When Roberto J. Serrallés says that rum runs in his family, he’s not talking about the fruity cocktail. Serrallés is a sixth-generation rum-maker who serves as the Vice President of Business Development at Destilería Serrallés, which has been in his family for nearly 140 years.
Serrallés recently traveled to Philadelphia from his home base in Ponce, Puerto Rico, to host a Don Q-themed dinner at Northern Liberties’ Bar Ferdinand, where the cocktails and family stories were flowing.
We were welcomed with an Old Cuban, a cocktail made with Don Q Cristal. The clear rum, which is made using a multiple distillation system to produce a cleaner, smoother taste, was combined with mint, lime, simple syrup and a splash of Spanish sparkling wine. While we sipped the refreshing beverage, Serralles entertained us with stories of his ancestors, who first began making Don Q rum in 1865. The brand has since grown to become the most popular in Puerto Rico, where the Serrallés family produces more than 65% of the country’s rum.
The first course was a salpicon of mussels and octopus served with peppers and topped off with a 50-year-old sherry vinegar. The dish was accompanied by a Hemingway Daiquiri, a sweet drink made with Don Q Cristal, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, grapefruit juice, lime juice and simple syrup and garnished with cherries. The pair complemented each other perfectly.
Next, we were treated to a filet of grilled trout over sweet plantains and a red onion conserva. This course was served with a Remendon cocktail, which was made with Don Q’s Caliche Rum, an aged white rum that is distilled five times for purity, Amontillado Sherry and pineapple soda.
The third course was a divine mix of chorizo, morcilla and pork belly over white beans and tomato. Though difficult to photograph, this dish was definitely my favorite. The chorizo and pork belly melted in your mouth while the white beans and tomatoes burst with flavor. Rum Manhattans, made with Don Q Gran Anejo, sweet vermouth, bitters and club soda, were the drink of choice for this hearty portion of the meal.
Finally, we dined on house-made coconut lime ice cream over a Don Q rum caramel sauce. Had it been appropriate, I would have licked the bottom of the glass. Unfortunately, it was not. The spirited night was filled with stories, laughs and (of course) lots of Don Q rum.
Don Q rum is available at your local Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores. To learn more about the Serrallés family and Don Q products, visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
