I was in LGW a couple weeks ago exercising my Duty Free privilages and I stumbled across a type of Rum I'd read about only in fairy tales: "Havana Club". I am well aware that it is illegal and I risk steep fines if I attempt to import Cuban cigars to the US, but according to the documentation I saw in the Duty Free, nothing was said about Cuban Rum. The agent at the Duty Free store had no idea either. Does anybody know the legality of this?

FYI, I decided to plead ignorance and brought back two bottles, one light and one dark. They were fantastic. It was the only Rum I've tried that I enjoyed with just a couple ice cubes. I prefered the White rum (and it was cheaper too)

Apparently, Bacardi has pushed for some serious restrictions regarding Castro-era businesses. In short, even after the embargo is over, Havana Club will not be able to be imported to the US because it was established during Castro's reign.

*sigh* I'll just have to keep flying international to replenish my stash.

The embargo applies to all goods made in Cuba, not just cigars.

Mike

Havana Club is nice, but not as nice as Zacapa Centennial 23 years. A truly delcious drink neat, and far too good to mix!

Did you get the Havana Club Anejo Reserva or the Anejo 7 Anos? Hubby swears that the Anejo 7 Anos (7 year old) Havana Club is the BEST!

Can't find it everywhere, and it's admittedly gotten more scarce in CDG of late, but we have been able to find it in several of the Caribbean Islands as well as in Mexico, and we always grab a few bottles to tide him over.

anyone tried the Bacardi 151 proof
with the flame retardant top???

Of course, its one of my favorite liquors. However I don't recommend drinking it neat often unless you want to severly damage the lining of your throat. Add a little coke for colour and some ice and you have the tastiest rum and coke I've ever had. (However, I've only tried 7 or 8 types of rum, and none topshelf so my experience is limited). I've also used the stuff for flamb�.

Havana Club is widely available in supermarkets and liquor stores in Mexico. One does run the risk of US Customs confiscation if bringing it into the USA. That being said, I usually bring a bottle or two home with me and take my chances

Bacardi Solera and Bacardi Reserva, both distilled in Mexico, are also excellent dark rums IMHO.

One place I can recommend for booze purchases in Mexico City is the La Europea liquor store - I think this is a relatively new chain of stores similar in concept to Beverages and More in the US. (the outlet I'm familiar with is located in the modern Plaza Satelite shopping mall just north of the Federal District/State of Mexico border on the Periferico highway) They have an extensive assortment of liquor and wine, including hard to find limited edition booze, at reasonable prices.

I'll second everything he says.

Customs at San Ysidro isn't into checking for alcohol as long as your trunk isn't lined with it, a bottle or two of even banned stuff isn't going to get you into any trouble. Cubans cigars are there as well but they're really, really expensive.

Goods banned in the US that are available in border cities tend to be greatly overpriced.

[This message has been edited by civicmon (edited Dec 04, 2003).]

A liter of the Havana Club 7 Anos is 3,80� at the supermarket near my house.

------------------
-alan in sitges, home of the new, improved Si-Re-Do