Food

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CUBAN RUMS IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW

We want Cuban rum Now. Not just because we can’t yet easily get it in the United States due to the trade embargo, imposed almost 60 years ago, but because it tastes like none other. It is an incredibly beautiful thing.

We tasted Cuban rums when we were in Cuba for the Biennial last week and we fell in love. The best are all about big, lush, sweet notes of brown sugar and hazelnut, with a silky, luxe feel.

Cuba, among other important things, is known as the "Isle of Rum." Its sugar cane, climate, soil, "Maestro Roneros" (master rum-makers), make it so. Cuba owns the art of añejamiento: the art of distilling, ageing and blending premium rums. Their rums have been seducing sailors, swashbucklers, and locals for centuries.

As with most rums, the base ingredient for Cuban rum is molasses, made from Cuba’s sugar cane. Only Cuban rum is made in a continuous (column) still vs a pot still, which yields a smoother and more robust spirit.

Finally, Cuban rums are aged in American oak bourbon casks, where they must spend a minimum of 2 years. The dark rums are at least 5 years old. Añejo (Spanish for “old”) is at least 7 years old. Other rums are aged as little as 6 months in a variety of other types of casks.

Bacardi, the most popular brand of rum in the US, is the largest privately held, family-owned spirits company in the world. It was originally established in Cuba in 1862, but when the political tide turned against them, after the Cuban Revolution. Bacardi moved it’s headquarters to Bermuda.

The Bacardi Building in Havana is regarded as one of the finest Art Deco buildings in Latin America.

Today Havana Club, established in 1934, is the leading Cuban rum brand. The company was nationalized after the Cuban Revolution. Among the finest Cuban rums are Havana Club Gran Reserva and Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo – reputed to be Fidel Castro’s favorite.

You won’t find it on display in US bars, but you might find a bottle stashed in a secret spot. Bartenders who want to delight their special patrons treat them to clandestine sips of Havana Club they’ve procured in Cuba and smuggled home.

Other Cuban rums include Isla del Tesoro, Cubay, Varadero, Caney, Legendario and Arecha brands.

We brought a few precious bottles back with us for our own personal beautiful consumption. And we are rationing.

Beyond the regal aged rums, meant to be enjoyed neat or simply on the rocks with nothing more than maybe some fresh lime, Cuba is also home to the iconic mojito, made with younger, simpler silver rums.

We have a few new mojito spins that are perfect quaffs for a breezy summer evening or long lazy Sunday afternoon.

MEYER LEMON LAVENDER MOJITO

Sues, of We Are Not Martha, created a beautiful Meyer Lemon Lavender Mojito. It is so fragrant and refreshing. Perfect for summer -- or even winter, when Meyer Lemons are at their peak.

LEMON BASIL MOJITO

Sydney and Richele, of R&S, created a wonderfully sunny Lemon Basil Mojito, adapted from The Forest Feast cookbook. It’s a winner. Check out the recipe here.

CHAMPAGNE MOJITOS

Heidi, of Foodie Crush, gathered some friends together to kick their mojitos up a few notches. Made with Thai basil an addition to traditional mint, and topped with some bubbly Cava, you’ll want to check out their amazing Champagne Mojitos at your next Sunday brunch. Get the recipe here.

Read more about Beautiful Cuba, as it relates to Arts/Design, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Place/Time, Mind/Body, and Soul/Impact including 10 Beautiful Books on Cuba Happening Now. and Wild & Beautiful in Cuba Now.

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IMAGE CREDITS:

Image: by Jaume Escofet. El Guajiro.
Image: by Andrea Donato Alemanno. Havana Club.
Image: by David Gil. Red Cane.
Image: by Tom J. Ron factory.
Image: Courtesy of Rum Diaries Blog. Ron Cubay.
Image: by Sandra Cohen-Rose and Colin Rose. Havana Art Deco. Bacardi Building in Havana, Cuba.
Image: Courtesy of Heritage Whisky. Havana Club 15.
Image: by L3m4ns. Il primo non si scorda mai.
Image: by Shira White. Our personal stash of Cuban Rums.
Image: by Ken Nickerson. Mojito Master.
Image: by Shira White. Raspberry Mojito.
Image: Courtesy of We Are Not Martha. Meyer Lemon Lavender Mojito.
Image: Courtesy of Anewall. Lemon Basil Mojito.
Image: by Heidi of Foodie Crush. Champagne Mojitos.
Image: by lincolnblues. Mojito.
Image: by Shira White. Enjoying Havana Club live at the Tropicana!
Image: Courtesy of BeautifulNow. BN App.
Image: by Morgan from Host the Toast. Strawberry Kiwi Frozen Mojitos.