You’ll often find these styles are sweeter thanks to the addition of tropical fruit — banana, pineapple and orange — with plenty of spice coming from the likes of warming cinnamon and punchy ginger. How we test spiced rum

The dollar economy is very important. Cuba is opening up with direct flights from the US. The company has plans for tourism on the island including a visitor centre in Havana next to Ernest Hemingway’s old house. Since Obama’s time, it’s much easier for Americans to reach the island, but it’s not so easy for Cubans to get out. Robberstaad told me about the female maestro ronero who oversees the distilleries who won’t be allowed to leave the country. This cookie is set by Rubicon Project to control synchronization of user identification and exchange of user data between various ad services. Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie.Historically, adding spices and fruit to a blend of rums was used to mask undesirable qualities in the spirit. Today, however, spiced rums are proving very popular, thanks to the huge variation in flavours. Cuban mixology is of course iconic but Monica wants people to look past the stereotypical tourist spots of El Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio and focus on the new generation of bartending that is experiencing a wave of innovation. The mixology of today has evolved so much alongside the rise of Paladares (private-owned restaurants). There are heaps of talented people in this space and small businesses cropping up. From craft beer to artisan wines, mixers and garnishes made from sustainable Cuba ingredients. Monica has spent eight years bartending but has only worked in two bars, unusual in the world of hospitality.

Our panel – made up of 10-accredited spirits experts and rum-loving consumers – put 35 spiced rums to the test, spanning supermarket steals to big-brand bottles. When I arrive at a venue it’s to stay. I like the sense of community and feeling like I belong somewhere and that the bar forms part of me.” Rum can span the full spectrum of colours, from the light and mild white rums (which are perfect as a mojito base), through to aged golden rums that have developed a more complex taste.

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