Objective Notes
Smooth (on the RnD scale of Harsh-Smooth-Very Smooth-Extremely Smooth)

Grand Havana Reserva Excelencia Rum is light straw in color. A simple and clean nose is pleasant and slightly sweet with caramel but reveals only a few aromas, including a fresh cane grassiness, and hints of clove and cinnamon. Initial tasting reveals some heat with delicate vanilla flavor.  A medium body reinforces the clean aromas with a touch of anise and vanilla.  The finish is medium in length, initially slightly grassy, but ultimately a bit sweet, leaving you appreciating this rum produced with a traditional Cuban hand crafted formula.

Anecdotal Notes
RnD was introduced to Grand Havana Reserva Excelencia Rum after touring the Westerhall Distillery in Grenada in 2007. After a great tour of the Museum and historic distillery grounds with ruins and production machinery dating to 1800, RnD were treated to samples of Westerhall’s products including Grand Havana Reserva Excelencia. We highly recommend the tour if you are fortunate enough to visit the beautiful island of Grenada.

The rum is made from a fourth generation Cuban Arregui family recipe first distilled in the late 19th century just outside of Havana.  Brought to the US in the 1960’s it was resurrected about 8 years ago by father and son.  They searched for a distillery that would make it true to their specifications and recipes. Westerhall’s old copper kettles, pot stills, and willingness to follow the traditional recipe resulted in a fruitful partnership. The rum is aged in charred 40-gallon sherry casks from Spain.

The conventional, tall bottle displays a dark classic label hand adorned with the batch number, indicating Grand Havana’s limited quantities. A screw cap covered with black foil tops the bottle, with packaging completed in a faux alligator skin black cylinder.

Taster’s Opinion
Roger - Classic and clean in true Cuban style. This rum is enjoyed best straight or on ice. I prefer it on ice. This rum that is starting to be imported in the US so look for it.

Dave - Grand Havan Reserva Excelencia is nice enough to be enjoyed neat, or mixed in a cocktail where its subtle flavors add to the drink, such as a Fidel Castro.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):
Roger - 7.5 Flasks; Dave - 7.5 Flasks

Most recently reviewed by: Roger and Dave in August, 2008 in RnD’s North and South Tasting Rooms USA.

*750ml unless otherwise stated.