Exploring the Famous Havana Club, Rum from Cuba

Havana Club is now an essential reference in the field of Cuban rums. Its renown makes it a major player in promoting Cuba's image internationally. From its inception marked by Cuban cultural influences to its integration into the most popular cocktails like the Mojito, let's focus on this rum brand and its manufacturing secrets.

History and Origins of Havana Club

Founded in 1878 by José Arechabala, this family business has managed to withstand the test of time to become a true local institution. Initially dedicated to producing dietary supplements and non-alcoholic beverages, it quickly specialized in creating high-end rums.

It was in 1934 that it fully embraced its current identity to become "Havana Club", in tribute to the Cuban capital, which is its historical cradle. Today, thanks to artisanal know-how passed down from generation to generation and the use of quality local ingredients, the brand is distinguished by its unique and authentic taste.

The Impact of the American Embargo on the Brand's Evolution

The history of Havana Club is marked by several obstacles and challenges. One of the most significant is undoubtedly the economic and trade embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba since 1960. This event, aimed at politically and economically isolating the communist island, has had considerable consequences on the Cuban rum sector, including Havana Club.

Although it has been banned from sale in the United States since then, the iconic brand has not been discouraged. It has taken advantage of this situation by developing the mythical and unattainable aspect that surrounds its products and by aiming to conquer the European and global market.

Havana Club and Pernod France

Pernod France is a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, a French company founded in 1975 by the merger of two major French spirits companies, Pernod and Ricard. Pernod Ricard is now the second-largest spirits company in the world, with a portfolio of over 100 brands, including Absolut Vodka, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and of course, Havana Club.

Havana Club: A Franco-Cuban Brand

Pernod France is responsible for the distribution of Pernod Ricard brands in France, including Havana Club. The company has a strong presence in the French market and is known for its innovative marketing strategies and partnerships with local companies and events.

Havana Club No. 1 in Bars in France

Havana Club is one of the best-selling rum brands in France, alongside other popular brands such as Bacardi and Captain Morgan. The French market also hosts several local rum producers, such as Rhum Clément from Martinique and Rhum Damoiseau from Guadeloupe.

Impact on the Market

The partnership between Havana Club and Pernod France has had a significant impact on the French spirits market. Thanks to Pernod Ricard's solid distribution network and marketing strategies, Havana Club has established itself as one of the leading rum brands in France.

Moreover, the success of Havana Club has also paved the way for other Cuban rum brands to enter the French market. In 2016, Pernod Ricard launched Santiago de Cuba, another Cuban rum brand, in France. This move has been highly successful and has further strengthened the company's position in the French spirits market.

In conclusion, Havana Club and Pernod France are major players in the French spirits market, with a strong partnership that has made Havana Club successful in France and beyond. As the popularity of rum continues to grow in France, we can expect to see these brands continue to thrive and innovate in the industry.

Different Types of Havana Club Rums

• Añejo 7 Años: a premium reference for the brand, this seven-year-aged rum is known for its rich taste and spicy, woody aromas.
• Selección de Maestros: for the more discerning palates, this rum is the result of meticulous selection exclusively by Havana Club's master blenders.
• Havana Club Tributo: the limited edition and vintage series at Havana Club.
• Cuban Spiced: The first Cuban spiced rum.
• Havana Club 15 years: "The Grand Classic of Cuban rums," according to Don José Navarro, First Maestro Ronero at Havana Club.
• Havana Club Maximo: There will never be a rum that better expresses the culture and rich tradition of Cuban rum than Havana Club Máximo. The most prestigious of the Cuban brand.
• Havana Club Union X Cohiba: Collaboration between Havana Club and the famous Cohiba cigar brand. The perfect rum for pairing with a Cuban vitola.

These different types of rums allow everyone to discover and appreciate the range of flavors that have made Havana Club internationally renowned and successful.

Artisanal Manufacturing Process: Between Tradition and Modernity

One of the keys to Havana Club's success lies in its unique way of producing its rum. It represents a true ancestral heritage, where the elaboration is a wise mix of tradition and modern techniques, with a strong commitment to preserving the local environment.

Thus, every step (cultivation of sugar cane, crystallization, molasses production, distillation, blending, and aging) is closely monitored to ensure a product of excellence, meeting the expectations of customers who value quality and authenticity.

Cocktail Ideas Featuring Havana Club Rum

There are many cocktails you can make with Havana Club rum. Here are some that will delight your taste buds and those of your guests:

• Mojito: a Cuban classic, made with Añejo Blanco white rum, lime, fresh mint, sugar, and sparkling water.
• Cuba Libre: Añejo Especial rum, Coca-Cola, and a splash of lime juice for a perfect match between the spicy aromas of the rum and the sweetness of the bubbles.
• Piña Colada: savor this delicious mix of Añejo Blanco rum, coconut cream, and fresh pineapple juice. A sunny flavor reminiscent of Cuba's paradisiacal beaches!
• Daiquiri: a refreshing cocktail made with Añejo Blanco white rum, lime juice, and sugar syrup.
• Old Fashioned: a revised version with Havana Club Añejo 7 años, offering richness and voluptuousness to lovers of this cocktail originally made with bourbon whiskey.

Now it's up to you to choose the one that tempts you the most, based on your desires and the occasions you wish to celebrate with a drink.

The Cultural and Economic Heritage of Havana Club Rum

With nearly 150 years of history, the Havana Club brand is deeply rooted in Cuban DNA. Consumed both by locals and the numerous tourists who visit this enchanting island, it actively contributes to the international spread of local culture and supports the Cuban economy.

Beyond its products, Havana Club also enriches Cuban cultural life through various events it organizes or sponsors (music festivals, sports events, etc.). This enables it to further associate its name with Cuba, as well as strengthen the ties between the brand, its homeland, and the Cuban people.

The Ambassador of Cuban Ancestral Know-How

Havana Club is much more than just a rum brand. It is primarily an ambassador of artisanal skills passed down from generation to generation for over a century. Tasting one of the many rums from the brand's catalog is not just about enjoying an alcoholic drink, but experiencing a part of the precious and unique heritage that constitutes the richness and pride of Cuba!

About Havana Club, Excellence Rum Answers Your Questions

We answer all your most frequent questions about Havana Club rums.

Where to Buy Havana Club Rum?

At the Excellence Rum store in Paris at 16 rue Dauphine, or on this e-commerce site. Excellence Rum is known for its worldwide, rapid delivery. It takes 24 hours in Metropolitan France, 96 hours to the United Kingdom, and 8 days to Canada and the United States.

Excellence Rum Delivers All Havana Club Rums to the United States

We deliver all the rums from our catalog, including Cuban rums, to the United States (in all states).