Havana Club Verde

Havana Club Verde is best understood as a crossover product rather than a traditional rum. Built on a light Cuban column still molasses spirit, it is aromatised with botanicals, juniper and citrus and bottled at a low 35%, openly aiming at gin's territory rather than the island's classic dry ron ligero.

The nose is full of lime, spice, herbs and a thin, fresh character, and the palate brings citrus, sugar and more herbal, juniper led notes through to a vegetal, lightly sweet finish. It is a curiosity, and honesty is due: this is a flavoured, gin leaning mixer, not a rum for sipping neat or for serious appraisal. Where it makes sense is over ice with tonic, where the juniper and citrus do the work, offering an easy, summery long drink for anyone who enjoys botanical refreshers.