Havana Clubs Latest Icónica Collection Tasted

Rum is an incredibly diverse and complex spirit, a discovery that becomes clearer the more you delve into its world. Made from either sugar cane or molasses, rum can vary widely in style, from light and fruity profiles to rich, dark expressions with bold, almost petrol-like flavours. 

A brand you will no doubt be familiar with is Havana Club from Cuba. What you may not realise is that Havana Club offers a portfolio far beyond what is commonly seen on supermarket shelves. For those willing to explore, there is a depth and craftsmanship in their collection that is truly remarkable.

I had the opportunity to witness this firsthand during a trip to Paris for the launch of their latest Iconica collection. We travelled to Paris on the Eurostar, before checking into the Hilton Paris Opera Hotel, a splendid hotel, conveniently situated just a short walk away from the Maison du Whisky. Naturally, I paid a visit.  

Arriving at our venue, we were transported into an incredible environment at the Villa Mande. A clear effort had been made to create a Cuban vibe, which was pulled off very successfully. Towards the entrance was a Cuban car, then a pool and firepit. Entering the villa we were greeted by live Cuban music and 2 very tasty cocktails. Setting the mood is important as I love a sense of place when tasting.

Having enjoyed our cocktails, a curtain was drawn and we took our seats at an oval table. The first thing I do is look at the menu. It excites me and this sounded fascinating. I am no expert in Cuban food - not even a beginner really, so this really appealed. 

Ceviche of oysters and green tomato

Veal tartare, palonsanto and sorrel

Huacaina lobster roll

Shitake and comte tacos, with rhum gelée Celiriac yakitori with chimichurri de hierbabuena

Duck breast marinated with rhum and aji panca, roasted corn and seasonal salad

Millefeuille of banana, lime jam, rhum and tonka cream or

Mango carpaccio, violet corn gelée,

Yuzu and cacao

The evening was to be a celebration of Cuban culture, with music, cocktails, food, cigars, and, of course, their exceptional rum. The intimate dinner was hosted by Asbel Morales, one of Havana Club’s current Maestros. In Cuba, only the most skilled and experienced rum makers are awarded this prestigious title after years of perfecting their craft. These Maestros del Ron Cubano are considered national treasures, rewarded for their role in preserving the legacy of Cuban rum-making.

Founded in 1934 by the Arechabala family, Havana Club was named to reflect the vibrant energy of Havana’s nightlife and its rich cultural traditions. The brand became ingrained in Cuban life, enjoyed in classic cocktails such as the Mojito and Cuba Libre, and at social gatherings across the island. Following the Cuban Revolution in 1959, the brand was nationalised, with the Arechabala family fleeing the country. Since then, Havana Club has been developed under the state-controlled Cuba Ron S.A. Today, it is co-owned by Cuba Ron and French company Pernod Ricard, expanding its global reach while maintaining its deep Cuban roots.

Havana Club is known for its distinctive flavour profile, combining tropical fruit notes with vanilla, caramel, coconut and spices. The molasses used is sourced from Cuban sugar cane, and the rum undergoes a meticulous distillation process. However, the real magic happens during the ageing process, where Cuba’s tropical climate accelerates ageing, imparting complex flavours as the rum interacts with American white oak barrels. 

In cool climates, a barrel will experience a 2-3% reduction per year through evaporation, which is known as the Angel’s Share. In warmer climates, like Cuba, this can be as high as 10%. This accelerates the ageing process and ordinarily means most rums are enjoyed relatively young, but still full of flavour. To drink an age-statement rum is always nice, to taste them at 15 years and older is a luxury. In Cuba, the earliest a rum can be released is after 2 years of maturation.

The Maestros del Ron Cubano are key to maintaining the quality and heritage of Cuban rum. The title is awarded only to the most experienced and skilled rum makers after years of dedication to the craft. Asbel Morales, the current Maestro, is one such figure, and his passion for rum was evident during the launch. Speaking through a translator, Asbel emphasised the importance of heritage, tradition, and Cuban culture. You could feel his love and passion for what he does. Drinks to me are about the people and Asbel drew me in. 

In 2022, UNESCO recognised the expertise of the Maestros del Ron Cubano as a World Intangible Heritage, underscoring the cultural importance of their craft. Today, only nine Maestros hold this title, four of whom work exclusively for Havana Club. Becoming a Maestro Ronero is no small feat it requires at least 15 years of training, and the knowledge is passed down through mentorship from established Maestros, not from textbooks. 

With the launch of the latest Iconica Collection, Havana Club is aiming to excite rum collectors and connoisseurs alike. These rums reflect the growing demand for premium and super-premium spirits. The rums are matured in a continuous ageing system, much like a solera used in Sherry. This was introduced by Don Navarro in the 1970s and revolutionised Cuban rum and laid the foundation for the Iconica Collection. This method, combined with the above unique tropical ageing conditions in Cuba, creates rums that are rich, complex, and full of character.

Selección de Maestros is a cask-strength rum (45% ABV) known for its warm amber hue and rich, deep flavours. Think vanilla, toffee, apricots and cinnamon. On the palate coffee bananas, caramel and dates. 

Havana Club Gran Reserva Añejo 15 Años (40% ABV) is rich, and full-bodied with a deep mahogany colour. The nose is all toffee apples, honey, tobacco and cocoa. On the palate dried fruit, pepper, spice, vanilla and caramel. It has a beautiful complexity to it and rewards you with time in the glass. 

The showstopper is the Máximo Extra Añejo, priced at £2,000 with only 1,000 bottles being released made each year. The rum is presented in a stunning crystal decanter and is layered with flavours. You have cacao, expresso and orange on the nose, complimented by vanilla, dried figs, almonds and cinnamon spice. It is rich, indulgent and rare. The flavours persist in your mouth for a wonderfully long time. This is decadent and brilliant. 

The Iconica bottles feature a fluted structure and a golden Giraldilla emblem, symbolising Havana’s resilience and grace. This design is a nod to the Giraldilla statue, a prominent symbol of Havana, and reflects the role of the Maestros as guardians of rum-making excellence.

Asbel Morales said of the collection  “Each bottle in the Icónica Collection encapsulates the mastery of Cuban rum-making, a legacy now recognised by UNESCO as a World Intangible Heritage. As Maestros, we are committed to preserving and passing down these traditions, offering future generations an experience to be remembered and savoured.”

I have been captivated by the spirit of Havana Club, The music, cocktails and passion make me want to visit Cuba and experience it first-hand. I want to taste from the barrel, the solera system and take in the culture, to fully immerse myself into the world of Havana Club.