Making the Perfect Summer Cocktail with Rums that Matter

The classic daiquiri is one thing most cocktailers can agree on-it's one of the most perfect examples of simple balance an enjoyment anyone can drink. The combination of rum, lime juice and simple sugar is the AHA moment of many imbibers who go from simply drinking to tasting, thinking, obsessing and living around beverage culture. These four rums are an amazing foundation to your daiquiri repertoire and each offers something uniquely wonderful.

Don Q Rum is a renowned brand of Puerto Rican rum that is distilled, manufactured, bottled, and distributed by Destilería Serrallés. With a history dating back to 1865, Don Q has established itself as a top-quality rum known for its exceptional craftsmanship and flavor profiles that should Henry go-to for your white rum. While more popular brands may exist, the Cristal expression is the white rum that you MUST have available if you only have one.

Don Q rums are aged in American white oak barrels for a period of 1 to 1 ½ years, resulting in a smooth and refined taste. The brand offers a range of rum varieties, including Don Q Cristal Rum, which is filtered and briefly aged, and Don Q Reserva 7, a rich and characterful rum aged for a minimum of 7 years.

One notable aspect of Don Q rum is its commitment to excellence in the rum-making process. The brand utilizes exceptional fermentation, distillation, and aging techniques to create unique and distinct flavors. This dedication to perfection is reflected in the brand's name, which pays homage to the famous literary character Don Quixote and symbolizes the family's quest for perfection in rum making.

Don Q rum is widely available internationally, including in the United States, where it has gained popularity and competes with other well-known rum brands. It continues to be a favorite choice for rum enthusiasts and cocktail enthusiasts alike, offering a delightful and versatile spirit for various occasions.

Probitas White Rum is a unique blended rum, crafted from a harmonious combination of rums originating from two esteemed Caribbean distilleries - Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados and Hampden Estate in Jamaica. It holds the distinction of being the first white rum produced entirely in the Caribbean, resulting from an innovative collaboration between these distilleries.

The blend comprises three distinct rums, including an unaged pot still variant, that come together to create a product that's more than the sum of its parts. The resulting blend is a smooth sipper with a touch of funk, making it versatile enough for a wide variety of cocktails.

While white rum was once synonymous with neutrality, Probitas White Rum has changed this perception. With just a hint of golden color, the rum exudes a delightful aroma of sugarcane and banana, along with subtle notes of the characteristic Caribbean "funk".

At 47% ABV or 94 proof, Probitas packs a nuanced punch of flavors, including citrus peel, molasses, and banana. It's not your average white rum; it's a testament to the richness and diversity of Caribbean rum-making traditions.

Probitas White Rum is a testament to the commitment and expertise of two powerhouse distilleries, Foursquare in Barbados and Hampden Estate in Jamaica, under the masterful blending skills of Richard Seale. It's a unique, high-quality white rum that stands out in the crowded spirits market.

Equiano Rum is a groundbreaking Afro-Caribbean rum, known as the world's first of its kind. The rum is a blend of aged molasses rums from two renowned distilleries - Gray's distillery in Mauritius and Foursquare distillery in Barbados.

This premium spirit is 100% natural, with no additives, flavorings, spices, or added sugar. It boasts a naturally sweet flavor profile, with hints of oak, anise, and sweet pepper. The rum is aged in ex-Cognac and ex-Bourbon casks, contributing to its rich and deep flavors.

Equiano Rum is a limited batch aged rum, adding to its exclusivity and appeal for rum connoisseurs. The rum's journey starts at Gray's distillery in Mauritius, where it is made from local molasses and barrelled for a minimum of 10 years in a combination of French Limousin Oak and ex-Cognac casks, giving the liquid complexity and depth of flavor.

On the palate, Equiano Rum offers a fruity presence of apricot and coconut flesh, followed by cacao, dark berries, and baking spices such as allspice, nutmeg, and a touch of cinnamon, with a little even heat.

Equiano is not only significant for its unique blend but also for its ownership structure. The rum is Black-owned and bartender-owned, founded by Ian Burrell and Aaisha Dadral. This positions Equiano as a dynamic and nuanced spirit that promotes conversation and inclusivity in the spirits industry.

PS: All rums are African, because African hands, blood, sweat and tears are what the industry depended on from its inception. Just a little reminder.

Lyre's Cane Spirit is a unique non-alcoholic beverage that has been meticulously crafted to capture the essence of a gently aged white rum. This innovative spirit offers flavors that are both distinct and contemporary, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a non-alcoholic alternative without compromising on taste.

Lyre's Cane Spirit comes in three variations: White Cane Spirit, Spiced Cane Spirit, and Dark Cane Spirit. Each variant provides a unique flavor profile, making them suitable for a range of cocktails. The White Cane Spirit is an homage to white rum and can be combined with lime juice to create a non-alcoholic Daiquiri. The Spiced Cane Spirit is a nod to Spiced Rum and pairs well with mint, lime & ginger beer for a non-alcoholic Mojito. The Dark Cane Spirit captures the essence of an elegant dark rum and can be mixed with lime juice & cola for a non-alcoholic Cuba Libre.

On the palate, Lyre's White Cane Spirit delivers generous flavors of oak and sugar cane, providing the perfect platform for marzipan, orange, and coconut flavors to shine through, with a slightly peppery finish that doesn't overwhelm the palate.

Despite being classified as non-alcoholic, Lyre's spirits do contain trace amounts of alcohol, similar to beverages like kombucha, but the Alcohol By Volume (ABV) is 0.5% or less.

In summary, Lyre's Cane Spirit is a premium, non-alcoholic beverage that provides a satisfying alternative for those who enjoy the flavor of rum but prefer to avoid alcohol.

Happy drinking, happy living, my friends.

K