Havana, Cuba (rum)

Set in the northern Caribbean, Cuba makes a heady and intoxicating destination for adventurous travellers, melding colourful street scenes with classic cars, cigars and a tropical beachside-vibe, not to mention rum, blended by maestros roneros (rum masters). Its relationship with the US, in particular, has positioned Cuban rum as a somewhat forbidden fruit, an aspect that some brands have used to their advantage. Now, US citizens are free to travel to Cuba, with some restrictions, and are able to bring back two litres of Cuban rum with them.

Cuban rum is made by crushing sugar cane to extract guarapo (juice), which is then boiled to produce molasses and sugar. Water is then added to this mixture along with yeast which is then fermented in tanks. The resulting liquid (vino de caña) is then distilled in copper columns stills and condensed to produce an alcoholic liquid called aguardiente. This is then aged in oak barrels, often American, for two years. It is this requirement which sets Cuban rum apart from others rums. After this the liquid is filtered through charcoal and blended.

Key distilleries/Cuban rum brands: Perla del Norte, Cubanacan, Guayabita Del Mar, Havana Club, Legendario, Matusalem, Pacto Navio, Ron Caney, Ron Cubay, Ron Edmundo Dantes, Ron Mulata, Ron Varadero, Santero Ron, Santiago De Cuba.

Where to go: Cuba is home to several distilleries, with some of the well known brands including Havana Club, Santiago de Cuba, Legendario, Cubay, Mulata, Varadero, Santero, Pacto Navio and Perla del Norte and Ron Cubay.

The Havana Club distillery doesn’t run tours, however the Museo del Ron Havana Club gives spirits enthusiasts an insight into the Cuban rum industry, its culture and history.

Naturally, there are also plenty of rum bars to explore in Havana, including the famed El Floridita where writer Ernest Hemingway often frequented, a Daiquiri in hand.