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The national drink of Cuba
Rum is the national alcoholic drink of Cuba. While beer and wine are really expensive by Cuban standards, cheap rums are available for just a few cents. Every Cuban is also entitled to one liter of rum per month at subsidized prices. This is administered via the "Libreta", a small book that regulates the purchase of so-called "basic foodstuffs". Even if the Cuban planned economy can be described as an economy of scarcity, rum and tobacco are always available everywhere.
The longer the rum matures in the barrel, the softer and milder the taste becomes, although the alcohol content always remains the same at around 40%. The color of the rum becomes darker and darker as it matures and the price also increases with storage time. For example, half a liter of "Máximo Extra Añejo Havana Club" costs over USD 1,200. For this, the buyer receives a hand-blown bottle signed by the head bottler. The contents are a blend of the best vintages from the distillery's long history. It goes without saying that this rum is not used for mixed drinks. The young and light rum is ideal for cocktails such as Mojito or Cuba Libre.
Origin of the rum
When the sugar cane plant found its way to Cuba with Columbus, it was offered ideal growing conditions thanks to the nature of the soil and the tropical climate. The new colonial rulers enslaved the indigenous people, the Taínos, as cheap labor for the hard work in the fields in order to benefit from the newly cultivated plant. When the Taíno population was decimated by disease and harsh working conditions, the Spanish crown began to use West Africans as slaves in the sugar cane fields; remains of the sugar cane fields can still be found in the Valle de los Ingenios near Trinidad.
The fermentation of sugar cane juice (guarapo) produces an alcoholic liquid. However, the first Cuban rum was only produced by distilling this fermented liquid in copper stills. The process was still very rudimentary at the time and the rum had a rather sharp and harsh taste. Nevertheless, sailors discovered that the addition of limes made a suitable and durable drink for the long voyages between the Old and New Worlds. During the voyage in wooden barrels, the rum lost some of its sharpness, which made it popular on land too. Until 1970, all sailors on Royal Navy ships were served a daily portion of rum.
Bacardi: The rise and impact of the revolution
In the 1860s, Don Facundo Bacardí found a way to reform the production process and produce a clear, smooth rum. The foundation for the later Bacardi empire was laid, and Bacardi developed into one of the best-known rum brands in the world. The company's rise was fueled by various factors, including the crisis in the mid-19th century, when sugar production from sugar beet began in Europe. While rum used to be a by-product of sugar cane processing, rum production increasingly replaced sugar production. Rum gradually became socially acceptable. Even Prohibition in the USA (1920-1933) was an advantage for the now numerous Cuban rum producers. Due to its close proximity to the USA, Cuba was a popular destination for Americans in the 1920s to party, legally consume alcohol, gamble and indulge in other pleasures such as gambling, prostitution and drugs.
The Cuban Revolution, which led to the fall of the Batista government in 1959, had a profound impact on the Cuban rum industry. The new communist government under Fidel Castro nationalized many companies, including Bacardi. However, Bacardi itself was able to transfer a large part of its assets and production facilities abroad, particularly to Puerto Rico and Mexico, and continued its business from there. Bacardi thus remained a private and internationally successful brand, while the Cuban rum production facilities were lost.
Havana Club: the origins and legacy
Havana Club, an independent rum brand, was founded in 1934 by the Arechabala family. After the revolution, the company was also nationalized. However, the Havana Club brand remained in state hands and gradually became a symbol of Cuban rum. In the 1990s, the Cuban government entered into a partnership with the French company Pernod Ricard to market Havana Club internationally. Since then, Havana Club has become a globally recognized brand and stands for traditional Cuban rum, while Bacardi continued to operate independently outside Cuba.
The conflict between Bacardi and Havana Club is still a significant chapter in the history of rum today, as Bacardi markets a rum in the USA under the name "Havana Club", which has led to numerous legal disputes. This rivalry reflects the profound changes that the Cuban revolution brought to the rum industry.
The most famous Cuban rum distilleries
Discover the most renowned rum distilleries in Cuba and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Cuban rum, which is prized worldwide for its exquisite quality and rich tradition. A special highlight for rum lovers is the Havana Rum Museum, which offers you a deep insight into the history and art of Cuban rum production. Your journey begins here to the island's most famous distilleries, each of which offers an incomparable taste experience and an authentic insight into Cuban culture.
Havana Club: This iconic brand is produced in the distillery in San José de las Lajas, near Havana. Havana Club stands for classic Cuban rum and offers an impressive selection, from light white rum to luxuriously matured premium rums. A must for connoisseurs and lovers of traditional Cuban craftsmanship.
Santiago de Cuba: This rich and full-bodied rum is produced in the heart of Santiago de Cuba, the birthplace of Cuban rum. The distillery is known for its deep roots in the Cuban rum tradition, which is reflected in every drop of its distinctive rum.
Ron Cubay: Produced in Santo Domingo, Villa Clara, Ron Cubay is a brand that is lesser known but highly prized in Cuba. The variety of rums from this distillery reflects the passion and craftsmanship that can be found in Cuban rum production.
Ron Legendario: Known for its sweeter rums and liqueurs, such as the popular "Elixir de Cuba". This Havana-based distillery is particularly popular with tourists and offers an authentic taste experience that embodies the warm and welcoming nature of Cuba.
Ron Mulata: Produced at the distillery in Villa Clara, Ron Mulata offers both white and aged rums that are known for their smooth and approachable flavor. This brand is widely available throughout Cuba and is a preferred choice for connoisseurs.
Ron Matusalem: Originally founded in Santiago de Cuba and relocated abroad after the revolution, Matusalem is known for its fine solera rums. The brand retains its Cuban roots to this day and offers a refined rum experience that combines tradition and innovation.
Experience the diversity and incomparable taste of Cuban rum, crafted with passion and care by these outstanding distilleries. Contact us today to plan your exclusive rum trip and be enchanted by the unique Cuban rum culture.
Insider tips on Cuban rum
Most Cubans still drink rum straight and without ice. After opening the bottle, the first sip is usually sacrificed to the Santeria god Macho Chango by spilling some rum on the floor. This also applies when staying indoors.
Even if you don't drink rum yourself, a bottle of Santiago rum is a souvenir for every traveler to Cuba. Santiago de Cuba rum, which comes from the city of the same name, is considered one of the best and oldest rums in Cuba, known for its full-bodied taste and long tradition of production. And don't worry, Cuba's rum prices are the same everywhere. No matter whether you buy the bottle in the supermarket or at the gas station.
For those who want to learn more about this topic, we recommend a visit to the "Museo del Ron" on a rum tour through Havana. You can learn all about the Cuban elixir of life on a guided tour including a tasting. Or visit the "Edificio Bacardi" in Old Havana, which was the ancestral home of the Bacardi dynasty until the revolution. The Art Deco building still bears witness to the family's wealth today. A trip to Santiago de Cuba, the birthplace of Santiago rum, also offers the opportunity to visit the local distillery, where the rum is produced using traditional methods.
Buy Cuban rum
Buying rum is a popular souvenir for travelers to Cuba. Brands such as Havana Club are available everywhere, from supermarkets to duty-free stores at the airport. It is advisable to taste the rum before buying, as there are different varieties, from young, clear rums to aged, dark rums. A bottle of rum in Cuba costs between 5 and 30 USD, depending on the variety and age. Travelers should observe the customs regulations of their home country in order to comply with the permitted quantity. In most cases, 1-2 bottles per person are duty-free. Buying from a duty-free store is often the most convenient option for return transportation. Many online retailers do not sell genuine Cuban rum due to existing US embargoes that restrict trade in Cuban products.
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