The world of rum is infinitely large. Just like that of wine and that of whiskey - and all the other worlds that open up once you really deal intensively with a topic. However, the world of rum is also quite complicated. After all, the sugar cane distillate is not only distilled in the Caribbean, but also in Central and South America. And in India, Madagascar, the Philippines, Mauritius and Réunion, and even in Australia and Cape Verde. And everywhere there are their own traditions, processes and tricks, such as how the most beguiling taste and the best maturity can be obtained from the spirit that was created in the 17th century as a by-product of sugar cane cultivation. Every region, country, province and distillery has its own style. That makes things very confusing for rum lovers,and it takes a while to even read the most important basics and facts or - better - to get drunk.

Peter Badenhop

Editor in the Rhein-Main-Zeitung.

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One of these central facts in the world of rum is that there is no getting around Cuba.

Some of the most famous rum varieties, such as Ron Matusalem and Bacardi, originate from the largest island in the Caribbean, and the master distillers of the socialist island state still produce remarkable wines.

One of them is the premium rum Eminent Reserva, which has now also been sold in Germany for just under 50 euros per 0.7 liter bottle for a few weeks.

This rum, made from molasses and aged for seven years in old bourbon barrels made of American oak, was developed by César Marti, the youngest master distiller of the state-owned company Cuba Ron. The Eminent Reserva is made in the Agustin Rodriguez Mena distillery in Santo Domingo in the province of Villa Clara. In the words of its creator, what makes it unmistakable is the combination of the West Cuban Occidente style (read: intense and dry) with the East Cuban Oriente style (mild and fruity).

That sounds complicated too, but it is no longer when you take the first sip: Then this amber-colored drop, which smells of coffee and roasted almonds, simply reveals its incredibly complex, multi-faceted and very powerful character. On the palate, it shows notes of vanilla and coffee, along with chocolate and ripe fruits, light smoke tones, a delicate bitterness and a long, peppery spice. This is definitely something for fine cocktails such as an Old Fashioned rum, but best for pure enjoyment over ice.

Those who not only want to drink in a Cuban way, but also want to live accordingly, have a special opportunity in the next few weeks: In Paris, the pop-up hotel “Emorien” will open its doors from September 30th to December 12th.

The makers promise authentic and surprising experiences.

Details can be found on the Internet at www.hotelemektiven.com.