Spirit

The Project Rum

The Project Rum is an exclusive limited-edition rum that emerges from a collaboration between Havana Club and the influential British-Nigerian artist Skepta. This spirit represents not only a product of high craftsmanship but also a cultural homage, intertwining music and culinary traditions through its creation. Its unique recipe reflects a convergence of old and new, capturing the essence of both nautical heritage and contemporary artistry. Havana Club, famed for its high-quality rums produced in Cuba, ensures that The Project Rum adheres to the rigorous production standards that have defined the brand for decades. This particular rum symbolizes the innovative spirit found in both the musical and distillation processes, creating a spirit that is deeply rooted in heritage yet unafraid to push boundaries. Each bottle encapsulates a narrative of cultural fusion, resonating with enthusiasts and collectors alike.

ABV

Introduction

Tasting Notes

The Project Rum offers a multifaceted tasting experience. On the nose, it reveals rich notes of dried fruit, toffee, and subtle warm spices, evoking an inviting and complex aroma profile. There are hints of vanilla and caramel that interlace with the lighter fragrances of citrus and honey, creating a sensory prelude to its taste. Upon the first sip, the rum coats the palate with a velvety mouthfeel, rich and warming. Delicate flavors of ripe bananas and baked apple emerge, mingling harmoniously with a toasty oak backbone from its maturation in used oak casks. A touch of brown sugar sweetness balances the more profound earthy notes, imparting an intricate depth to the experience. The finish is elegantly rounded, leaving behind an echo of spice and a lingering sweetness that invites contemplation and a deeper exploration of its layers.

History

The Project Rum was conceived as a celebration of global culture through music and spirit, featuring the collaboration between Havana Club—a brand founded in the 1930s in Cuba—and one of the UK’s most prominent musical icons, Skepta. The project took shape in response to a growing desire to merge the worlds of music and spirits, creating a product that speaks volumes not only in flavor but in its backstory. The project signifies an important contemporary movement in rum production that recognizes and embraces the role of storytelling in spirits. By infusing the essence of Skepta's artistic journey into the rum’s identity, it pays tribute to the evolution of multicultural influences within the beverage industry. The result is an innovative approach custom-built for the modern palate, reflecting the shifting dynamics of global spirits production and consumption.

Fabrication Process

The production of The Project Rum begins with meticulously selected sugarcane, harvested at its peak to extract the freshest juice. This juice, or 'guarapo', is then fermented using natural yeast, allowing the raw ingredients to develop a distinctive flavor profile that reflects the terroir of Cuba. After fermentation, the wash undergoes distillation in traditional copper pot stills, where the liquid is carefully collected at the optimum proof. The resultant distillate is then aged in used oak casks, which contributes to the spirit’s character, developing notes of complex flavors through interaction with the wood over time. This aging process takes place in climate-controlled warehouses to maintain consistency and purity. After a minimum aging period of five years, the rum is expertly blended to achieve a harmonious balance of the aged components, preserving both the spirit's individual characteristics and its overarching identity. Finally, the rum is bottled and labeled, ready to share its story and flavor with the world.