Havana Club recommendation

[Shell]

I have always wanted to try Cuban rum.

Does anyone have any advice on the following:

1. Havana Club Anejo Reservo
2. Havana Club Seleccion De Maestros
3. Havana Club Cuban Barrel Proof Rum

These are the only aged, dark Cuban rums available at the Ontario-operated liquor stores. (The Cuban Barrel Proof is discontinued and only available in a couple of cities, however.)

[Edward Hamilton]

The last two are reported to be the same but there is agreement among my friends who have tried both that Selecciones de Maestros is a better rum.

For years Anejo Reserva was the house rum on board my boat in the Caribbean.

[Demomonkey]

I'm one of those people who find the last two rums the same. If you can get to a store that has the Barrel Proof, go with that.

Your list of rums available in Ontario liquor stores is missing two; the Havana Club 7 Year and the Anejo Blanco. I find the 7 year superior to the Anejo Reserva, though not as good as the sublime Barrel Proof.The Anejo Blanco is (unsurprisingly) an excellent white to use in Daiquiris or Mojitos.

Also, as long as you are making a trip across the border for things you can't get in Michigan, try and get a bottle of Appletons Master Blend, which is quite good and oddly rare in the States.

[Edward Hamilton]

Thank you for your thoughts on Barrel Proof and Selecciones de Maestros. Cross border trips always are always better when you come home with something you can't get at home.

[DJ Mal]

Hit the duty free on the way back to Michigan and pick up a 1L bottle of Goslings Black Seal for much less than the 750ml bottle sells for in Michigan.

[doubleT]

I think I really have to look out for the Anejo Reserva and the Seleccion De Maestros / Cuban Barrel Proof Rum now.

As was said before, there's also the Anejo 7 (and the Anejo 3). But there's also the Anejo Especial (4-5 years). It's cheaper than the Anejo 7 but IMHO superior.

[Shell]

Originally Posted by Shell

I have always wanted to try Cuban rum. Does anyone have any advice ... on the following:
1. Havana Club Anejo Reservo
2. Havana Club Seleccion De Maestros
3. Havana Club Cuban Barrel Proof Rum ...

Originally Posted by Edward Hamilton

The last two are reported to be the same but there is agreement among my friends who have tried both that Selecciones de Maestros is a better rum. ....

I very much appreciate the advice as I really enjoy aged rums. I hope to pick up the Havana Club Seleccion De Maestros. The Havana Club Cuban Barrel Proof Rum is no longer listed on the Ontario LCBO web site.

Interestingly, the Cuban Barrel Proof Rum is not longer shown on Havana Club's web site. It does list, as their top shelf rums, a 15 Anos and Maximo Extra Anejo.

[Tiki Mon]

Seleccion de Maestro and Barrel Proof are one in the same. Product was rebranded. this is a very fine product indeed.

[1C5]

Originally Posted by Tiki Mon

Seleccion de Maestro and Barrel Proof are one in the same. Product was rebranded. this is a very fine product indeed.

Stores here have the BP for $55 and the Sel for $53. I have a bottle of the BP and just picked up a bottle of the Sel. Didn't know they were the same. At first I was like "ahh man" but then I realized this is awesome rum and having 2 bottles is not a bad thing at all.

[Jason]

I'm a big fan of the Barrel Proof. Such a good rum. I do also like the 7 as well. For the price it's a good one. I haven't seen the Seleccion de Maestro here in Alberta yet...