Santiago de Cuba Extra Seco

My favorite Cuban rum is a toss up between the bold Santiago de Cuba 12 and milder Havana Club Seleccion de Maestros (blend with no age statement) , but I generally find even the lower end mixers from Havana Club and Cubay drinkable straight.

So l was very excited to try this new blended "seco" or dry rum. Price in Varadero was $ 45 USD, so l did not expect it to be exceptional, but decent.

Unfortunately, l don't even find this drinkable straight....it is very light in color and similarly, the taste is more akin to that of a clear mixing rum that you can buy for under $10 USD.

Just went back from all inclusive vacation on cayo Guillermo, Cuba. That was full of sun, fun and sure of rum.
Even there was literally nothing included from the premium sorts the all those Anejos were fine and scored:
Santiago de Cuba Extra Anejo - 7
Cubay Anejo - 7
Santero Anejo Oscuro - 7
Havana Club Anejo Reserva - 7
Santiago de Cuba Extra Seco - 8

The Extra Seco (extra dry) has exceptional taste compared to all those spiced. Light in color, very dry and pretty smooth, I liked it a lot.

Sorts from bottom line are too sharp with pronounced alcohol and are OK for cocktails only:
Havana Club Ritual - 6
Havana Club Anejo Especial - 6

The choice for more matured sorts:
Cubay 10 - 8
Havana Club 7 - 8
Santiago de Cuba 11 and 12 (only in Cigar bar) - 10.

Bought in hotel store Cubay 1870 Extra Anejo - 9.
Its profile is very similar to Cubay 10 - just more smooth and somehow more complex.

What I bought home and did not try yet: Santiago de Cuba 20. I have to report that all the sorts were less expensive (10-15%) at hotel's store then at the airport. So that is not the duty free, but "extra duty" stores.
Finally, what was "window shopped" only (- USD):
Havana Club Tribute 2019 - 555
Havana Club Union - 420
Havana Club 15 - 195
Cubay 1870 Extra Viejo - 133
Selection de Maestros - 55
Pacto Navio - 55

Happy New Year!