Havana Club Añejo Clásico Puerto Rican Rum

Gold Rum Comparison - Primarily Spanish style Havana Club Anejo (USA) Don Q Gold Bacardi Gold Koloa Kauai Gold Havana Club Note: The bottle has been open for a while and still has about 2/3 remaining. Appearance: Medium gold hue, similar to German beer. Nose: Quite strong ethanol, with hints of caramel and... crème brûlée? Palate/Finish: A hollow impression of caramel and vanilla, reminiscent of a dried-out old rum cork, but somewhat light; a slight earthy bitterness like young oak; subtle sweetness but still not really fruity, the ethanol is restrained, and bitterness increases on the palate. Follow-up: Smells like sophisticated caramel candy, tastes like a toffee bar after returning. Verdict: May not fit this category, but surprisingly had better-developed "usual suspects" flavors and stood out in color until the last sip. Might be more noticeable in a mixed drink than others. Don Q Note: Almost the entire bottle is gone, and it's been mostly empty for quite a while, likely months. Appearance: Pale straw, like a dry white wine. Nose: Light ethanol, toffee, and some fruit, perhaps papaya? Palate/Finish: Light but pleasant, barely any burn, caramel; burnt sugar, some heat, some wood tannin; brown bread, subtle vanilla, not much fruit. Follow-up: Smells like a fruit bowl, tastes like agave nectar after returning. Verdict: Delightful fruitiness compared to the others, almost shockingly so. Likely a more harmonious mixer and pleasant enough to sip on its own. Inviting aroma and satisfying palate. Bacardi Note: Recently opened small 200ml bottle, but who knows how long it sat on the store shelf... Appearance: Medium light gold, like domestic beer. Nose: Cleaning products initially, then ethanol, steeped black tea? Then finally some sweetness, like vanilla latte syrup. Palate/Finish: Smooth entry with some light vanilla caramel; more subtle sweetness with an almost bitter woody pine note lingering; vaguely sweet, somewhat alcoholic, light bitterness. Follow-up: Smells like sawdust, tastes like the dregs of watered-down vanilla iced latte after returning. Verdict: Unpleasant aroma with a smooth taste, strangely enough, although a less appealing flavor profile than others in the category. It's understandable why this might be a friendly choice for mixing if one desired a less refined experience than the ubiquitous BCB. Koloa Kauai Note: From a sample bottle purchased at the distillery store, and not opened immediately upon returning home. Appearance: Light gold, like oaked Chardonnay. Nose: Initially savory, almost bready, like a fresh homemade loaf, then oddly sweet, like cleaning products, and almost a vegetal cucumber note, unusual. Palate: Light flavor, some heat, some lingering wood; not fruity, somewhat earthy, barely sweet; a faint but rounded flavor of some nutty dessert. Follow-up: Smells like hay, tastes like buttered pancakes with a hint of dried maple syrup after returning. -- So this probably doesn't fit well in the category, but what else to compare it with? Verdict: The different process is evident in the product, with unusual notes appearing in both the aroma and palate. Curious to try it in a small daiquiri, but it makes me think more of a cane juice spirit than molasses due to the unusual and unexpected notes.

Does it count if I purchased this today for banana foster, but ended up taking a few sips in the process? A few sips were about all I could manage straight. It just tastes like artificial sweetener, like saccharin. I suppose it's intended more as a mixer than something to sip neat. Anyway, I can't complain for $15, and it worked well in the banana foster. I'll definitely use it again for a dessert recipe, but absolutely not for sipping.

Don't be fooled into thinking this is authentic Havana Club. It has no flavor! There's a trace of vanilla and sugar if you search for it, but even calling it a trace is generous. Drinking this is like drinking tap water. Maybe like tap water in a place you shouldn't be drinking it, but no more than that. Only suitable for mixing, and even then, superior alternatives exist.

The aroma is a bit harsh, mostly alcohol with a light tang and a general rum-like scent. The flavor has some sharp woody aspects, dry, bitter oak, a tangy middle note, a thin body with a little pancake syrup on the finish. Added sugar? No vanilla or raisin, no maple or butterscotch. This is functional. Not overly rich or flavorful. Inoffensive but not remarkable.

It's drinkable but I won't be reaching for it often. It smells of vanilla and alcohol. The initial taste is brown sugar, followed by a strong lingering burn. It makes decent mixed drinks, so I'll use it for that, especially since it's quite affordable.

Smooth with a fruity character. Gentle on the nose and the palate. It's a young blend. While best for mixing, it's an acceptable sipping rum that pairs well with Montecristo Nicaragua series. It mixes well in coffee cocktails with sugar and vermouth.