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For those who pass through Old Havana, a visit to the Rum Museum in Havana is a must-see. It is a beautiful area of the city, a central place, very close to crowded spots such as Plaza de Armas, the “Plaza de las Palomas” or Plaza San Francisco de Asís, the Malecon, the small ferry to Regla and the beer house, among many others.

The tradition and authenticity of Cuban rum place it among the best in the world. Cubans are very proud of their privileged status in that sector and of their history.

The best way to examine the long processes of fermentation, filtration, aging and blending that have been perfected for years in Cuba is through a visit to the Rum Museum.

There are Cuban symbols known worldwide, icons of all times that today increase their prestige. This is the case of tobacco and its internationally famous premium brand Cohiba. Another is the exquisite Cuban rum, with its various brands, fundamentally, Havana Club.

In 1493, on Christopher Columbus’s second voyage, sugarcane wasintroduced to the island. Soon, slaves used theirextract as a drink. Thus, the history of rum began in Cuba, a product ofalcoholic fermentation and distillation of sugarcane. In itsproduction, the climate, the land, the raw material and aging are veryimportant.

In the 18th century, Cuba exported rum to Europe, often linked to tobacco, a pairing that has been maintained over the years. Among the best-known brands is the Havana Club rum family, whose factory is located in Santa Cruz, east of Havana.

It is said that the brand is a product of the invention of the Basque José Arechabala and since 1990 it has been associated with Pernod Ricard, under the Havana Club International brand.

But you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the Rum Museum.The museum occupies the restored 18th-century colonial palace, former “Casadel Conde de la Mortera”, facing Havana Bay, at Calle SanPedro 262.

The tour can be concluded in the museum’s bar-restaurant, where bartenders teach the preparation of Cuban cocktails such as the “Mojito” or the “Daiquirí”. If you visit it, remember to try the house cocktail called Guarábana, a mixture of Añejo Blanco rum, sugarcane juice and orange juice, very refreshing and tasty.