There are rums made to be mixed with cola and there are others that you just don’t even dare to do so and you drink either neat or over a big rock of ice. While a Cuba Libre —Rum with Cola— calls for cola in the mix, it’s sacrilege to ever mix it with a Pepsi and not with a Coca-Cola. Here at WCL we like to go against the tide and we are mixing this Havana Club Unión with a Pepsi, at least just from a photo essay standpoint. If you ask us why?, we’ll tell you that the reason behind is because a Rolex GMT Master Pepsi was the iconic watch that Fidel Castro —the former dictator of Cuba— used to wear after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution he once led. While his Rolex GMT Master ref. 6542 is one of the most coveted watches in the world, the now discontinued Rolex GMT Master II ref. 116719BLRO we have here is lining up to be another one of those special watches from Rolex to become legendary.

Part of the Icónica collection of Havana Club rums, the Havana Club Unión is the result of the first collaboration between two iconic Cuban brands. A unique rum, deeply rooted in Cuban culture and heritage that was created between Havana Club and Cohiba Atmosphere. As a matter of fact, this is the first rum specially created for cigar-connoisseurs.

The marriage of two traditions deeply rooted in Cuban culture, Havana Club Unión was developed by Maestro del Ron Cubano —Cuban Rum Master— Asbel Morales and the renowned Cuban cigar sommelier Fernando Fernández. Don Asbel was inspired by how tobacco leaves are aged, blended and matured to create Unión, whose smoky notes, the flavor of dried fruit and chocolate and aromatic finish, match the creamy texture and full-bodied flavor of the Cohiba Siglo VI cigar.

Havana Club Unión and Cohiba Cigars represent distinguished expressions from the same soil and authentic tradition; their shared origins and rich heritage make them natural partners. It was an honor to collaborate with Cigar Sommelier Fernando Fernandez to create this prestige rum, which presents notes of sweet vanilla, chocolate and dried fruit flavors.

Richly aromatic on the nose with balanced notes of oak and smokiness, this exceptional rum that sits right in between Havana Club Gran Reserva Añejo 15 Años and Havana Club Máximo as far as ranking goes, offers and incredible complex array of notes on the palate. With hints of coconut, dried fruits, coffee and citrus, the Havana Club Unión is simply one of the greatest rums we’ve ever sipped with only the Máximo Extra Añejo and Tributo 2018 standing above the rest of the Havana Club portfolio.

Better served neat or over a big rock of ice, Havana Club Unión creates the most fascinating tears around the glass after you swirl it around to appreciate its dark golden color that conveys the lengthy aging process of a rum of this caliber. Much like a Rolex GMT Master II in white gold, reserved for those in the know and with a very understated look, Havana Club Unión pleases the most demanding palates without screaming opulence.

A very refined rum for rum lovers and one that pairs perfectly with any Cohiba cigar, but especially with a Siglo VI from which it takes some of its inspiration. Unfortunately, not sold in the U.S. but if you travel abroad frequently, make sure you grab one of these bottles for the ultimate rum sipping experience. We promise you won’t be let down. Pretty much as satisfying as wearing an under-the-radar white gold Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi.

Sticker Price €400 Euros —$445 USD. For more info on Havana Club click here.