Havana Club is a rum brand that resonates with the rhythm of Cuba, the soul of its streets, and plays its part in the history of rum.
Founded in 1878, this iconic brand has journeyed through time, surviving revolutions and cultural shifts, all while maintaining its status as a beacon of quality in the rum world.
As a rum enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on the best Havana Club rums, a selection which encapsulates the essence of Cuba in every sip.
Best Havana Club Rums
Packed with fruits, spice, vanilla, oak, and not forgetting sweet molasses, the Best Havana Club rums offer a rum experience like no other.
1. Havana Club 3 Original Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Havana Club
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Cuba
- Colour: Pale Gold
Review
Versatile and easygoing, Havana Club 3 Original Rum is aged for three years, boasting a white rum with a light straw colour and embodying the freshness of Cuban sugarcane.
On The Nose
Sweet sugarcane molasses, hints of oak, and tropical fruit.
On The Palate
Initially crisp and clean, with tropical fruits and the moreish sweetness of sugarcane mid-palate. The finish rewards you with smooth oak and a hint of citrus.
Best Served
I recommend you enjoy it in a classic Mojito or an El Presidente. The perfect companion for a sunny afternoon.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Havana Club Especial Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Havana Club
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Cuba
- Colour: Amber
Review
Havana Especial is a golden gem among rums. Aged in oak barrels, it carries the weight of tradition with a modern twist… a bridge between the old and the new.
On The Nose
Vanilla, caramel, and a touch of tobacco.
On The Palate
With notes of vanilla, caramel, and warming spices such as cinnamon, it’s a rich and robust rum with a smooth texture and well-rounded flavour profile.
Best Served
Ideal in a Cuba Libre, Pina Colada, or savoured neat as an easygoing sipper. A versatile delight.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Havana Club Cuban Spiced (Spirit Drink)
Overview
- Distiller: Havana Club
- ABV: 35% (70 Proof)
- Country: Cuba
- Colour: Amber
Review
Havana Cuban Spiced is a smooth foray into the world of rum spice. Cuban rum infused with warm spices and fruits, this ‘spirit drink’ celebrates Cuba.
On The Nose
Exotic spices, warm spices, and tropical zest.
On The Palate
A carnival of flavours – coconut, sweet vanilla, guava, pineapple, and a blend of tropical spices to ensure that classic spiced rum kick.
Best Served
Perfect in a Spiced Daiquiri or as a flavorful sipper over ice.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Havana Club 7 Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Havana Club
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Cuba
- Colour: Mahogany
Review
Havana Club 7 is a classic rum that speaks of years of mastery. Aged for seven years, it’s a deeper, more introspective rum that I find reveals more with every sip.
On The Nose
Dark chocolate, tobacco, and a hint of tropical fruit.
On The Palate
Club 7 offers a complex mix of cocoa, sweet molasses, tobacco, and tropical fruits. The finish is lingering with vanilla sweetness and a touch of spice.
Best Served
Exceptional in an Old Fashioned or Zombie cocktail, or savoured neat as a contemplative sipper after a long, hard day.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Havana Club Selección de Maestros
Overview
- Distiller: Havana Club
- ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
- Country: Cuba
- Colour: Amber
Review
This is the rum for connoisseurs. Havana Selección de Maestros represents the pinnacle of Cuban rum-making, with only specific barrels worthy of selection. Also, try Ron Zacapa rums.
On The Nose
Oak, rich fruit, and a hint of smoke.
On The Palate
With a palette of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and spices, it’s a rum that demands attention. The finish is long, leaving a warm, spicy coffee note that lingers.
Best Served
This beauty is best enjoyed neat or with a single ice cube. Try a splash of water to open it up a little more.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. Havana Club 15 Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Havana Club
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Cuba
- Colour: Mahogany
Review
Aged for 15 years, this rum is a rare treat to reserve for special occasions. Havana Club 15 is a sophisticated, award-winning offering that deserves your attention. It’s along the same lines as high-end Diplomatico rums.
On The Nose
Prunes, oak, and a whisper of spice.
On The Palate
Flavours of dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of spice are first to delight, with rich prunes and chocolate mid-palate. A finish of rich coffee and vanilla is your final reward.
Best Served
I feel this rum deserves your undivided attention, so enjoy it neat or in a very expensive rum & coke (don’t tell Havana!).
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
7. Havana Club Union Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Havana Club
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Cuba
- Colour: Mahogany
Review
Designed to be the ideal rum to pair with a fine cigar, Havana Club Union is bold and assertive yet remarkably balanced.
On The Nose
Vanilla, smoked oak, and a hint of dried fruit sweetness.
On The Palate
With rich flavours of smoky oak, dried fruits, coffee, vanilla, chocolate, sugarcane and hints of coconut, Havana Union Rum is a full-bodied rum with plenty of depth.
Best Served
Neat for an authentic Cuban rum-sipping experience.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
8. Havana Club Maximo Extra Añejo Rum
Overview
- Distiller: Havana Club
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Cuba
- Colour: Amber
Review
Maximo Extra Añejo is the crown jewel of Havana Club. It’s an exquisite blend of the oldest and finest rums, with only 1,000 bottles per year released.
On The Nose
Intense oak, dark chocolate, and a delicate bouquet of pear.
On The Palate
A luxurious blend of vanilla, oak, and dried tropical fruits. The finish is exceptionally long and velvety, revealing dark chocolate and lingering rum spice.
Best Served
Savour Havana Maximo Extra Añejo neat during a quiet moment. A rum for reflection and appreciation.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Andrew’s Top Pick
Havana Club 7 Rum
My top pick is Havana Club 7 rum due to its versatility, reasonable price tag, and rich flavour profile of vanilla, tobacco, chocolate and molasses.
10 Rum Cocktail Ideas
In need of more delicious rum cocktail suggestions? Here are 10 to try.
| No. | Name | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Classic Mojito | White rum, mint leaves, lime juice, simple syrup, soda water |
| 2 | Spiced Pineapple Daiquiri | Light rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, ginger syrup, cinnamon |
| 3 | Dark ‘n’ Stormy | Dark rum, ginger beer, lime juice |
| 4 | Painkiller | Aged rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, orange juice, nutmeg |
| 5 | Planter’s Punch | Dark & light rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, Angostura bitters |
| 6 | Hurricane | Light & dark rum, orange juice, passion fruit juice, lime juice, grenadine |
| 7 | El Presidente | Aged rum, dry vermouth, orange liqueur, grenadine, maraschino cherry |
| 8 | Spiced Old Fashioned | Dark rum, Demerara sugar, bitters, orange peel, cloves |
| 9 | Blood Orange Margarita | Mezcal, blood orange juice, lime juice, orange liqueur, smoked paprika |
| 10 | Zombie | Multiple rums, fruit juices, spices, grenadine, Pernod |
Conclusion
Exploring the best Havana Club rums is like journeying through Cuba’s rich history and vibrant rum culture. My insights should help you discover your own favourites among these Cuban treasures.
Also read: 10 Types Of Rum: The Sugarcane Chronicles.
From the versatile Havana Club 3 Original to the majestic Maximo Extra Añejo, the Havana Club rum collection offers a rum for every taste and occasion.
Also read: Best White Rum Brands: 12 Tropical Treasures.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
