Havana Club Selección de Maestros Rum

Rating: 16/23 Nose: The aromas are somewhat elusive but fruity with a funky character. It's sweet, yet a dry maturity prevents it from being overwhelming. Quite tropical and rather calm. Hints of wood and mild smoke, but not prominent. Clearly orange notes among the fruits. Possibly banana and mango too. With a deep inhale, there's a faint savory saltiness, similar to soy sauce. A whisper of vanilla is also present. Palate: Dry but rich, with an underlying sweetness. Medium body. Abundant tropical fruit flavors (pineapple, orange, banana, perhaps mango) are present under a layer of wood, with a bit of zest and a surprisingly strong burn. Sweetness from vanilla and caramel. This is intricate and enjoyable, though slightly unbalanced. It's also a bit too hot for its proof and a little watery. The complexity shifts when held on the tongue. Finish: That dryness and burn persist. The sweetness leans more towards caramel than fruit at this stage. Some vanilla notes. - Conclusion - I wanted to adore this, but its issues are hard to ignore. It's too hot for the proof and also watery. While there's some pleasant complexity, it doesn't quite come together. I'm considering a 15 to 16. I'll award it a 16 for its engaging, funky, swirling complexity. This rum has numerous flaws, but it still possesses some truly appealing qualities.

I possess four Havana Club rums acquired directly from Cuba. I sampled them based on what their aroma suggested to me. This rum was the last one I tried. The nose is not very potent, and I detected only very subtle spicy and woody scents. So, on the fourth day, I tasted this rum. I opened the bottle and inhaled. It wasn't particularly inspiring to me. Then, I put a few milliliters in my mouth. I immediately noticed the harmony of this drink. Its robust yet smooth woody taste, combined with a vibrant and delicate spicy savor, was unforgettable. By far my preferred rum.

As the follow-up to Barrel Proof, this bottle warrants attention. To begin with the bottle itself, it's visually appealing. A truly stunning bottle! It surpasses Barrel Proof's decent, yet beautiful, old-school design. As for the contents - the rum - Selección is very delightful. It's not as perfectly polished as Barrel Proof, but it's incredibly delicious! The taste is complex, leaning towards sweeter notes, with all the refinement you'd expect from a very good aged rum.

Nose: A rich blend of fruit and spice. Palate: Richly fruity, followed by woody, tannic notes. Medium-bodied, it's like a bourbon and single malt had a baby. Went well with almonds.

Nose: Orange peel and brown sugar crumble topping. First sip: Cinnamon, orange, molasses, and some baking spices. Medium finish with a pleasant balance.

The aroma is gentler than the slick, woody flavor and the agricole style, plus the finish. It's harsh yet quite good. Not for beginners. 22-23-22-22=89