We’ll be frank. When it comes to rums from Cruzan, we’re partial to Cruzan Single Barrel. It’s a delicate, robust rum that’s always among the region’s best.

But Cruzan has long carved a sizable niche with its flavored rums, the kind you find all over the Virgin Islands and in the mainland US (and beyond). We’re particularly fans of the flavored Cruzan you usually get to sample when you arrive at the ferry dock in Cruz Bay, St John.

So when we were able to obtain a sample of the newest variety, we were intrigued.

It’s a bit of a departure from most of the brand’s flavored rums, which are typically centered on a single, usually tropical, fruit.

This one’s called Cruzan Blueberry Lemonade, and it seems like a bid to push into the increasingly popular dessert-flavor drink segment.

So what’s it like?

The aroma smells like just-squeezed lemonade.

The taste is remarkably smooth and refreshing— when it hits the palate you encounter the lemon taste; soon, the blueberry flavor emerges. It’s a bit like lemonade then blueberry.

There’s no artificial-like finish — it actually tastes fresh, and the ingredients are naturally flavored, according to the company.

The verdict? It’s quite tasty, and best served with some ice cubes on a hot summer afternoon.

— CJ