Mezan 2010 Dominican Republic 10-Year

A little sweetness, a little spices, just the right amount of oak to complement but not overwhelm. A nice burn but not harsh. Very good overall, but nothing that really makes it superb and stand out over other very good rums. Except maybe the bonus that it is completely free from additives, both sugar and colours.

Cask: Ex-Bourbon
Distillery: TDL
Distilled: 2010
Bottled: 2020
Tropical ageing: 3 years
European ageing: 7 years
ABV: 46%

A lightish gold colour. Restrained nose. Medium bodied on the pallet, with a short/medium length on the finish.

I would like a bit more on the nose. The body is also quite restrained and I really would like more. But what is there has a sweetness to it, that marries well with the wood. Leads on to a floral, sweet, warm finish, with a gentle burn from the alcohol.

One of my favourite everyday rums comes from the Dominican Republic, and that's the Bermudez 1852 Aniversario 12yo. Given the choice of that or this one from Mezan, and I'd take the Bermudez.(even if it prob has some sugar added to it).

I'm hoping that with a bit of time open, the bottle will flourish a bit more.

You just cant go wrong with Mezan... It is sweet, but you can still taste the other notes on the rum, it is not overpoweringly sweet. For me I can taste very ripe oranges, almost slipping into dried fruit with spices, both on the nouse and on the taste. It does have just a pleasant heat to it.

For me if, this is not the best thing Mezan released, but it does fit well into their lineup, for me it is kind of close to Panama, but not as sweet. Personally I prefer their more crazy rums like Jamaica, but this is still very good rum.

Especially if you have that kind of friend talking about rums all the time, and driking Diplomatico and Don Papa... I think this or Panama, would be the great introduction for them to more "pure" rums, but still with that sweetness they like.