In 1964, just a few years after the nationalisation of Cuba's rum industry under Fidel Castro, one of the first new rum brands of the revolutionary era emerged in Santo Domingo, in the central Cuban province of Villa Clara: Ron Cubay, affectionately known as "El Sabor del Centro" - the taste of the centre. For decades, the brand remained reserved exclusively for the Cuban domestic market, only reaching international markets such as the UK for the first time in 2010. Ron Cubay is still produced today by the state-owned Cuba Ron group at its Ronera Central and Ronera Cárdenas distilleries, consistently without solera blending and without any additives to correct flavour - a deliberate commitment to unadulterated Cuban rum tradition.

Why was Ron Cubay long unknown abroad?

The brand was intended exclusively for the Cuban domestic market from the start - only in 2010 did Ron Cubay first appear in European markets such as the UK, which is why it long remained an insider tip outside Cuba.

What does "El Sabor del Centro" mean?

"The taste of the centre" refers to the central location of Villa Clara province, where Ron Cubay has been made since 1964 - in contrast to the better-known brands from the island's east (Santiago de Cuba) or west.

Flavour profile

Taste: Round and balanced with vanilla, caramel and a subtle smoky note from maturation in re-charred former American white oak whisky barrels.

Recommended enjoyment: Neat or as the base for classic Cuban cocktails like a Cuba Libre.

Facts and figures

Founded 1964 in Santo Domingo, Villa Clara, Cuba. Made by Corporación Cuba Ron S.A. (Ronera Central/Ronera Cárdenas). No solera method, no additives. Available internationally since 2010.