Perhaps by now you've run across the Cubaney rums, yet another rum produced by a Cuban family - Oliver and Oliver in the Dominican Republic. As I recall the Cubaney series includes rums of 3, 5, 8, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 25 years. I chose the 8 year pretty much based on price: as an man of ordinary means I was unwilling to spend much more than twenty dollars on a little understood rum.
The Cubaney story is interesting...
In the late 1980’s, one of the later generations of Oliver’s returned to Cuba where his curiosity about the past led him to delve into the family’s history. While poring over the family archives, he discovered the original formulas that had produced rums that were heralded as the world’s best, as well as a few family members that were still engaged in the production of rum on the island, having earned the esteemed title of maestros roneros cubanos, or master Cuban rum makers.
Because it shares the same hot humid climate, the Dominican Republic was chosen as the ideal site for a new production facility. The results of the decades of knowledge, skill, and experience to produce the finest Cuban-style rum in the world, Cubaney rum. Available in Anejo (3 year old), Anejo Reserva ( 5 year old), Solera Reserva ( 8 year old), and Gran Reserva ( 12 year old).
Was my 20 bucks well spent? The reviews:
Sue Sea:
Me:The Cubaney rums come in attractive bottles that are the exact opposite of the squat classic bottles I usually prefer, visually anyway. The label reproduces a lithograph of Havana harbor, circa 1895. Nice. Cubaney 8 Year's initial aroma is a pungent and clear clovey cinnamon, followed by a bit of vanilla, nutmeg and oak. It is quite distinctive. It is light bodied, and the taste is completely consistent with the aroma. Very smooth. The medium finish is just as spicy and very smooth. I liked this rum.
It is not heavy, not thick at all - it has good flavor but is not at all overpowering as you might expect from the initial aroma. Accordingly, I think Cubaney 8 Year would make an interesting gift that will not offend. It remind of eggnog with a cinnamon stick, sprinkled with nutmeg and clove.
Cubaney 8 Year is an interesting rum and fairly priced. Its color is medium amber with fast, thin legs. This is a rum you could easily identify in a blind tasting - its spicy aroma is unmistakeable, with an aroma of strong clove and cinnamon. I picked up a hint of vanilla, oak and a bit of white pepper. I agree with Sue Sea in re body; the taste is light, with a bit of sweetness and pepper at the late palate. The finish is smooth, lightly peppery, medium/long and leaving a consistent spicy aftertaste.
Cubaney 8 Year Solera Reserva is consistent from start to finish. Its pungent initial aroma is distinct and stakes a claim on the rest of the experience. Fortunately, the taste and finish are less intense and insure that the tasting experience is a pleasant one.
Rating (10 is best): 7.