The new ‘Ron Santiago de Cuba Añejo 8-year-old’ targets the premium rum segment, with an initial launch in the UK, Germany, Italy, Baltics and Cuba markets. The new rum is produced by Corporación Cuba Ron and distributed via a JV between a European subsidiary of Diageo and Corporación Cuba Ron.

Hot off the heels of the three-variant relaunch of Ron Santiago de Cuba™ this summer, the 40% ABV Ron Santiago de Cuba Añejo 8-year-old “aims to innovate and further diversify the range while also being a new gem in the Cuban aged rum landscape,” according to its makers.

 

Drawing upon the expertise of the current eighth-generation of Rum Masters from the city of Santiago de Cuba, the new rum creation joins Carta Blanca, Extra Añejo 11-Year-Old and Extra Añejo 12-Year-Old – all produced by Corporación Cuba Ron and distributed by the joint venture between a European Subsidiary of Diageo and Corporación Cuba Ron. 

 

“Tremendous opportunity in the premium space”

Dayalan Nayager, Managing Director, Diageo Great Britain, Justerini & Brooks and Ron Santiago S.A., said his team were delighted to launch the new Santiago de Cuba Añejo 8-Year-Old Rum. 

“We see a tremendous opportunity in the premium space across our key markets in the EU and GB – both outperforming the total rum category,” he observed. “In GB specifically, the premium rum segment is growing at 79 per cent year on year, as consumers seek out new brands, and serves to elevate their occasions at home.”

Hints of honey, vanilla, cacao and tropical fruit 

Aged for a minimum of 8 years, the new rum product’s liquid is “undeniably smooth and delicate with a natural sweetness on the nose,” the firm said in a statement. “It comes to life on the palate with intense, yet perfectly balanced aged notes from its time spent maturing in white oak barrels as well as displaying hints of honey, vanilla, cacao and tropical fruit.”

 

Ron Santiago de Cuba™ is a notable brand among Cuban rum connoisseurs, loved by Cuban consumers and traditionally recognised as the highest expression of the Cuban rum making tradition from the southeast of the island. Santiago de Cuba is located at the heart of a unique, fertile microclimate where the land, Caribbean seas and the scorching sun all combine to create the perfect setting for a rum that has a naturally sweet, smooth flavour profile. This rare geographical setting has been known as ‘La Cuna del Ron Ligero’ (The Cradle of Light Rum) for over 150 years.

Information for stockists: The Ron Santiago de Cuba™ range is distributed via Justerini & Brooks.

  

Recommended sale price (GB): Ron Santiago de Cuba Añejo 8-Year-Old (£24); Ron Santiago de Cuba Carta Blanca (£18); Ron Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo 11-Year-Old (£35); and Ron Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo 12-Year-Old (£42).