Havana Club Tributo 2021

The 2021 edition of Havana Club's limited Tributo series is a ten-year Cuban rum, molasses-distilled on column stills in the light ron ligero tradition and matured in ex-bourbon casks. As with the rest of the line, careful blending and cask selection coax a depth and oiliness from the spirit that belies its modest 40%, the rum drinks fuller and softer than the number suggests.

The nose is warm and gentle, raisin and milk chocolate over a soft, balanced base with earthy and tobacco notes. The palate deepens into dark chocolate, oak, mocha and cinnamon, polished and rounded rather than sharp, with no rough corners. The finish lingers on dried fruit, mocha, dark chocolate and a touch of cured tobacco. This is textbook refined Spanish-style Cuban rum, quiet on first approach but generous once it opens, and a strong showing for a bottling kept at standard strength.