Havana Club Edición Profesional B

Havana Club Edicion Profesional B is a Cuban ron carrying seven years, part of the experimental Profesional series and notable for an Islay whisky cask finish. That smoky maturation sets it apart from the clean, light Cuban norm, layering peat and ash over the island's elegant ron ligero base.

Distilled on a column still from molasses and matured in ex-bourbon oak before the Islay finish, it leans dry and savoury rather than sweet. The nose carries cocoa, smoke, whisky and dried dates, the palate is dry with a peppery, banana and whisky character, and the finish holds smoke, cocoa, banana and dryness. Tasters single out how well the Islay finish is integrated, adding smoke without overwhelming the spirit. It is a distinctive, smoke-tinged Cuban for drinkers who enjoy a peaty crossover, a savoury and characterful pour rather than a soft, sweet sipper.