Objective Notes

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

Varadero Supremo displays is 15 years of aging in a gorgeous mahogany, medium-brown color.  Full of aromas, but soft, this is a velvet hammer of sugarcane caramel, with vanilla and oak foremost on the nose, then a mild alcohol delivers vegetal hints of sweet tobacco and fruit (banana, golden raisin, citrus) in this classic Cuban-style, highly mature rum.  The initial taste takes cues from the aromas, being sweet  of caramel and oak but not treacly, then balanced by slightly tart tropical fruit (papaya, mango, pineapple).  A medium heavy body stages a deep finish that sustains its flavors over the length of your tongue and throat in one consistent, prolonged event.

Anecdotal Notes

Dave – Corporacion Cuba ron S.A. produces Varadero rum from molasses at the Santiago de Cuba distillery in Havana.  The distillery was abandoned by Bacardi when that family fled Cuba after Castro took control of the country in 1959 and nationalized it’s rum companies.  For an excellent history of rum production on Cuba, see Bob “the Rumelier” Davies pictures and prose at Cuban Rums .

Taster’s Opinion

Dave –  I feel fortunate to have sampled Varadero’s top of the line ron, as only 6,000 hand-bottled examples of Supremo have been set aside for export.  A stylish bottle it is too – certainly distinctive by Cuban standards.  Faceted like an emerald-cut jewel, the decanter allows Supremo’s rich color to shine through, enticing you to release the spirit inside by lifting the wooden cap of its natural cork stopper.  Relenting to such temptation, I wasn’t disappointed.  Full, rich like dulce de leche, Varadero Supremo is one of those rare and occasional treats best savored neat and comfortably.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Dave - 9 Flasks

Most recently tasted by:  Dave, May 2011 at RnD’s South Tasting Room, USA.

* 750ml unless otherwise noted