Havana Club 11 Year Old (TWE Exclusive)

ABV: 50%

Country: Cuba

Age: 11 years

Cask: American white oak

Still: Single & Multi column stills

Price: £59.95

Distillery: Havana Club

A small batch of 2400 bottles.

Havana Club is a name that’s become almost synonymous with Cuban rum, known around the world for its distinctive style and deep roots in the island’s distilling tradition. While most drinkers are quite familiar with the core range (like the 3 (white), the 7, and perhaps even the Selección de Maestros), there are a few lesser-seen expressions that offer a glimpse into what else this iconic brand is capable of.

This 11-year-old expression isn’t part of the standard global lineup. It’s an exclusive bottling for The Whisky Exchange, making it a rare opportunity to explore a side of Havana Club that’s usually reserved for local or limited markets. What really makes it stand out is the bottling strength: a bold 50% ABV. That’s significantly higher than the typical 40% found in most Cuban rums and points to a more concentrated and full-flavoured experience.

Aged entirely in Cuba’s tropical warehouses and crafted from a blend of lighter column still distillates and heavier aguardiente, the 11 Años aims to deliver both balance and depth.

Nose

A pretty hefty punch of acetone followed by a delicious bouquet of walnuts, cherries, pecans and maple syrup. Quite an abrasive nose. Some unripe mango, red wine and vanilla wood ties this together really nicely. Smells like a higher ABV than it is.

Palate

The nose hints towards a higher ABV but this drinks perfectly at 50%. No real fruit on the palate at all – instead lots of dusty chocolate, dark roast coffee, leather, pepper and wood. I’m surprised there aren’t more tannins for the flavour profile. Maple syrup, almonds, pecans and plump raisins all impart a nice amount of sweetness.

8/10 – A wonderful expression of Cuban rum.