Havana Club 5 Años Añejo Especial

Havana Club 5 is a Cuban ron in the light Spanish style, the tradition that prizes cleanliness and smoothness over heavy molasses character. It is distilled on column stills to a high, lighter strength from molasses, then aged in ex-bourbon oak, an approach where most of the flavour comes from the barrel rather than the spirit.

Expect sweet vanilla and caramel with light oak and a roasted edge, soft and easy at 40% but with a touch of youthful alcohol still showing. It carries a little sweetness, in keeping with the style, and is best understood for what it is: a dependable, affordable mixing rum that shines in a Cuba Libre, mojito or other simple long drink rather than as a contemplative pour. Approachable and uncomplicated, it does a clear job well.