Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/581407
october 2015 / the tasting panel / 89 october 2015 / the tasting panel / 89 Should you be fortunate enough to spend some sun-filled days in Puerto Rico, one of the things you'll bring back with you is an enduring passion for Don Q rum. The brand is the bestselling rum on the island and its likeness can be found almost everywhere. Don Q is very much a product of its homeland. For those who appreciate sipping world-class rums and not emptying their wallet in the process, vener- able Don Q Gran Añejo Puerto Rican Rum will do nicely. One of the storied rum distilleries of the Caribbean, Distilleria Serrallés was founded in 1865 by Don Juan Serrallés outside of the city of Ponce. The brand—Don Q— was created in 1935. Now more than 150 years later, Destileria Serrallés is one of the oldest family-owned and operated businesses in the Americas. It has achieved an international reputation for excellence producing molasses-based, continuous- and pot–distilled Puerto Rican rums. In 1993, Destileria Serrallés released its most luxurious expression to date—Don Q Gran Añejo. "Don Q Gran Añejo is the bourbon, whisky, Cognac drinkers rum," says David Duran, Western Regional Sales Manager, Serrallés USA. "The care taken with the aging and blending is a true art form." The blend is comprised of rums aged from 6 to 12 years in American white oak. It is then followed by additional maturation in sherry casks according to the Solera aging system. When the rums have reached peak maturity, those selected for the Gran Añejo are rendered to 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof) with spring water. "No residual sugar is added; the bourbon and Sherry barrels do all the talking," Duran says. Don Q Gran Añejo is a noble, easy-to-drink spirit. The lightweight, satiny textured rum has a deep amber hue and a wafting bouquet of caramel, vanilla, molasses, allspice and brown sugar. Its aromatics are lively and thoroughly irresistible. It has a warm initial entry and then all at once the flavors pour through, a tempting offering of cinnamon, vanilla, honey, caramel and toasted nuts. This barrel-aged gem serves up more mouthwatering flavors than your neighborhood bakery. The warm, lingering finish is dry and spicy with silky fruit and smoky notes. If you've yet to discover the wholesome pleasure of sipping aged rum, Don Q Gran Añejo is a great place to start. Invest a few minutes and savor the rum neat or with a single cube of ice. It requires true genius to create some- thing this satisfying. After you've enjoyed the Gran Añejo by itself, put the rum to the test behind the bar and see how marvelous it performs when mixed. It's very versatile stuff. "Don Q Gran Añejo Puerto Rican Rum makes a fantastic Old Fashioned," Duran says. "All you need is a snifter, Glace Ice Sphere, Don Q and you are good to go!" SERRALLÉS USA Fun in e Sun wh Don Q Gran Añejo Puerto Rican Rum Tasting Notes Don Q Gran Añejo Puerto Rican Rum Warm cinnamon and mandarin notes lead from dry to sweet, while clove, cherry, coffee, vanilla and roasted hazelnuts coat the palate; so rich and vigorous: two ice cubes and you're sailing. 93 —M. M.