Havana Club Pacto Navio Red Wine Cask

Havana Club Pacto Navio Red Wine Cask is a Cuban ron from the island's flagship house, the home of the light ron ligero that underpins the daiquiri and mojito. Here that clean column still molasses spirit is given a red wine cask finish, an unusual flourish for the brand, and bottled at a soft 40%.

The wine influence shows more in texture and sweetness than in obvious grape character. The nose is sweet and barrel driven with caramelised sugar and wood, the palate round and vanilla led, and the finish carries molasses and caramel. It rewards a little patience, since the alcohol can sit forward until red fruit and a grassy edge emerge with air. Sugar is not disclosed and the profile reads soft and sweet rather than dry. This is an easygoing, gently sweet Cuban with a wine cask twist, comfortable neat and well suited to rich, dessert style cocktails.