Cuba: Havana club rums

In the heart of Cuba, alchemy is at work as the Maestros Roneros- rum masters –hone skills passed on from their forefathers. This occupation is more than a romantic window into a rich culture: its history, craftsmanship and tradition are the pillars that form the basis of Havana Club and its Iconica collection of prestige aged rums. Founded in 1878 in the Havana province, today the house welcomes these special bottles to the collection, most notably the Maximo and Tributo, with some available in special limited editions.

Crafted for sipping and savouring-in line with one of the strongest drinking trends of this year-these delectable rums are the result of the loving work of the Maestros del Ron Cuba, whose work focuses on the art of distillation, natural ageing and the blending of high-quality rums. These are the gatekeepers of the age-old tradition, passed from generation to generation. Each of these connoisseurs of the sugar cane spirit will nurture rum from start to finish, putting as much heart as expertise into the finished product.

The Iconica Collection is made up of four super-premium rums: Seleccion de Maestros, 15-year-old, Tributo and Maximo. The hero in the collection is the silkily sophisticated Havana Club Maximo, which is handcrafted from some of the oldest and finest reserves of rum in Cuba and created by Don Jose Navarro, a Primer Maestro Bonerno extraordinaire, with more than 40 years experience.

This is the ultimate expression of the collection, with only 1000 bottles available each year, with a recommended retail price of £1, 350.
One of the emperors of the new collection, the Tributo, pays homage to ultra-premium Cuban rum and the knowledge of the cellar masters. Limited to 2, 500 bottles a year, the bottling will charge every year, highlighting different flavours and aromas.

Meanwhile, Havana Club 15 year old is a limited edition for connoisseurs who appreciate rare and luxurious Cuban rum. This is a blend but small butch – only 58 bottles are bottled every year –created from a selection of some of the finest bases available.

A small tip on how to taste rum, find a quiet place with good lighting and a comfortable temperature, for each taster a separate glass for each rum is needed plus a glass of water and bread to help cleanse your palette before moving on to the next rum.

Whichever you choose, be sure to savour the drink slowly and enjoy the unmistakable taste of Cuba, it is best enjoyed after dinner, particularly well with dark chocolate,