Ron Santiago de Cuba Reserva 20 Years, time and tradition
Ron Santiago de Cuba Reserva 20 Years represents one of the most carefully crafted expressions of long-aged Cuban rum. It is a rum made with patience, designed for those who see the passage of time as an essential part of its final character. At Licorea, we see it as a rum to be enjoyed slowly, without haste, paying attention to every detail.
This rum belongs to a very specific category within aged rums. It is not common to find expressions with such prolonged maturation, especially under Cuba’s tropical climate, where ageing is more intense and demanding. For this very reason, Santiago de Cuba Reserva 20 Years stands out within our selection of aged rums.
Cuban origin and historical heritage
Santiago de Cuba is a key city in the history of rum. Its climate, proximity to the sea and long sugar-producing tradition have shaped the style of the rums made there for centuries. Ron Santiago de Cuba Reserva 20 Years is born in this environment, following methods passed down and refined from generation to generation.
The distillery maintains a classic approach. It starts with carefully selected Cuban sugarcane molasses, fermented under controlled conditions to preserve clean, well-defined aromas. Distillation is carried out with a focus on balance and smoothness, without losing structure or depth.
A long and demanding ageing process
One of the defining aspects of this rum is its extended ageing. Maturation takes place in oak casks that previously held other spirits, adding complexity without overpowering the original profile. Over 20 years, the rum evolves slowly, integrating wood, alcohol and time.
Cuba’s tropical climate accelerates interaction with the cask. Evaporation is higher than in cooler climates, requiring constant and careful selection of barrels. Only those that maintain the right balance continue to form part of the final blend.
This process results in a concentrated rum, with a rounded texture and a mature mouthfeel. This is not a young rum, nor does it aim to be one. Everything here revolves around patience and respect for the product.
Aromatic profile and mouthfeel
On the nose, Ron Santiago de Cuba Reserva 20 Years shows a measured intensity. Sweet notes of ripe cane appear alongside well-integrated wood and gentle hints of spice. Toasted nuances are also present, with a warm background that supports without overwhelming.
On the palate it is structured and silky. The mouthfeel is broad, with a gradual development that leaves a lasting impression. The wood brings firmness without dryness. The finish is long and persistent, with an enveloping sensation that invites slow, thoughtful sipping.
We would not describe it as powerful or aggressive. Its character is more serene and balanced, aimed at those who appreciate long-aged rums.
How to enjoy it and the moments it suits best
This rum is meant to be enjoyed neat. The right glass, without ice, allows its evolution in the glass to be fully appreciated. A small splash of water can also be added to open up nuances, always according to personal preference.
It is an excellent choice for long after-dinner moments, quiet gatherings or genuine pauses. This is not a rum for quick drinking or cocktails. Its profile calls for attention and calm.
At Licorea, we usually recommend it to customers who already know the world of aged rum and are looking to take a step further towards long-matured expressions. Within our aged rum category, Santiago de Cuba Reserva 20 Years offers a different experience, deeper and more reflective.
A distinctive rum within our selection
This Ron Santiago de Cuba Reserva 20 Years is one of the few Cuban rums with such extended ageing available in our catalogue. We believe it brings something new to lovers of aged rum who seek authenticity and production that remains true to its origins.
It is not a product designed for everyone, and that is precisely part of its appeal. It is a rum that speaks of time, craftsmanship and a very specific way of understanding traditional rum-making in Cuba.
