Conde de Cuba 5-Year

Tobacco and wood notes remind me of Havana Club, this one has no sugar added, is drier, and a bit smoother than HC Especial, with added tones of orange zest. There is still a bit of alcohol bite in the aftertaste, but ok for 5y solera. Pretty entertaining, but it could be cheaper as some part of the solera composition is still rough.

A dry, light to medium bodied and for its age rather complex rum. It took some time to open up; the first glass of my first bottle was not very entertaining but when I opened it again a couple of days later the scent exploded from the bottle; strong but light vanilla, some oak (a little smokey), molasses, fruits (orange mostly) and flowers are all there.

On the palate it is elegant and the flavours slowly unfold themselves; very sweet (for a dry rum) in the middle with orange peel and a little ginger accompanied by blossoms. Light but lingering aftertaste with a mild oakiness and the bittersweet of oranges. Conde de Cuba has a recognizable own taste and is for me the proof that solera can produce rums as good as any other system. I am in love.

Solid 8.

Enjoyed a glass of Conde de Cuba 5y while vacationing in St Julian's Bay Malta. Very nice and high end bottle and label design. Light golden color. No added sugar so very dry. To me not a neat sipper, but it would be great for dry rum fan boys. Strong burn at the end. For whisky lovers, add 2 points.