I’m taking the 7 all day over the Especial with coke, reference neat I’ve very much got into that journey, old fashioned as well but if I’m havin a session with friends mixers are coming out to play on 2 to 1 basis light rum ginger ale, dark rum ginger beer
That's the content we need! Here's my take on it: 1. In my opinion the Havana 3 is a great allrounder and makes a very decent rum & coke 2. The Especial does a nice rum & coke, but isn't good for anything else therefore I wouldn't buy it 3. The Havana 7 could be a nice rum if it had a higher abv. The taste is good, but it is just too watery/diluted. 4. My (very) unpopular opinion on the Plantation OD: it was the worst rum & coke I've had so far. And I don't really know what the purpose of this rum is. It is alright in a budget Mai Tai but that's about it in my opinion. But I guess thats just me and my palate ;)
Rum and Coke is my all-time favorite cocktail. I’m rather new to alcoholic drinks and haven’t experienced a whole lot of rums. Currently my go-to for Rum and Coke is Bacardi Superior White. Other brands I’ve tried are Kraken Black Rum, Goslings Black Seal, Captain Morgan Spiced, and a “fancy” looking Plantation (can’t remember exactly). I’m curious what other brands I should look at?
You’re at a great starting point. I assume you’re not UK, but what I’d do is maybe look at different Countries. Try a Barbados Rum (Doorlys/Mount Gay). Then a Jamaican (Appleton) or Guyana Rum (El Dorado), or Nicaragua (Flor De Cana). All have different styles so you can see which styles you like best.
@@StevetheBarmanUK Okay, that we can't wait to see. We can get quite a few of the Havana Clubs here, but we're also quite well stocked with Plantation. Xaycama's one of our bar rail cheap n' cheerfuls, so very much looking forward to your breakdown. I know it will be great! Thanks for this STB!
Which makes me wonder how you'd score Havana Club Añejo Blanco (the Cuban version, not the Puerto Rican/Bacardi-made version) and the Havana Club Añejo Reserva... 🤔
rum as a mixer works for bacardy. havana 3y (yes), 7y and selection are sipping rums. 3y shines also on ice with piece of lime. havana especial is quite sweet, works after beer 😀. do you prefer a normal coke or a light/ zero version of coke for rum + coke? coke zero is sweeter and it works practically with any rum (overpowered sweetness).
Seleccion De Maestros? What would you do? I'd get a cheap flight to Gibralter, spend a week in Adalucia, where the rum is cheap and plentiful, then buy a bottle of Seleccion De Maestros from the Gibralter duty free @ £19.95 for the journey home. Then i'd do it all again 6 months later. sorted.
@@StevetheBarmanUK Easyjet do cheap flights, then you cross the frontier into Spain. Spain cheaper than UK. So essentially you combine a holiday with a passion for rum. Result.
I’m not 100% sure what’s going on with that. It’s not here in the UK, but what I think they’ve done (like 90% sure) is in some markets, simply rebranded the Especial. For example, in Canada I think the Especial has gone (or being faded out), and the new Reserva has come in.
Bacardi carta blanca over Havana 3Y everytime. IMHO the 3Y just doesn't go in a Cuba libre. Like the use of subliminal messages Steve 😜 So should I buy Plantation OD instead? 😉
As cuban I can say this. You are not supposed to mix any dark cuban rum with anything. That's why the HC 3 year is the favorite at cuban parties, everyone can drink mixing it and off course because is affordable. Hardly any cuban buys the 7 year,and if that's all there is then women mix it with coke,never ice, never ice.
Ha, and I know many Cubans that will tell a different story! I think it's like every country in the world. Half the population does it one way, half the other way! Take Scotch. Many proud Scottish people swear at people that mix Scotch Whisky with Water. Yet I can also show you many Scotch experts that will only drink Scotch Whisky with Water to release more flavours...
@@StevetheBarmanUKmaybe is just the coke in Europe. In Cuba is the way to go with the type of coke we have there which isn't coke,is something else, similar stuff but taste is definitely not the same
@@StevetheBarmanUK really I'm after a dark rum for dad can be versatile so drink it neat or with coke theres is very little on the market in supermarkets in the uk I think the main ones are captain morgans or Havana 7 year old my only other option is to maybe find somewhere else to rum but wouldn't know were as I would want to make sure its legjt I'm not sure what bacardi black is like compared to captain morgans but that being said supermarkets dont sell it maybe the Havana 7 might be the one
Just oderd a bottle off havanna club 7 for a Christmas present for my dad he only buys cheap rum so wanted to get him sommet abit better supermarkets really are very limeted selections it was between this and captain Morgans that i was gonna buy tried a little research Havana club 7 just seems to have some better reviews so just went for that dunno if I wikk het the limeted edition bottle tho as there subject to availability
Funny watching this as I was gonna ask on the next live show if you'd tried the "Cuban barrel proof". I asked my mam to bring me back a bottle havana 7yr from the airport when she was on holiday but bought me the barrel proof instead. When I looked it up on master of malt I realised I'd scored 😅. Made a rum fashioned with tikki bitters and absolutely loved it.
