Review by: The Auditor
Review #1048; Rum #376
Amongst the rums I have reviewed there is a country that is globally renown for their rum that I haven’t tried much from. That country of course is Cuba. Now there are a couple of reasons for that, a pesky embargo from the United States on Cuba makes their rum a bit of a challenge to get (though not too difficult give the right websites). The other reason is that amongst the Jamaica’s, Guyana’s, Barbados’s, and St. Lucian’s I didn’t see much of a reason to dabble in this rum. However given that the Seleecion de Maestros “have been hand-chosen by the Master Rum-Makers at the Cuban distillery, using the oldest stocks in Havana Club’s reserves” and its bumped up to a respectable 45% abv I should give it another fair shake. Plus how could I not want to try one of the rums that Lance over at https://thelonecaner.com/r0932/ considers a key rum of the world.
Distillery: Various in Cuba
Bottler: Havana Club
Region: Cuba
Still: Column
ABV: 45%.
Price: $50.00
Nose: Toasted coconut, faint tobacco leaf, orange peel, vanilla, sandalwood, black pepper
Palate: Medium mouthfeel, orange peel, sandalwood, faint tobacco leaf, toasted coconut, vanilla
Finish: Medium length finish, orange peel, sandalwood, toasted coconut, vanilla, black tea
Conclusion: This is a very good rum. The flavors here are quite nice and approachable. The abv carries the flavor well and this falls into quintessential no thinking required rum. You can sit with it and mull over its subtle flavors or just sip and enjoy. Good fruit flavors and some spices to balance it out make for a very enjoyable rum.
Final Score: 84
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 