He arrived in Cuba this September to participate in the VI Symposium Habana-Habano organized every two years by the Cigar Museum, part of the Office of the Historian of Old Havana. Cesar Adames, a renowned teacher and Brazilian journalist, arriving at the island found the excellent state of the product range of the company Cuba Ron SA. It happened in the marriage of Bolivar cigars, Montecristo coffee and rum Cubay "500th Aniversario de Remedios", made during the last day of the event.
How would you describe rum Cubay "500 Anniversario de Remedios"?
It is excellent, around sweet tones. I like the Havana Club, but I am pleased that this Cubay appeared, the rest of rums need to promote themselves as well. Last year I had the opportunity to try the white Cubay rum during a fair in London and it was wonderful. Cuba has a tremendous tradition in the production of these drinks.
What role do Cuban rums have in the world, with regard to Latin similar prestige?
Nobody knows exactly where rum was born, it was presumably in the Caribbean. Currently, the oldest brand in operation dates back to the nineteenth century and the distillery is located in Barbados. But when speaking of rum anywhere in the world stands a word: Cuba, because it has the tradition.
To say which is the best of the world one must try all the rums in the world in all its nuances, we know the style of the producer. White rums have a category and dark others.
The secret of Cuban tastings is education. If we compare the company Habano has about 27 brands, of these the best known are Montecristo, Cohiba, Romeo y Julieta, Partagas but there are others. It is the same with Cuban rums, they have a tremendous variety and quality. However, these products, except for Havana Club which has achieved significant success, they need more promotion.
When I come to Cuba I never drink a drop of Havana Club. I do not do to discredit the brand, but because it is here where I can enjoy the other rums that outside the country are not marketed as Havana Club.
What distinguishes Cubay, Santiago ranges?
There's a rum for every occasion. You have to watch them all because each has its time.
What did you think of the marriage offered in Habana-Habano to conclude the symposium?
It had many choices, and when they multiply you get different opinions according to each particular taste. Care should be taken with this issue because the variety could leave us "dumb" with so many possibilities.
According to Cesar Adames there is a rum for every occasion. What moments do you prefer?
The rum has a very close relationship with Brazilian cachaça, so I could also build on the experience of this drink in my country. When we talk about a white rum we generally use it for cocktails. I would prefer it this way-in a good daiquiri or mojito, for example-but also try a little, just to check the quality.
If it is an aged, sure I drink before lunch or dinner to clean the palate. One of five or seven years could also result in the end. But if it is extra aged: that one to think of life! I can put a little water, ice or rock, and ponder how my day went, what I will do tomorrow
What If it is the exclusive Maximo Havana Club rum?
Well, that is for once a year. It could be the end of December, exactly, but after three or three rums cocktails before dinner. To enjoy such a delicious drink, we should not leave it at the end. In this case the rule of saving the best for the last time is not valid.
How is the marketing of Cuban rums in Brazil?
Currently the only thing we have is Havana Club because of the force with Pernod Ricard has and the quality of the brand. The level of acceptance in Brazil is very good. There is a dispute between these products and Bacardi, whose origin is Cuban. In this regard, we hope that the rest of the brands of the island gain strength in their promotion. This requires not only investment, but also seize the right moment.