I disagree with your opinion. The best out of the last three rums is the Havana 7 year old. I have been to Cuba many times and tried all of these rums. Best taste neat or mixed with best value is the 7 year old.
Not necessarily, that’s kinda blinkered vision. Because for a lot of people who love aged Rums, the better the Rum tastes on its own, the better it’ll taste mixed. Now I personally prefer younger Rums anyway. But for those that love 10/12/15yo rum. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with mixing it.
A dark rum and coke is called a cubata. It's a perfectly acceptable drink. I definitely wouldn't use anything better than a Havana club 7, but it's fine if you're not trying to save money.
📔 DOWNLOAD MY FREEBIES; stevethebarman.com/hello Cocktail eBooks and Sipping Rum Guide 📔
I’m taking the 7 all day over the Especial with coke, reference neat I’ve very much got into that journey, old fashioned as well but if I’m havin a session with friends mixers are coming out to play on 2 to 1 basis light rum ginger ale, dark rum ginger beer
Ha, you’re not called Havana Steve for nothing. You should try the SDM/CBP though…cos that beats your Hav7 all day long.
That's the content we need!
Here's my take on it:
1. In my opinion the Havana 3 is a great allrounder and makes a very decent rum & coke
2. The Especial does a nice rum & coke, but isn't good for anything else therefore I wouldn't buy it
3. The Havana 7 could be a nice rum if it had a higher abv. The taste is good, but it is just too watery/diluted.
4. My (very) unpopular opinion on the Plantation OD: it was the worst rum & coke I've had so far. And I don't really know what the purpose of this rum is. It is alright in a budget Mai Tai but that's about it in my opinion. But I guess thats just me and my palate ;)
Wait. What?!! Ignore no everything you said there and cutting straight to Plantation OD…wow Henry. WOW!! *makes 3 OD videos to educate*…. 😇😂
@@StevetheBarmanUK Go for it, I‘d love to put into action. Still have more than half a bottle left
Funny how the Havana Club 7 *does* have a 43% ABV variant. Sadly it's not nearly as common as the 40% version.
I spend 100 on a 15 Year Havanna, and i drink it with Coke
Do you really though?!
Ive never seen Bacardi market the white for rum and Coke. They use the light aged on the website.
Great review Steve,I wish we could get Cuban Rum here in the States.
I reckon soon 🤞
Neat unless it's a bad rum then I mix it just so I can make some room on the shelf.
Havana Especial - Cubanita is the best coke mixer. The 3 year is for Mojitos, the Siete Anos and selection de maestros for sipping!
Excellent communication skills
Rum and Coke is my all-time favorite cocktail. I’m rather new to alcoholic drinks and haven’t experienced a whole lot of rums. Currently my go-to for Rum and Coke is Bacardi Superior White. Other brands I’ve tried are Kraken Black Rum, Goslings Black Seal, Captain Morgan Spiced, and a “fancy” looking Plantation (can’t remember exactly). I’m curious what other brands I should look at?
You’re at a great starting point. I assume you’re not UK, but what I’d do is maybe look at different Countries. Try a Barbados Rum (Doorlys/Mount Gay). Then a Jamaican (Appleton) or Guyana Rum (El Dorado), or Nicaragua (Flor De Cana). All have different styles so you can see which styles you like best.
This was fascinating. Did you do one of these about Havana Club in daiquiris as well? We wouldn't mind watching that!
It's on the agenda... but first up is the Plantation Daiquiri off. 11 Plantation Rums. Filming that tomoz!
@@StevetheBarmanUK Okay, that we can't wait to see. We can get quite a few of the Havana Clubs here, but we're also quite well stocked with Plantation. Xaycama's one of our bar rail cheap n' cheerfuls, so very much looking forward to your breakdown. I know it will be great! Thanks for this STB!
Which makes me wonder how you'd score Havana Club Añejo Blanco (the Cuban version, not the Puerto Rican/Bacardi-made version) and the Havana Club Añejo Reserva... 🤔
rum as a mixer works for bacardy. havana 3y (yes), 7y and selection are sipping rums. 3y shines also on ice with piece of lime.
havana especial is quite sweet, works after beer 😀.
do you prefer a normal coke or a light/ zero version of coke for rum + coke? coke zero is sweeter and it works practically with any rum (overpowered sweetness).
Yeah m a Zero/Max man these days. Even then the Gas is a bit much, but with my belly, it’s an age thing.
@@StevetheBarmanUK i know, it is not natural product, but holds well with cheap rum and whisky. that is an ugly truth.
not just calories.
