Rum Journal: A Game-Changing Caribbean Rum Gets Even Better 

It may be hard to remember with the growth of rum in the last decade. But when Dos Maderas came out with its 5+5 rum, it was a bit of a game-changer for the spirit. 

At the time (more than a decade ago), nobody (outside of Martinique) was even thinking about doing cask-finish rums.

The premise? Take a blend of Barbados and Guyana rums and age it in the Caribbean for five years. Then send it to Jerez for another three years of aging in former sherry casks. Finally, another two years in ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. 

The result was fantastic. For us, it sent particular shockwaves: a fascinating, dynamic rum expression that wasn’t just delicious — it was a great way to educate rum neophytes on just how interesting a spirit rum could be. 

For years, the 5+5 has been in the pantheon of important Caribbean rums, particularly in the United States. While cask-finish rums abound, and even larger brands like Bacardi finish their rums in everything from ex-rye to barrels flavored with Sevillian oranges, Dos Maderas remains a mainstay, and a rum that should be on your shelf. 

In recent years, the brand has expanded its range, too, from its ultra-high-end Luxus to another expression: Seleccion. 

So how is this one different? More aging. 

This one starts with the same five-year Caribbean aging; then another five years in ex-sherry at Williams & Humbert; finally, another two years in casks that formerly held 20-year Pedro Ximenez sherry. 

So what’s it like? 

The nose is just lovely, with brown sugar, nougat, leather. The flavor profile has notes of oak, black cherry, pepper, allspice, caramel, almond and a hint of sour orange. 

It’s a lovely rum, and another wonderful expression from one of the world’s great rum brands. 

This is one you wouldn’t mind spending an evening with. 

Rum Journal Review

92 Points