Havana Club 7 Años Añejo

Rating: 11/23 I wasn't overly impressed with the Havana Club Selección De Maestros, but I found it quite good. This is considerably cheaper, and I'm hopeful it will be similar to my experience with Bacardi 8 and Bacardi Reserva Limitada, where the quality was comparable despite a significant price difference. Nose: Much more pronounced than the Maestros. I'm detecting significant richness, similar to Pusser's (somewhat roasted?). Unfortunately, there's a very subtle meatiness. A hint of orange zest. Traces of vanilla and caramel. Oak is noticeable as I lift it to sip. Palate: This is much sweeter than anticipated. It's primarily wood and sugar. The aging appears somewhat artificial, and the alcohol is definitely apparent. There are some tropical fruits, with green banana being the most distinct. Roasted notes with some vanilla. It lacks complexity, and while rich, the richness seems manufactured. I'm not enjoying sipping it. Finish: Dry and roasted with a touch of artificial sweetness. - Conclusion - The Maestros is far superior to this. It's more mature and refined. This is bolder, but it's a bit of a misstep. Perhaps that's too harsh. There's an alcoholic flavor and harshness. The other flavors mostly taste artificial - or at least poorly executed. It's not bad, but it's not very good, and I wouldn't recommend it as a mixer either because the low proof and sweetness give it a somewhat weak middle. However, the rich roastiness is starting to grow on me. I certainly wouldn't lower my rating to a 9, but I believe a 12 is the most I could assign this. Eh, I'll settle on 11.

I'm conflicted about this one. I both love and dislike it simultaneously. It's very gentle on the nose and the palate. There's a hint of bitterness that lingers at the back, which might be the source of my dissatisfaction. I was expecting a more fruity and sweet aroma and taste, but instead, I encountered a more robust and intense experience, one I might associate with other spirits. My mind identifies it as rum, but my taste buds suggest otherwise. My final assessment is that it's very good and a serious drink, but I feel there are superior options I have yet to discover.

A sweet nose with banana & vanilla, some smoky notes & pineapple follow with the alcohol grain at the end. The taste starts sweet but immediately the alcohol burn follows. Even after adding water, it still burns a little, but the sweetness starts to come through too; there's a little sugar & banana, faint pineapple but not much else. It's somewhere between a straight mixer & a sipper; I'd probably lean closer to the former, though.

This is a delicious rum, with subtle aromas and flavors. While many better rums exist, this one is commonly available and offers good taste for the price. The flavor profile includes sweetness, chocolate, almonds, and molasses with a mild burn. It's a versatile rum, suitable for significant sipping or inclusion in fine cocktails.

Aromas include nutmeg, pineapple, unripe banana, vanilla, and cinnamon. It's light and well-rounded on the palate. The taste presents more cinnamon, nutmeg, unripe banana, and vanilla, along with orange peel and fennel seed. The finish is smooth and lasts a reasonable time. 3.25/5.00 – Quite Good (neat)

*DISCLAIMER My reviews are not palate reviews, they are based on “am I going to waste my money on a bottle of this or save my money for something better”* If you enjoy sweet, honey-like dark rum that can be consumed neat, on the rocks, or mixed; this is the one.