Don Q Cristal

Nondescript rum that's the best thing on the bottom shelf.

sugar test-0g

It's what the locals drink in PR. Or on a boat. GAI. (Get after it)

was told while visiting Puerto Rico to visit the Bacardi factory, but drink Don Q. They were right! Favorite crystal run for making mojitos.

Years ago my Puerto Rican in-laws introduced my to this Caribbean Gem. I can't even drink Bacardi or any other white rum anymore. Mix it with passion fruit juice for an incredible cocktail.

I prefer this over the standard Bacardi white rum when mixed with Coke. It has a nice smooth neutral taste with a finish that I did not expect for the price.

Quick fact, in Puerto Rico, Don Q is the rum of choice. It taste like what folks think white rum taste like, not "vodka" (i.e. Bacardi Superior). It great for mixing, both frozen and non-frozen cocktails. It's not great for sipping or cooking with, but there are much better rums for that. It comes in a gazillion flavors (e.g. limon, coconut, etc.) and always costs less than $20, probably closer to $15.

If I had to pick a brand of rum from the brands with the widest selections of rums (i.e. Bacardi, Don Q, Cruzan, Malibu), I would definitely choose Cruzan over Don Q, but Don Q over Bacardi and Malibu depending on the flavor. Please note: alcohol content amongst flavors vary.

This rum is inexpensive and provides a taste superior to the other big brands when a mixer is required. Gave my Rum&Coke an almost chocolate-y quality I quote liked. It's definitely not a sipper, though, so I can't recommend it on flavor and aroma alone.

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.