{"id":350,"date":"2020-06-26T14:24:49","date_gmt":"2020-06-26T13:24:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cubaprivatetravel.com\/blog\/?p=350"},"modified":"2026-01-26T12:55:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T16:55:36","slug":"is-cuban-rum-the-best-rum-in-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cubaprivatetravel.com\/blog\/is-cuban-rum-the-best-rum-in-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Cuban Rum the best rum in the world ?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Cuban rum’s as well as Cuban tobacco, have been a key to the island’s national identity and pumped the blood of its economy for centuries.<\/p>\n\n

Rum connoisseurs worldwide agree that the best rums come from sugar-producing countries. Cuban rums, as the country, have as rich history. Bringing home a bottle or two of rum has become a rite of passage for travelers to the island. Though finding them may seem easy, and recommendations abound, there are ways to truly experience and learn the array available. We will be happy to assist!<\/p>\n\n

What about Cuban rum <\/strong>process?<\/h2>\n\n

Rum in Cuba is made from molasses, a by-product of sugar refining. Some producers in Central America make rum directly from sugar cane. Although expert agrees that the smokiness and rich flavor of rum that comes from molasses is unbeatable. When mixing molasses with water and yeast to ferment, then the resulting liquid distilled in copper-lined column stills. The final step is aging, and Cubans have mastered the art of using the most neutral barrel. For instance they can find and blending multiple rums, giving the Cuban rum its unique style.<\/p>\n\n

A bit of history<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

In the 17th<\/sup> – 18th<\/sup> century, a triangular trade was established between Africa, the Caribbean, and the colonies. Due to the high demand for sugar in Europe and the institution of slavery in the new colonies to extensively supply workforce,to help support this need. The circular exchange of slaves, molasses, and rum was quite profitable. In the US, the trade disruption caused by the Sugar Act in 1764 may have even helped cause the American Revolution. Here is a curious fact, Rhode Island rum became so popular in the late 17th<\/sup> century. That it was accepted as currency in Europe for a while.<\/p>\n\n

Rum in Cuba then and now<\/h3>\n\n

Sugarcane production began in Cuba in the early 16th<\/sup> century. The same tropical weather that makes travel to Cuba such an attraction caused sugar to become the first export during different periods in history. The original brew was not rum as we know it today, but “aguardiente” (literally translated as firewater). Cuban distilleries still produce aguardiente for sale, and it plays an important role in Afro Cuban religious practices and ceremonies.<\/p>\n\n

Some rum producing countries cannot produce enough molasses and must import. Certainly, Cuban rum most relevant characteristic is that only comes from Cuban molasses.<\/p>\n\n

The first developer of Cuban light rum was Facundo Bacardi. Bacardi is a well-known brand worldwide with a complicated history in and with Cuba. A large portion of their trademarks and operations were transferred out before the socialist government confiscated the company assets in the 1960s. For more information, read “Bacardi: The Hidden War” by Hernando Calvo Ospina.<\/p>\n\n

There are 13 rum distilleries in Cuba. Havana Club is the best known. Its parent company, CubaRon, went into partnership with Pernod Ricard in 1993, and the quality and international scope of the brand has since increased worldwide.<\/p>\n\n

Cuban rum brands<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

The most remarkable brands are Havana Club, Santiago, Varadero, Vig\u00eda, Cubay, Legendario, and Mulata. Although there are other not so well known like Perla del Norte.<\/p>\n\n

All Cuban rums are aged 3 years. Several brands have moved on to 5, 7, and in some cases, 15, 20, and 25 years expressions.<\/p>\n\n

Best of brands<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Though connoisseurs abound in this field.These are considered the top in terms of robust taste, aroma, and flavor.<\/p>\n\n