Havana Club 7 Year

Sipping on History

Pour yourself a glass of Havana Club 7 Year, and let’s embark on a Cuban adventure without leaving the comfort of your chair. This dark rum, matured in bourbon barrels, invites you in with the promise of complexity and depth. The first whiff reveals a bouquet of tobacco intertwined with molasses, vanilla and spices.

As it hits your palate, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors. Think dark chocolate, sweet tobacco, and lush tropical fruits, all dancing together in perfect harmony. The finish is long, with hints of oak and a lingering sweetness that makes you want to savor every drop.

Now, let’s stir in a bit of history. Havana Club’s story began in 1934, when José Arechabala founded the brand in Cuba. The Havana Club 7 Year is a testament to traditional Cuban rum-making techniques. It’s crafted from molasses and undergoes a unique continuous aging process, where younger rums are blended with older ones, ensuring a consistent and sophisticated flavor profile. Each batch is aged for a minimum of seven years in white oak barrels, allowing the rum to develop its signature complexity and smoothness.

So, as you sip on this exquisite rum, remember that you’re not just tasting a drink—you’re experiencing a piece of Cuban heritage, crafted with passion and patience. Cheers to that!

Tasting Notes

Nose

The first inhale is a delightful symphony of sweet and buttery aromas. Intermingled notes of toffee and honeycomb introduce a warm, inviting sweetness. As you delve deeper, hints of freshly brewed coffee emerge, mingling with a touch of spice and dried citrus peels. Subtle notes of orchard fruits and freshly baked biscuits round out the experience, creating a rich and aromatic bouquet that promises complexity.

Palate

On the palate, Havana Club 7 Year delivers a full and rich experience. The initial taste reveals the character of a classic cigar box, with the distinct essence of cedar wood leading the charge. This woody note is beautifully complemented by tropical flavors of guava and banana leaf, adding an exotic twist. The familiar sweetness of toffee reappears, tying the flavors together in a harmonious blend that is both complex and satisfying.

Finish

The finish is where Havana Club 7 Year truly shines. It is fruity and creamy, leaving a lasting impression that invites further contemplation. The complexity of the rum unfolds gradually, revealing layers of flavor that linger delightfully on the palate, making each sip a journey worth savoring.

Cocktail Suggestion: Cuba Libre

When it comes to enjoying Havana Club 7 Year, in my mind there’s no better way than mixing up a classic Cuba Libre. This timeless cocktail, with its roots deep in Cuban history, (even though a true Cuba Libre is made with Bacardi rum) perfectly showcases the rich, complex flavors of Havana Club 7 Year. It’s simple, yet sophisticated—a drink that’s more than the sum of its parts.

The Cuba Libre was born around the turn of the 20th century, during the Spanish-American War. American soldiers stationed in Cuba mixed their rations of cola with local rum and a squeeze of lime, toasting “Por Cuba Libre!”—“For a Free Cuba!” This rallying cry became synonymous with the cocktail, a symbol of unity and celebration.

The Havana Club 7 Year brings a level of depth to the Cuba Libre that is unmatched. Its notes of dark chocolate, sweet tobacco, and tropical fruits blend seamlessly with the refreshing bite of cola and the zesty brightness of fresh lime. The result? A drink that’s both invigorating and richly satisfying, perfect for any occasion.