Ron Varadero rum is distilled, aged and bottled in Santiago de Cuba, in the eastern part of the Island. This is commonly known as the birthplace of modern rum, a spirit of clarity and quality a world away from the rum sailors and pirates once knew as ‘devil’s drink’.

The Varadero Rum Distillery, or ‘Nave Don Pancho’, as it is also known, has been functional since 1862, after support from the Spanish crown allowed it to produce the first aged, light traditional rum. The ‘tradition’ was maintained through the molasses it was made with, which came from Cuba’s famous sugar cane; while its ‘light’ aspect came from the clean, natural distillation of the alcohol.

The Maestros Roneros (Master rum-makers) created the first 5-10 and 15 year aging bacteria in this era, and the now oldest distillery in Cuba proudly protects what it refers to as the ‘Mother of Rum’.