100

Overall

If I fancy sipping something light, smooth and easy to drink, this is one of my “go-to” tipples. It is a good quality product and therefore does not need anything adding to it.

There is enough in this “ron” to keep most people content but do not expect a big hit of Jamaican pot still funk. What you can expect is something approachable as well as being very sippable, clean, pure, smooth, tasty and honest rum.

Review No. 129

*
P Denotes the rum contains POT still distillate.
C Denotes the rum contains traditional/Coffey COLUMN still distillate.
B Denotes the rum contains a BLEND of POT and COLUMN still distillate.
M Denotes the rum contains MULTI-COLUMN still distillate or is a MODERN rum.
A Denotes the rum is an AGRICOLE i.e. from Cane Juice.
S Denotes the rum is presented in a SWEETENED style.

Marking Guide:
Bottle/Presentation Out of 3
Glass/Aroma Out of 10
Taste, Initial-middle Out of 40
Taste, Middle/Throat Out of 40
Afterburn Out of 7
TOTAL 100