Eminente is a new Cuban rum from the heart of an island locals call ‘Isla del Cocodrilo’, whose unusual shape resembles that of its native crocodile. Imagined by César Martí, the youngest Cuban Maestro Ronero (Rum Master), Eminente is a rich and full-bodied rum that draws its inspiration from 19th-century Cuban sugarcane eaux-de-vie, with all their complexity.
Places
The very heart of Cuba
Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, is a land of contrasting rums. Distinct regions of Cuba are home to various landscapes and qualities of soil, resulting in singular rums that vary in colour, taste and use. Occidente or Western-style rum is made near Havana: it is famous for being intense, dry, punchy – and perfect for cocktails. On the opposite side of the island, Oriente or Eastern style rum is smooth, fruity and ideal for sipping.
Eminente, from the Central province of Villa Clara, combines the best of both regions, in a perfect balancing act: refreshing and robust, smooth yet complex, ideal for both mixing and sipping. Surprisingly unknown outside of the island, this style of rum is one of Cuba’s best-kept secrets.
Faces
Cuba’s youngest rum master
The Central Province of Villa Clara is also the birthplace of César Martí, a key figure and one of the island’s ten Maestros Roneros. Growing up in sugarcane fields that stretched “as far as the eye could see”, he learnt his craft from his grandparents and maternal family who, having worked in the sugar industry, passed on to him generations of know-how. Naturally, César Martí dedicated his career to the pursuit of the utmost quality in Cuban rum. Learning from the best after studying physics and engineering, César Martí was mentored by José Navarro Campa, Cuba’s first Maestro Ronero. Under his watch, not only did Martí become Cuba’s youngest Maestro Ronero, but he achieved this status in just nine years, an unmatched feat to this day.
