Review: Havana Club Rums

[Arctic Wolf]

Havana Club Barrel Proof

Here is a teaser for this review:

"The rum has a lighter color than I was expecting and a mild reddish tinge. As I poured the rum into my glencairn glass my nose was immediately swatted with a sweet toffee updraft. Hints of cinnamon spice compliment the aroma, and I am very pleased with the complete lack of any charred or burnt notes. This is intense, sweet and clean..."

Read more Here in the MOR Database (http://www.ministryofrum.com/rumdetailsmember.php?r=854&u=3568)

[Jason]

I've been eyeballing this one up for quite some time now, but for some reason it just never seems to make it to the cashier with me. In light of your glowing review I may have to double my efforts to make this purchase happen. Thanks!

[Arctic Wolf]

I know what you mean Jason. I passed this one over many times. When I finally bought the barrel proof and opened it I was shocked at how good it was. My previous experiences with other HC offerings had not prepared me for the treat I was in store for.

[Edward Hamilton]

The last time I tasted the Havana Barrel Proof, I wasn't overly impressed. I guess I had a hard time believing that that rum spent more than a few days in a barrel at 45% alcohol, but I'm pretty cynical about these things.

Actually, I was expecting a lot more balanced flavor in that rum, but maybe the hype made it impossible for that rum to meet my expectations, thought I've enjoyed my share of Havana Club rum in the islands.

[Arctic Wolf]

The only spirit I can compare HC Barrel Proof's method of aging to is a Canadian whisky from Corbys. The Wiser's Red Letter, which spent 150 days in New Oak after its original aging in old oak.

With this whisky the new oak gave a very distinct enrichment to the blend. I taste a very similar enrichment in the HC Barrel proof which claims to have a similar style of aging in younger oak after original aging in older oak.

I do agree with you Ed that the time spent in the new oak seems to have had less than of an impact for the HC Barrel Proof than I noted for the Red Letter Canadian Whisky that I tasted. However, the difference I believe can be attributed to a couple of factors.

First is the the HC does not claim to use virgin oak in its refinishing, just 'younger' oak which could mean almost anything. Second I believe the HC is chill filtered, (although I am not positive about this).


But all that babble is not really important, what is important is that to me this rum tastes fabulous, and I scored it accordingly. glass.gif



Just as a side note, I was recently sent a lab sample of Corby's newest whisky, Wiser's Legacy, which has an even more pronounced new oak finish. This appears to be a new style of finishing spirits which is catching on.

[Edward Hamilton]

I can say with confidence that Havana Club is aged in barrels that haven't been used for more than 10 years before being used to age the rum.

And I wholeheartedly agree the most important thing is the flavor in your glass and not in the marketing brochures.

[leisure master]

The HC blanco does make great daiquiris & mojitos, but the HCBP is actually my favorite HC rum....but then again I have not tried the Maximo yet...

[Arctic Wolf]

I have noticed from previous postings Liesure Master, that you and I seem to have similar palates. I'm even willing to guess that you, like me, could not resist making a few deluxe cocktails with the rum.

Cheers.gif

[leisure master]

You are absolutely correct, Mr. Wolf - I have used approximately one half-bottle of the HCBP in several cocktails, from a daiquiri to a mai tai. I originally purchased 3 bottles.

Very good versatility in that rum - I don't remember disliking any drinks I made, but unfortunately I have to be stingy with it now since it will be a wee bit difficult to get more...

[Arctic Wolf]

I fixed this Link as well as the Ron Matuselem Platino Link, I'm checking all the rest.

[Arctic Wolf]

Havana Club 7 Year Old Cuban Rum

The subject of my review is Havana Club 7 Year Old. It is an authentic Cuban Rum. This rum has become widely available in markets outside of the US, including where I live in Alberta, Canada. Here is the introduction to my review inspired by RonJames

Introduction:

Sometimes when I take the first sip of new rum, I close my eyes and let the it show me where it belongs. This rum brought me to an old tavern, close to the docks. The kind of place you see in old movies where the rum flows and stories get taller in the telling. The place has an oily, tobacco stained floor. Cigarette smoke drifts up to the ceiling mingling here and there with the occasional smell of a Cuban cigar. A girl sits on a boardwalk stage, singing slightly out of key, as the patrons in the tavern pay more attention to their stories than to her. A burly bartender, who looks like he can handle whatever trouble comes his way, wipes the sweat from his brow, and then with the same towel wipes the bar-top. He glances at me playing solitaire in the corner of the room and sipping the rum he served me. I had told him I would stay and pay him well if the rum was good. He served me a soft oily, smoky rum called Havana Club. I smile… the tip will be generous tonight.

You may read my full review here:

Review: Havana Club 7 Year Old Cuban Rum (http://www.ministryofrum.com/rumdetailsmember.php?r=92&u=3568)

As usual I have included a couple of recipes for your enjoyment.