Havana Club

Havana bottles

Havana Club is a brand of rum created in Cuba in 1934. The brand is now produced in two different locations: one in Cuba and the other in Puerto Rico. The Cuban version is produced by Corporación Cuba Ron and distributed globally by Pernod Ricard, while the Puerto Rican version is produced by Bacardi.

History[edit | edit source]

Havana Club was originally founded by José Arechabala S.A., a company established in 1878 in Cárdenas, Cuba. The brand was nationalized by the Cuban government in 1960 following the Cuban Revolution. In 1993, the Cuban government partnered with the French company Pernod Ricard to distribute Havana Club internationally.

Production[edit | edit source]

The production of Havana Club rum involves the use of Cuban molasses, which is fermented and distilled. The rum is then aged in white oak barrels, which gives it its distinctive flavor. The aging process is overseen by Cuban rum masters known as "Maestros del Ron Cubano."

Varieties[edit | edit source]

Havana Club offers a range of rums, including:

Añejo Blanco: A white rum aged for up to 2 years.
Añejo 3 Años: A light golden rum aged for 3 years.
Añejo 7 Años: A dark rum aged for 7 years.
Selección de Maestros: A premium rum selected by the Maestros del Ron Cubano.
Añejo Especial: A golden rum aged for up to 5 years.

Legal Disputes[edit | edit source]

The Havana Club brand has been the subject of legal disputes between the Cuban government and Bacardi. Bacardi claims ownership of the brand, having purchased the rights from the Arechabala family in 1994. The dispute has led to different versions of Havana Club being sold in different markets.

Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]

Havana Club is an iconic brand in Cuban culture and is often associated with traditional Cuban cocktails such as the Mojito and the Daiquiri. The brand is also featured in various cultural events and festivals in Cuba.