First Tributo finished in whisky casks launched

Havana Club has released its third expression of Tributo – a sipping rum made from the distillery’s aged reserves, finished for the first time in “smoky whisky casks”.

Havana Club Tributo 2018 was released in Cuba at the Habanos Cigar Festival this week and just 2,500 bottles will go on sale in 21 global markets at €400 a bottle.

According to its makers, the new release, “honours the cask’s crucial role in the rum production process, showcasing the complex taste that maturation in oak adds to the original sugarcane distillate.”

Crafted by Havana Club’s master blender Asbel Morales from rums drawn from 60-year-old casks, Tributo 2018 was part finished in barrels that had held “smoky malts”.

The result, according to Morales, is “an exceptional rum with a subtle yet distinctive smoky note, and a cascade of flavours produced by the combination of casks”.

The 40% ABV rum comes housed in a white wood gift box and each bottle is numbered and signed by Morales.

“This rare rum finished in smoky whisky casks is a manifestation of our proud Cuban heritage interpreted for modern rum drinkers,” Morales said.

“The Tributo 2018 edition is a testament to the craftsmanship at Havana Club distillery, and we celebrate the expertise and passion of everyone who carefully monitored every stage of the distillation, maturation and blending process,” he added.

Nick Blacknell, global marketing director at Havana Club International, added: “We are pleased to introduce the latest edition in the Tributo collection – a prestige Cuban rum with a delicate, peated whisky flavour.

“We’re confident that Tributo 2018 will appeal to whisky and rum connoisseurs alike looking for high quality and authentic drinking experiences”.