Havana Club Cuban Smoky
Havana Club Cuban Smoky, NAS, 40 %
I do prefer whisky, as you all know, but it is always fun to try other quality spirits as well. And in cases like this, when the world of whisky meets the world of other spirits I am always very interested.
Here are a couple of quotes from Rum Maestro Asbel Morales (source) on this product:
“One of the bases that make up this rum was in whisky barrels from the region of Islay, Scotland, aged between 10 and 15 years and that were preserved without washing, which contributed to the smoked notes that distinguish the Cuban Smoky.
Although it does not have a declaration of age [..] it can contain mixtures of bases with 5, 7 and up to 12 years of aging”.
This is not the first time that Havana Club have dabbled in using Islay smoky whisky casks for maturation. They did the same for a couple of limited edition releases back in 2018.
This product is created to be used in cocktails, and the Old Fashioned is mentioned as a perfect fit. I have therefore tried the rum straight (see tasting notes) and I’ve tried it in an Old Fashioned.
The Havana Club Cuban Smoky is a rum that has been part matured in ex-Islay smoky whisky casks.
Unfortunately I have no idea when this product will be available to buy in Norway or indeed in the UK.
Nose: Rich and sweet. Deeply sweet in fact, and not surprisingly so. There is a soft and very suitable smokiness mixed with the sweet sugary notes. The Islay casks have certainly made an impact and a positive one at that. Do not expect it to be truly smoky though, it is more like a spice. I get notes of toasted oak, with barbecued tropical fruits in the background.
Taste: Medium mouthfeel. Sweet but also dry in style. Sweet, fruity smokiness. Soot and dark chocolate.
Finish: Medium long finish. Chocolate, cocoa nibs and mild soot. Vanilla and red berries on the finish.
Comment: A bit too sweet for me, but I feel the Islay casks have added another dimension here, and it is most definitely a positive addition.
Score 86/100
Now for the Old Fashioned. Here is the recipe I used:
2 cl Havana Club Cuban Smoky
1 sugar cube (I prefer demerara)
2 dashes of bitters (I used Bitter Brothers Orange bitters)
Ice cubes
Garnish with orange slice and cocktail cherry (I had none left)
For me this works very well. I find that the sweetness of the rum, and the added smokiness, mixes very well with the notes of orange bitterness.
Sláinte!
- Thomas
