Don Q Cristal

I do not get the hype. I probably won’t buy this again.

This is a solid 'backbone' rum. It doesn't stand out as compared to other white rums but it has a pleasant, crisp flavor that works well cocktails or a light sip over ice. Definitely better than Bacardi by a stretch.

The nose is faint citrus and vodka-like alcohol, the taste is very mild, fine vodka with a lemon twist turning towards sweet, which almost disappears when mixed. Considering the price and the fact that there is nothing in the smell and taste which would spoil any drink, it is a nice inoffensive mixer - sometimes you need just that. Much better to spend money on this, than Elements 8 Platinum. I prefer the white rum with more distinguishable taste that this so I am giving only 6 stars here, but if you like to prepare those dangerous mixed drinks where you actually cannot feel the taste of the alcohol, add two stars as this rum serves this purpose very well indeed.

I picked up a bottle for €18. For this price I can get way better and sometimes cheaper light rums such as Plantation 3 Stars, Flor de Caña 4 or Havana Club 3. The rums doesn't have a lot of flavor or alcohol bite to it. I found it not as bad as Bacardi Carta Blanca or Captain Morgan White, but it doesn't really do anything particaly well. Decent in a Rum & Coke or Mojito, for a Daiquiri there are better alternatives.

I’m leaning now more towards lighter, sippable rums. I’ve compared several including Brugal Especial extra dry, Cruzan Aged Rum (not the light or the dark, just labeled Aged Rum) and Don Q Cristal. I’d rank them 3, 2 and 1, in that order. Don Q Cristal being my favorite. It’s very slightly sweet with no offensive odor or taste. Very pleasant. It’s my new daily sipper. No question. I’ve read that in Puerto Rico it outsells Bacardi 3 to 1.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my share of some wonderful rum. This stuff is absolutely amazing tho. I can get a 1.75L out here for $25 after tax. My favorite drink is a mojito. Need I say more? This makes the PERFECT mojito. I keep a 1.75 of this on hand for just my mojitos while I keep a bottle of plantation 3 star for my tiki drinks. That’s my recommendation to you

Good light rum, better than the bacardi by far, decent for Mojitos

Very light flavor good for mojitos or other citrus base cocktails.

I generally lean toward the dark rum, but this one seemed interesting and my Puerto Rican friends all day it is the preferred rum in Puerto Rico. Don Q Cristal is clear, nice and sweet with a pretty good burn. I took it with a Coke on the side, didn’t really like it straight, not really a sipping rum in my opinion, so I went ahead and mixed it.

Love this rum as a mixer. Folks from Puerto Rico love this rum.