First Impressions
Dos Maderas — 'two woods' — refers to the dual maturation in both American bourbon barrels and Spanish sherry casks. The Seleccion 10 Year Old uses a combination of Palo Cortado and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, creating a rum with pronounced sherry influence. If you enjoy sherry-cask whisky, this rum will be right in your wheelhouse.
Tasting Notes
The nose is dominated by PX sweetness. Raisins, dark chocolate, and dried fig create a rich, dessert-like aromatic profile. Gentle oak and sherry wine notes add complexity. It's unashamedly sweet on the nose.
The palate follows the nose faithfully. Sweet PX sherry influence is prominent, with raisin richness and dried fruit depth providing generous flavour. Chocolate adds another layer, the body is full, and the overall experience is generous and warming. At 42%, it has just enough strength to carry the sweetness without becoming cloying.
The finish is long, with PX sweetness and dried fruit persisting alongside a gentle tannic close from the oak.
How to Drink It
Neat as an after-dinner digestif — the sherry character pairs beautifully with cheese or dark chocolate. Also makes an interesting Rum Old Fashioned with a sherry twist.
The Bottom Line
Dos Maderas Seleccion 10 earns a 7 — a well-made sherry-influenced rum that delivers pronounced PX character. At £54.50, it's fairly priced for the dual maturation and ten-year age. Sweet-tooth drinkers will love it; those who prefer drier spirits should look elsewhere.
