La Isla del Encanta – Puerto Rico, offers more than its legendary beauty and vibrant culture. For those that indulge in libations, the spirit most synonymous with Puerto Rico is rum. This distilled alcoholic beverage has deep roots throughout the island as production first started in the 1700’s. Puerto Rican rums are unique as they are legally required to be aged for a minimum of one year. Distributed by Serrallés, DonQ remains the island’s most popular rum and with good reason. “Their commitment to rum excellence is apparent throughout each of their selections all at very economical prices” says Robert Garcia owner of El Viejo Yayo Brooklyn.
Founded in 1932, DonQ was named after the protagonist of The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha. Their formula for success is an intricate one. Sugarcane is first crushed and boiled as molasses is the base ingredient. It is then diluted with water to start the fermentation into yeast. The yeast naturally transforms the sugars into alcohol in which the resulting liquid is distilled, aged, blended and bottled to make ready for consumption.
Each DonQ Rum has its’ own profile and accompanying characteristics. The result of these family recipes is a product portfolio that is strong, but with great variety.
DonQ Gran Añejo – $70.00, 750ml
Leading the premium charge is DonQ Gran Añejo which is first aged in American white oak then further carefully aged in Spanish sherry casks. This dark añejo rum, which is more like cognac, tends to be smoother due to a longer aging process. Sip this neat or on the rocks to really enjoy the hints of vanilla and dark caramel throughout this deep and complex flavor profile.
DonQ Cristal – $7.00, 750ml
This clear light rum is most noted for its mixability and smoothness. Cristal is a blend of rums aged from one to three years producing a bright nose with smooth and clean molasses notes. This clear light rum goes through a charcoal filtration that creates its clear body and is most often recognized for winning the 2010 Ultimate Cocktail Challenge “Best Rum in a Mojito” category.
DonQ Añejo – $17.00, 750ml
A blend of rums aged from two to seven years in American white oak barrels, DonQ Añejo is a favorite among rum connoisseurs. The prolonged contact with the wood of the barrel gives it a rich texture with immediate oak, vanilla and caramel aromas. This is a great sipping rum but also can be an ideal substitute for whiskeys and brandies in Manhattans and Alexanders.
DonQ Gold – $7.00, 750ml
With a robust flavor, this amber rum is considered among traditional drinkers ideal for preparing classic rum cocktails. As the official beverage of Puerto Rico, the Piña Colada is the perfect pairing for this robust selection with velvety texture.
DonQ Flavors – $7.00, 750ml
DonQ Limón, DonQ Coco and DonQ Mojito are premium flavored rums infused with the island’s key limes, coconuts and fresh mint respectfully. These flavored rums naturally take on an added step in the process with an infusion of natural ingredients to bring their individual profiles to life.
With a rich history and an array of great selections, these bottles will take cocktails synonymous with sand and sun to even more refreshing levels. So if you are out and about enjoying the nightlife or just kicking back on a lazy Sunday afternoon, take this Intel into consideration – and keep it in the family.