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Don Q Double Cask Finish Zinfandel Cask
In March 2023, Don Q added two new rums to their premium line with the addition of their Port Cask and Zinfandel Cask finished expressions. For the Zinfandel cask release, they aged their molasses-based column still rum in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels from October 2009 to July 2012. Then, at the end of 2018, the company blended these barrels and put the rum in California Zinfandel casks, where it rested until being blended to 40% ABV and bottled in September 2022.
Don Q Zinfandel
Appearance
The 750 ml bottle is the same design used for all the expressions in the Don Q premium line. The gold cap is engraved with the Don Q logo, wrapped in clear security wrap, and holds a synthetic cork to the bottle. Embossed above the front and back labels, the words Serrallés Reserva appear, adding a nice visual touch to the bottle design. The labels are loaded with information about the rum, sharing details about its aging process. The rum holds a medium amber color that lightens slightly in the tasting glass. Swirling the liquid creates a medium band that slowly thickens and releases a couple of waves of legs before evaporating.
Nose
Pouring the rum into the glass released a strong vanilla aroma. After letting the liquid rest for a few minutes, I discovered notes of dried apricot, blackberry, and fig, along with other fruit and berry notes, with hints of toasted oak tannins rounding out the experience.
Palate
The first sip of the rum is a fine balance of deep Madagascar vanilla and robust fruit and berry notes. Additional sips reveal the tango of flavors that balance between the rum flavors and the nuances of the cask finish, with the caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak tannins from the rum influenced by the blackberry, cherry, fig, dried cranberry, and apricot notes with a hint of allspice and anise drifting underneath.
Review
When evaluating rums, I have only had a few that were finished in Zinfandel casks, and they have all been different. I found the Don Q Double Cask Finish Zinfandel Cask Rum to be a well-balanced expression and incredibly different than anything else I have tried in their portfolio. This is one you want to take your time with to sip, savor, and enjoy neat or with a single ice cube. By design, this rum, like the others that have appeared in their premium line, showcases the strength of Don Q’s blending team and provides a flavorful experience that any rum enthusiast can look for when they want to experience something unique in their glass.
