Nose: Mild, sweet notes of coconut, brown sugar and tropical fruit. There is a trace of funkiness to the nose, but it’s fleeting. The alcohol is not intrusive. Palate: Sweet, light arrival with white and Demerara sugars. A very light fruity note in the mid palate (tropical fruit cocktail and citrus). I would hesitate to say it has any real “development” but there is also a distant funky quality in the mid palate. It’s nothing approaching that of a dark Jamaican rum, just a tinge, but enough to give the palate body and interest. The texture is creamy. Finish: Medium/short. Fruity sugars and distant herbal notes with a dot of vanilla. A smooth and refreshing white rum that has just enough character to make it interesting as a cocktail or mixed drink ingredient. It’s perfect for a daiquiri or mojito (Mrs Cascode loves this in a piňacolada) and I often enjoy it with orange and grapefruit juice over lots of ice on a hot summer afternoon. This and Plantation 3-star are my favourite white rums. We are fortunate in Australia that we have no trade embargo with Cuba so this and the other Havana Club rums are widely available at very good prices. “Above Average” : 81/100 (3 stars)