Good things seldom happen by accident, and rum is no different. Behind the rums of Cuba, there is a rich tradition of the maestros roneros – the rum masters – now recognized by UNESCO as part of the world's Intangible Cultural Heritage.⁠

It takes about 15 years to train a new maestro, taking on board skills and knowledge about every step of the rum-making process along the way, from sugar cane to final blend. ⁠

The driving force behind Havana Club for a generation was Don José Navarro, who said “The rum doesn’t come from a magical combination. It is a cultural legacy, passed on from maestro ronero to maestro ronero, from heart to heart, from Cuban to Cuban.” In those words are also his legacy: this culture is bigger than the endeavours of one man or even a team, it's the passing down of traditions that are continued by the current generation of maestros, including Asbel Morales of Havana Club, and will, in turn, be handed on. ⁠

It has been The Whisky Exchange's pleasure to work closely with Don Asbel to source a new exclusive Havana Club rum that will be launched at Rum Show 2024. This single cask release represents a first for the UK market, with single cask expressions from Havana Club a noted rarity. This bottling brings together both pot and multi-column stills for what is a celebration of the maestros' art. 

In the words of buying director, Dawn Davies MW, "We are very excited to be partnering with Havana Club on this single cask project. With wonderful rich fruitcake notes and soft spices, this showcases Cuban rum at its finest."