Rum is something that I've begun to appreciate more over the past few years since it was once the domain of products that were lacking in culture and designed as cheap commercial products with cartoon like iconography and others that were simply distilled as a cheap, harsh spirit that you needed to mix with sweet fruit juices to enjoy.
On the other hand, there are products like Dos Maderas that I absolutely love since it comes from Barbados and Guyana and then finished in Jerez, Spain ... the legendary home of sherry. This blending of cultural traditions, styles, flavors, all makes for an amazing experience that you can enjoy drinking as much as you can enjoy sharing and talking about with friends.
A Tale of Two Worlds: The Unique Production Process
The name "Dos Maderas" translates to "Two Woods" in Spanish, a fitting description for a rum that bridges two distinct worlds and aging processes. What makes Dos Maderas 5+3 truly special is its transcontinental journey. The rum begins its life in Barbados and Guyana, where it's aged for five years in American oak barrels in the tropical Caribbean climate. This initial aging imparts those classic rum characteristics we've come to appreciate from these renowned rum-producing regions.
But the journey doesn't end there. After its Caribbean maturation, the rum is shipped across the Atlantic to Jerez de la Frontera in southern Spain, where it undergoes an additional three years of aging in casks that previously held 20-year-old Palo Cortado sherry. This second aging process happens at the historic Bodegas Williams & Humbert, one of the world's most prestigious wine and spirits producers, founded in 1877 and now operated by the Medina family.
This dual-aging process (hence the "5+3" designation) creates a unique flavor profile that combines the best of both worlds ... the robust, tropical essence of Caribbean rum with the refined, complex notes imparted by Spanish sherry casks. The rum is bottled at 40% ABV, making it an approachable yet flavorful spirit.
Dos Maderas 5+3 Rum Tasting Notes
In the glass, Dos Maderas 5+3 presents a rich amber color with golden highlights that catch the light beautifully, showing off its quality aging process in both tropical and Spanish environments.
Nose
The nose offers elegant aromas of rich pecan, vanilla, and subtle smoky oak notes. There's a hint of that distinctive sherry influence providing a sophisticated backdrop to the more traditional rum aromas. Some may also detect dark plum and cherry notes that add complexity.
Palate
The palate delivers a balanced profile of ripe fruit complemented by vibrant tropical spices. The influence of the Palo Cortado sherry casks becomes evident as you savor it, adding layers of complexity without overwhelming the rum's natural character. Unlike its sweeter sibling (the 5+5 - aged for five years in sherry casks vs only 3 in this expression), this expression retains more of its original rum profile with just enough sherry influence to make it distinctive.
Finish
The finish brings a pleasant smokiness with an intriguing tobacco note that adds character. There's also a subtle nuttiness and light sweetness that lingers, creating a medium-length finish that invites another sip.
Where Caribbean Meets Spanish Tradition
Dos Maderas 5+3 embodies a fascinating crossroads in the spirits world. It creates a liquid bridge connecting the vibrant rum heritage of the Caribbean with the refined sherry traditions of Spain.
The rum can be enjoyed neat or with a single ice cube to release its complex flavors. Its balanced profile also makes it excellent in cocktails like Daiquiris or Old Fashioneds, where it adds sophistication that transforms these classics.
With a typical price around $30-35, Dos Maderas 5+3 delivers excellent value considering its unique dual-aging process and distinguished pedigree. It strikes that perfect balance... accessible for those new to premium rum while offering enough complexity to satisfy experienced aficionados.
This rum represents the essence of cross-cultural exploration for travel and spirits enthusiasts such as myself. It serves as both a conversation piece and a sensory journey, connecting drinkers to distant shores and diverse traditions with each pour. This rum tells a story that makes it a worthy addition to any well-curated spirits collection.