If you loved, thats reason enough
Great video, do you have the Newfie Screech under your right side in any videos? 🇨🇦
ha, yeah, one of my Canadian Members sent it to me a while back!
speciale for sprite lovers and coke lovers
Seleccion De Maestros? What would you do? I'd get a cheap flight to Gibralter, spend a week in Adalucia, where the rum is cheap and plentiful, then buy a bottle of Seleccion De Maestros from the Gibralter duty free @ £19.95 for the journey home. Then i'd do it all again 6 months later. sorted.
Haha. Like your hustle! I’d be tempted too at that price. Although surely it ain’t that cheap?!!!
@@StevetheBarmanUK Easyjet do cheap flights, then you cross the frontier into Spain. Spain cheaper than UK. So essentially you combine a holiday with a passion for rum. Result.
Havana 3 year works for a Cuba Libre but yeah, not the best for rum and coke.
Hello, have you tried the new one, Reserva ?
I’m not 100% sure what’s going on with that. It’s not here in the UK, but what I think they’ve done (like 90% sure) is in some markets, simply rebranded the Especial. For example, in Canada I think the Especial has gone (or being faded out), and the new Reserva has come in.
ha I love it great video
Glad you enjoyed it mate! £50 Rum & Cokes... standard!
Bacardi carta blanca over Havana 3Y everytime. IMHO the 3Y just doesn't go in a Cuba libre. Like the use of subliminal messages Steve 😜 So should I buy Plantation OD instead? 😉
Well according to Henry above…No. but I’m a fan!! 😂
I feel exactly the opposite. Havana 3 stomps Bacardi Blanco all around. Now Bacardi 4 vs Havana Especial... whichever is cheaper wins. lol
As cuban I can say this. You are not supposed to mix any dark cuban rum with anything. That's why the HC 3 year is the favorite at cuban parties, everyone can drink mixing it and off course because is affordable. Hardly any cuban buys the 7 year,and if that's all there is then women mix it with coke,never ice, never ice.
Ha, and I know many Cubans that will tell a different story! I think it's like every country in the world. Half the population does it one way, half the other way! Take Scotch. Many proud Scottish people swear at people that mix Scotch Whisky with Water. Yet I can also show you many Scotch experts that will only drink Scotch Whisky with Water to release more flavours...
None of the rums will make a good rum and coke using Coke Zero. Horrible stuff.
Full fat coke is the only option
7 años y Coca Cola sale Cubata! 🇨🇺💪🫵🤪🤣👏
Using coke zero is going to ruin your drink no matter which rum you use.
Depends if you like Coke Zero or not. You obvs don’t, but for the millions of us who do, normal Coke would probably ruin the drink more…
I'd take a Havana 3yo rum and coke over a bacardi carta blanca rum and coke any day of the week lol
Wow. For me. The Hav 3 just doesn’t work in Coke at All. The Hav Especial is way better.
@@StevetheBarmanUKmaybe is just the coke in Europe. In Cuba is the way to go with the type of coke we have there which isn't coke,is something else, similar stuff but taste is definitely not the same
Is havanna 7 year old better than captain morgans
Yup. A LOT better
@@StevetheBarmanUK really I'm after a dark rum for dad can be versatile so drink it neat or with coke theres is very little on the market in supermarkets in the uk I think the main ones are captain morgans or Havana 7 year old my only other option is to maybe find somewhere else to rum but wouldn't know were as I would want to make sure its legjt I'm not sure what bacardi black is like compared to captain morgans but that being said supermarkets dont sell it maybe the Havana 7 might be the one
Just oderd a bottle off havanna club 7 for a Christmas present for my dad he only buys cheap rum so wanted to get him sommet abit better supermarkets really are very limeted selections it was between this and captain Morgans that i was gonna buy tried a little research Havana club 7 just seems to have some better reviews so just went for that dunno if I wikk het the limeted edition bottle tho as there subject to availability
Funny watching this as I was gonna ask on the next live show if you'd tried the "Cuban barrel proof". I asked my mam to bring me back a bottle havana 7yr from the airport when she was on holiday but bought me the barrel proof instead. When I looked it up on master of malt I realised I'd scored 😅. Made a rum fashioned with tikki bitters and absolutely loved it.
It’s funny you say that, cos the next Live…is me running through the Havana Range!!
@@StevetheBarmanUK oh, im not at work on Sunday so I'll be able to jump on
I disagree with your opinion. The best out of the last three rums is the Havana 7 year old. I have been to Cuba many times and tried all of these rums. Best taste neat or mixed with best value is the 7 year old.
If you mix Coke with a Rum that's 7yrs old or older you should be slapped. Rum and Coke is mixed with the the 3yr old rum or younger.
Not necessarily, that’s kinda blinkered vision. Because for a lot of people who love aged Rums, the better the Rum tastes on its own, the better it’ll taste mixed. Now I personally prefer younger Rums anyway. But for those that love 10/12/15yo rum. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with mixing it.
A dark rum and coke is called a cubata. It's a perfectly acceptable drink. I definitely wouldn't use anything better than a Havana club 7, but it's fine if you're not trying to save money.