Havana Club Gran Reserva (15 yr)

[leisure master]

Hello all - I had a quick look around the forums before posting this but did not see anything discussing people's opinions of HC 15.

I just got back from a trip to Chile and Easter Island and somehow, to my great surprise, a bottle of HC 15 ended up in my bag.

Kidding aside, I was very excited to finally find this rum, and knew I would be paying a big price to get one, but I gotta tell ya, I frankly was kind of disappointed in it given the price (over $150). Don't get me wrong - it is a very very nice rum, but I expected more for the price. I can post a more detailed review later when I have another glass in front of me, but I'm curious what others think about this rum.

On the flipside, also to my extreme surprise, a bottle of the Cuban Barrel Proof HC also ended up in my bag, and I find that to be a FANTASTIC rum, comparable to several excellent rums sold for more than the $40 it cost.

[RC]

I haven't had the Gran Reserva in a few years but always really enjoyed it. $150 seems a bit steep though....probably because I always bought it in little Caribbean markets where it was often priced incorrectly. I also find the HC Barrel Proof to be quite nice. A bottle often sneaks into my carry-on while passing through Heathrow. Enjoy.

[TheRumelier]

I think most Cuban rums tend to be overated. It is the forbidden fruit for most people here, so it becomes a must have for most people and then usually turns out to be a disappointment or just another average rum.
I picked up some expensive Cubans in the Bahamas last week ($85 to $120) and am looking forward to compairing them to HC15 soon. I'm pretty sure they will not be in the same category as other rums in that price range though. Ed and I tasted one, the Ron Vigia together at the Rumfest in London in October, we couldn't get much information from the the salesman about the rum, but it appears to come from the same company as Ron Mulata, and comes in the same bottle. The small free bottle we got didn't manage to last long enough to make the trip back!! I have several Mulatas that I found here, they are average at best, probably a step down from Havana Club range.
The HC15 is ok, but is overpriced at $150. I'm sipping some now. I could spend $150 on many different bottles of rum before I would spend that much on this. However, it is supply and demand, if we want it we will pay for it.
The glass before I had Santa Teresa, now that was value for money.

[cigar-aficionado]

I reckon it's a good job that we all have different tastes regarding rum...I for one prefer Cuban rums to most others and believe that some of the harder to find rums, Ron Vigia extra anejo and the very rare Ron Matusalem 15 year old, are some of the best available. I suppose if we all liked the same thing the rum world would become very boring cigar.gif

[rumdog007]

I like the Cuban rums, too. They offer a great "change-up" from the heavier bodied rums. Also, they have helped me to identify more subtle nuances in rums.

[TheRumelier]

the very rare Ron Matusalem 15 year old, .gif

Ron Matusalem's latest home is the Domincan Republic after wandering around the Caribbean for years and since leaving Cuba many years ago. This is a good rum, but can't really be considered Cuban anymore than I can.

[rumdog007]

Yes, TheRumelier, you're correct. I have a few bottles of the old Cuban product that I found in Caracas. The taste is not even close, at least for the Anejo. The Cuban Ron Matusalem Anejo is quite light with a fruit background.

[cigar-aficionado]

Well aware that now it is not produced but you can still find the odd bottle tucked away in Cuba...I have 2 stashed in the rum cabinet and always consider the rum to be Cuban, the original one that is and not the new stuff cigar.gif
I think it is always a matter of taste with rums, I for one can't stand Jamaican rums, way too "nosey" for me and sharp, but I have friends who absolutely love them so it all boils down to individual tastes glass.gif

[TheRumelier]

I think it is always a matter of taste with rums, I for one can't stand Jamaican rums, way too "nosey" for me and sharp, but I have friends who absolutely love them so it all boils down to individual tastes glass.gif

You're absolutely right. I love some of the Appleton Estates. What would the world be if we all had the same tastes??
I'm in the very early stages of planning a return to Cuba. I broke it gently to the wife last night, she wasn't happy!!! I can easily get a flight from Nassau to Havana, but I would prefer to go to Santiago this time though. Maybe I can find some friends to do a charter. I will be looking for some of those Matusalem, if still around.
I started a page about Cuban rums on my website last night in anticipation of a return. It's in the very, very early stages.

[cigar-aficionado]

Some was actually located last week at the festival of Habanos so there must be a few more knocking around...this place actually has some for sale but at a price...cigar.gif

http://www.thecigarsmoker.com/cuban-mathusalem-years-very-rare-p-1277.html

[TheRumelier]

It looks great, but by the time I've paid shipping and duty I could probably fly to Cuba!!!laughing.gif
I love those Cuban style bottles, they almost make the rum taste better. I was so sorry when Bacardi swithched their Añejo from it to the new bottle.
PS thanks for the link.

[curoswiss]

I totally agree. I have a bottle of Edmundo Dantes 15yr its true artwork.http://www.thecigarsmoker.com/images/Ron%20Edmundo%20Dantes1.jpg

[rumdog007]

Very, very cool!:D:D:D:D:D

[TheRumelier]

Where is this rum available? Is it just in Cuba? I think I saw it on eBay before.
I have found one drinkng buddy to join me on my next Cuban adventure, if I can find a few more we could make a charter. My boss had mentioned a trip to Santiago, I think I need to jog his memory a little!!!