Science and Cuban light rum come together in Havana this week

By Daily Pérez Guillén

The VII International Scientific-Technical Colloquium on Cuban Light Rum, organized by the Cuba Ron Corporation S.A., will take place this week (Dec. 11-13) at the San Gerónimo University College in Old Havana. On the second anniversary of the UNESCO declaration that recognized the Cuban Rum Masters Movement as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this meeting will be dedicated to the know-how of the island’s authentic light rum.

The science, technique and innovation that have given rise to the rums Santiago de Cuba, Isla Grande, Havana Club, Perla del Norte, Eminente and others in the Corporation’s portfolio will be the themes of this event, which includes exhibitions, pairings, tastings, competitions, the launch of new products and talks, among other activities.

At a press conference with national and foreign media, Andro Abón Mazar, president of the Cuba Ron Corporation, stressed that this year the Colloquium will pay special attention to the culture of sugar cane production and its derivatives. “We will give sugar cane the space it deserves as well as the production chain,” he noted.

The First Master of Cuban Rum, Juan Carlos González Delgado, who chairs the Scientific Committee, stressed the importance of this event in which the direction of this industry in Cuba will be detailed, while noting the relevance of previous editions where the updates on the regulations governing the production of such beverages have been presented. “The ultimate goal of this Colloquium is to protect the know-how of Cuban light rum,” he said.

Sugarcane producers and members of the National Association of Small Farmers will attend as guests at the event, which “is a space where scientific research that supports the production of Cuban light rum is presented,” the corporation president explained, adding that next year a commercial festival will be organized.

Representatives from six countries have already confirmed their presence in Havana to join Cuba Ron S.A. in the historic center of the Cuban capital.

Habanos S.A., Havana Club International S.A., Vinos Torres, Los Portales, Cubacafé, the San Cristóbal Agency and Gestión del Patrimonio are among the sponsors.