ISOM Havana Club, all hype or good stuff?

[Gone Dave]

I am not rum snob, but I have had my share,
but given my location I have only read the "ads" for Havana Club rum from the island..
Is the rum held in highest regards like the smokes?
or can you make a comparison to what is available here?

[Mark C]

From what I've read, the higher end blends are good, but not fantastic. It seems the NC rums hold the edge over the cuban variety. I'm willing to bet there aren't many people who would turn down a bottle of Zaya or Zacapa in favor of HC 7.

[Pac]

I'm not that experienced in rum, but I find the dark HC 7yr old to be a really good sipping rum.
The younger HC's are too rough, methinks.

And I also like Capt Morgan Private stock, really smooth (but I'm not sure how it's blended/flavored, HC might have less additives/flavorings and still taste great while being smooth).

I'm sure there are lots of 'better' rums out there, I just haven't tried that many yet

/Pac

[volfan]

I have had some HC7 and it does not hold a candle to my favorite rum which is Diplomaticos. Just my opinion but the HC7 is good, the dip is great.

scottie

[mosesbotbol]

Havana Club is on par with Bacardi and competes at a similar price point and quality... You decide if that's something you are looking for.

[Gone Dave]

[Andyman]

I would take Zacapa and Zaya over HC

[carbonbased_al]

Originally Posted by volfan

I have had some HC7 and it does not hold a candle to my favorite rum which is Diplomaticos. Just my opinion but the HC7 is good, the dip is great.

scottie

HC is ok, but there are far better rums out there that are much easier to obtain (if you live in the states) than HC.

[Munt]

As a Canadian I can say that I think Havana Club is a solid rum. I wouldn't call it top shelf but it's not down there with Ripple either. That being said, the intriguing aspect of it that I like, is that it is aged in oak barrels (where they get oak in Cuba is beyond me) so it takes on an almost Whiskey flavour.

That's my $0.02,

Munt.

[Cyanide]

IMHO, Havana Club is reasonable, but I wouldn't put it anywhere than with the regular selections of rum. My favourite dark/amber rums at this point are Appletons (Jamaica), and Matusalem (15 year rum, I think its from Dominican Republic). While I still put Appletons in the "standard" category, Matusalem is the easiest to obtain "quality rum" for me right now. That all said, I have seen an Appletons 30 year aged rum. If I get my hands on that, I am sure my whole heirachy will be turned on its head.

The Matusalem is truly a sipping rum. While all the standard rums need mix to enjoy, even a frail palate could enjoy Matusalem on the rocks.

But, like I said, that is just MHO.

Cheers

Cyanide

[a2vr6]

Any amber Rum from Barbados would put the CUban stuff to shame. IMHO.

[JohnnyFlake]

I've been through a full bottle and another half a bottle, of the HC7, over the last year or so. To be honest, it doesn't do much for me! Don't get me wrong, it's not crap, it pretty good, however, there are far too many NC Rums out there that are far better and so, so much easier to get!

[bigswol2]

I think it's a great sipping rum. Neat or on the rocks it always enjoyable.

[uptown_cigar]

I have always enjoyed HC 7, and I also enjoy the Brugal Anejo. However, Brugal Extra Viejo blows all of them out of the water! It's great just on the rocks.

[the nub]

HC7 is good but not great. I find it a little to hot for my tastes. However, there's something to be said about an authentic experience while smoking a cigar. I've never ever wished I could have a non-Cuban rum when I'm in Havana.