Havana Club Selección de Maestros

I have been looking for a Cuban rum for a few years, and I have only seen them through online retailers, non-U.S., until this week when I went to see a co-worker and he had one of these. Although the label stated, cask strenght, it came at 45%, but what surprised me most was how soft it tasted. We were tasting other rums (AE 21, Richland Estate Rum, Clandestino, Paraiso), and the Seleccion de Maestros reminded me of the AE21, with the oaky/woody notes, but it didn't have the strong leather/tobacco notes. Instead, I got a little sugar cane sweetness towards the back end, maybe a little licorice. But the aroma was sweetness, caramel, oak, maybe a little orange, and the palate continued with the same notes, although a little dry and short. Overall a great experience.

You can never go wrong with the Havana Club seleccion.

My favorite rum from Havana club destilery. Strong body, sweet, extremly drinkable.

It has a great smell but a strong alcoholic taste, not much spices in it instead of its great smell.

It can compete (and win) with any rum in this price category. Whenever I travel outside of US, say to Colombia, I make sure to bring at least one of these bottles with me.

A stronger version of Havana Club at 45%. The 1 bottle I have is very whisky heavy - probably had too many leftovers in the aging barrel...
One thing I've noticed with Havana Club brand is that it varies greatly,batch to batch. Some is really good - some is really bad. Unfortunately,there doesn't seem to be much in the way of quality control.🤷‍♂️
Once you find a good batch though, it's time to stock up.

I really like this rum; it is not sweet, has a bouqet of "dark" flavors, such as tobacco, is not boring.
It is bottled at 45 % ABV.
I have nothing negative to add.

Many thanks to Joola69 for getting me a bottle of this as part of a rare rum exchange. The bottle says it is from Cuba; I can't get it in the US.

Very smooth. Smells and tastes of tobacco, nutmeg, pecan, cocoa, and toffee. A really good rum from Havana Club!

Was alright, but for the price I expected better, it also had a peculiar taste that took some getting used to

I had high expectations for this one (maybe a bit too high). Expected a bit more smoothness, very tasty, powerful rum. Not too sweet. Best Cuban Rum so far, but i will taste Eminente Reserva 7 years next weekend.