HAVANA CLUB UNVEILS NEW LOOK ICÓNICA COLLECTION

Havana Club, has unveiled a refreshed and reimagined line-up and look for its premium Icónica Rum Collection, which is said to represent the pinnacle of the brands portfolio and symbolise the finest examples of Cuban excellence.

The new contemporary design for its Selección de Maestros, Gran Reserva Añejo 15 Años and Máximo Extra Añejo bottlings, is said to blend Havana Club’s storied heritage with the highest standards of global luxury, heralding a new chapter in the brand’s legacy.

Havana Club Icónica Collection

For more than five decades, Havana Club has been reviving the island spirit with its continuous ageing technique, first pioneered by the late Maestro Ronero, Don Navarro, in the 1970s with the creation of Havana Club Añejo 7 Años.

The newly redesigned collection celebrates Havana Club’s unparalleled craftsmanship, deep-rooted heritage and vibrant Cuban culture with each bottle embodying the artistry and legacy of Havana Club’s esteemed Maestros del Ron Cubano.

Inspired by Havana’s revered Giraldilla statute – a symbol of the city’s grace and resilience – the new collection marries contemporary design with timeless Cuban tradition. Just as the Giraldilla stands as a vigilant guardian over Havana, it mirrors the role of the Maestros del Ron Cubano as protectors of rum-making excellence. 

The updated design philosophy translates across each bottle, solidifying the collection’s status as the epitome of Cuban craftsmanship with a unified visual identity. Each design complements the other with distinctive elements that reflect the exquisite rums and celebrates their diverse flavour profile and ages.

The new look Havana Club Icónica Collection, is comprised of:

Havana Club Selección de Maestros (45% ABV) A cask strength bottling, which bottle features elements inspired by Havana’s sunrays and interlinking ironwork, symbolising the collaborative process where the Maestros meticulously select only the finest barrels for bottling.

Havana Club Gran Reserva Añejo 15 Años (40% ABV) The only age-statement product in the collection. The new bottle, featuring enveloping patterns that evoke the softness of the rum, beautifully complements its rich mahogany colour, highlighting its bright, full-bodied taste and the blending of rare liquids.

Havana Club Máximo Extra Añejo (40% ABV) An annual limited-edition release, which is enhanced by extra ageing. The rum is showcased through the modernised design which emphasises both opulence and sustainability by significantly reducing plastic components. The updated design also introduces wooden stoppers in place of traditional screw caps, adding a luxurious touch.

Commenting on the news, Asbel Morales, Havana Club’s Maestro del Ron Cubano, said: “This transformation is a tribute to our craftsmanship, our heritage and the vibrant Cuban culture that defines Havana Club. Each bottle in the Icónica Collection encapsulates the mastery of Cuban rum-making, a legacy now recognised by UNESCO as a World Intangible Heritage. As Maestros, we are committed to preserving and passing down these traditions, offering future generations an experience to be remembered and savoured.”

The new look Havana Club Selección de Maestros, Gran Reserva Añejo 15 Años and Máximo Extra Añejo Icónica Collection bottles, will be available from specialist retailers over the coming months, for the respective RRP’s of €59.00, €209.00 and €2,500.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

CHIVAS REGAL LAUNCHES NEW SAKE FINISHED RELEASE

Chivas Brothers, has today announced the launch of a new spirit drink, which is said to marry the unique and delicate flavours of Japanese Sake with the rich, smooth taste of Chivas Regal.

Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve (40% ABV) is a 12 Year Old spirit drink, produced using Chivas Regal blended Scotch whisky, which was finished in Sake casks from the Masuizumi brewery in Japan.

Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve 

Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve, has been described by the brand as a celebration of innovation, a fusion of cultures and a testament to Chivas’ commitment to creating an exceptional liquid that redefines drinking experiences for enthusiasts around the world.

Launching exclusively in Asia, this is not the first time Chivas Regal has worked with ‘Masuizumi’. In 2018, Pernod Ricard Japan partnered with the distillery to launch 'Link 8888', a premium sake aged in ex-Chivas Regal American oak barrels.

This latest release builds upon this unique collaboration by taking an unconventional approach to the blending process. After the ex-Chivas Regal barrels used for Link 8888 were returned to their home in Scotland, a bespoke portion of Chivas Regal exclusive to this launch was finished in these casks that previously held premium sake.

Commenting on the launch, Sandy Hyslop, Director of Blending at Chivas, said: “Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve represents new territory for Chivas, pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship to deliver a coveted spirit drink that blends the rich heritage of Scotch whisky with the diverse, internationally inspired palette of flavours found in premium sake. Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve is more than a spirit drink; it's a symbol of the power of collaboration and shared values, inviting enthusiasts to experience the magic born from the unity of tradition and innovation."

Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve, will initially launch later this month in Japan, Taiwan, Philippines and Cambodia. RRP (tbc).

Posted by Steve Rush