Havana Club Añejo Especial

Fantastic, adaptable rum for an incredible price. You can elevate your Mojitos and Cuba Libres with it or use it to practice drinking rums straight. It has a rich rum character, oaky notes, yet still possesses a distinct fruity sweetness. It's as if Havana attempted a spiced rum, but with less intrusive spice and without the actual spicing process (which masks the true rum flavors).

Strong alcohol scent, with hints of caramel and raisin. Somewhat bitter and sharp on the palate, but the caramel is still present with a tiny touch of tropical fruit. The finish is quick, but the bitterness fades, leaving a dull sweetness. I thought I'd try it neat, and it's not bad, but it really seems like it would be best mixed into a specific cocktail.

Remarkable. Mixed with apple juice, I was surprised it wasn't a spiced rum given its intense flavor. It's giving Kraken a run for its money. Update: I purchased my own bottle, and it doesn't taste the same as the one at the pub. Perhaps the first bottle had something sweet added, and I'll sadly never recapture that delicious nectar. It's still pleasant, though.

Subtle vanilla on the nose which doesn't foreshadow the long-lasting tingling sensation it leaves on your lips and tongue. A pleasing color, good legs in the glass, a fantastic value for the price.

The aroma is mostly molasses, the palate is incredibly smooth with just the right amount of sweetness, and the brief finish has a subtle spice.

Vanilla, brown sugar, butter - this is what I imagined rum would taste like when I was young and hadn't tried any.