Super Gifts For Men

Smooth (on the My scale of Harsh -Smooth-Very Smooth-Extremely Smooth).

This excellent Cuban rum is aged seven years to an attractive medium amber color. On the nose; warm, smoky, deep aromas of tobacco and coffee. Slight tones of raisin and pineapple. Tasting reveals even more coffee and chocolate flavors, mixed with a taste of dry brown sugar, caramel or molasses, almost like a delightfully mild and very light version of Kahlua, but with a dry, woody finish. While this rum exhibits a number of distinct flavors – all of which are pleasant – it lacks that extra bit of complexity that would make it really appealing.

Anecdotal Notes
I  treated to Havana Club Añejo 7 Años by an acquaintance who shared it with us in a protracted tasting on Antigua and again on Mayreau, during our most recent sailing adventure. Since this rum is made in Cuba, and we are Americans, we are denied its pleasure at home. Packaged in an unassuming looking bottle reminiscent of a Riesling only with a screw cap, this rum provides easy sipping without pretense or high price.

Taster’s Opinion
I enjoyed this rum as an alternative to some of the heavier molasses- rums often found in the Caribbean, and much milder to sip than many other more expensive cane juice based rums. We suspect Havana Club Añejo 7 Años would pair well with a mild cigar, since it reminds us of a peaty Scotch. It is pretty versatile as well, lending itself to sipping neat at room temperature, or over ice, and even in a mixed drink where more than half the contents are rum, like a proper Mojito or strong Cuba Libré, but its delicate flavors would be lost in a blended drink.

Anejo 7 years is the oldest product in the Havana Club range. Its unparalleled and acclaimed quality is the fruit of the traditional process by which Havana Club Cuban rum is made. The necessary “patience” for the ageing of this rum- 7 years in white oak barrels in the age-old cellars – instils in the drink that powerful and complex aroma: its distinguishing feature.

Havana Club 7 years is the drink par excellence at the end of a good meal. On occasions such as these, the Havana cigar and Havana Club rum are inseparable in their single tradition of quality.

Havana Club 7 years has a lovely, dazzling transparent amber colour. Gives off an outstanding bouquet. Round to the nose, it reveals rising woody and vanilla-smelling notes.

A very clean taste as well as soft in the mouth. Havana Club 7 years offers an exquisite, fine bouquet.

Appreciated as a liqueur by experienced rum-lovers, Havana Club 7 years naturally has its place among the very best spirits. Like Anejo Reserva, Havana Club 7 years combines wonderfully with its Cuban brother, the Havana cigar.

Competing in 1997 and 1995 against the top 40 rums in the world at the prestigious Chicago World Spirits Championship, Havana Club 7 years was awarded a gold medal both times.

I recently bought 2 bottles of Havana Club Anejo 7 Anos and a box of Montecristo No 3 in Bruges. I returned to my “Man Shed” (every man should have one), and put the two together. After over 20 years serving in the Royal Navy and sampling rum from everywhere and whenever, I can say that this Havana Club is truly a great rum. Add nothing. It is gentle and stays long. The Montecristo shared with this great rum swept me back to happy times.

Graham Kerry

Firstly if you are new to aged (anejo) rums don’t compare its age to Scotch. 7 years is a LONG time for a rum. Spirits age faster in warm climates, so expect a well made rum to have the maturity of a scotch twice its age.Its the first anejo rum I tried, and it opened my eyes to the possibilities that rum is a fine enough spirit to be drunk neat.

This spirit has a wonderfully complex flavour, full-bodied and a long finish. This rum deserves to be treated with all the reverie you would give a Scotch Single Malt, or a Cognac. Mixing it would be sacrilegious.

That said, although wonderful neat, I most often take mine on the rocks, 3 or 4 regular ice cubes for a double. The addition of the little water helps to separate all the flavours from the alcohol. I find it more enjoyable that way.

Aaron Zall

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