Bacardi. Don Q. They’re the biggest names in the Puerto Rican rum business. Their top-of-the-line rums, Reserva Limitada and Gran Añejo, respectively, are both Rum Journal favourites and among the top rums on the market.

Another rum, Ron del Barrilito, is a standout from La Isla del Encanto.

But is there another rum from Puerto Rico that’s even better?

Enter Trigo Reserva Añeja, a rum largely unknown outside of Puerto Rico, produced in relatively small quantities and, possibly, the best rum that’s made on the Caribbean island.

Only a tiny fraction makes it beyond Puerto Rico’s borders, usually to the Sunshine State.

The rum is aged for at least 12 years in oak and bottled in a hand-blown, uniquely shaped bottle with a champagne-style wire tie.

Trigo has a light amber colour, and an aroma of almonds and oak. The flavour profile is marked by oak, toffee and the slightly nutty finish common to most Puerto Rican rums. It’s exquisitely smooth.

On the whole, it’s hard to choose between Puerto Rico’s top rums: Don Q Gran Añej0 is superb, Bacardi Reserva Limitada is expensive but typically worth the price, and Ron del Barrilito is a fine, hand-crafted product.

But Trigo gives all of them a run for their money. And when rums compete, you win.

— CJ