* Exchange rates are referred to the auction ending date
This is a 5 years old rum bottled in 1993 and imported by Italian distributor Velier.
THE BRAND
The Havana Club brand was established in 1934 and its origin date to back to 1878, when Spanish immigrant Don José Arechabala, founded a distillery in Cardenas, Cuba. Following the Cuban Revolution in 1959, most country’s industries were nationalised without compensation, including the José Arechabala S.A. Since 1972, the distribution was mainly focused on the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe and in 1977, production was transferred to Santa Cruz del Norte.
In 1993, Corporación Cuba Ron was established as a state-run bottler of alcoholic beverages, including Havana Club and reorganising rum production.
In 1994, the Government sold a 50% share to French drinks giant Pernot Ricard, to expand promotion and distribution over the former Soviet bloc, except for the United States and its territories. In the same year, Bacardi, another family who left Cuba after the revolution, acquired the original Havana Club recipe and brand from Arechabala family, establishing the Real Havana Club brand. Its production starts in Puerto Rico and distribution takes place only in the United States.
Bacardi keeps on legally fighting, attempting to legalize their brand distribution outside the United States.
THE IMPORTER
Velier was founded by the Chaix family in Genova in 1947 as a small traditional company specialised in the importation and distribution of wines, champagnes and spirits. In 1983, a young Luca Gargano, former brand ambassador for Saint James at that time, acquired shares in Velier. Under his influence the company began spacialising in the importation of outstanding spirits exclusively destinated to the Italian market. By the early 90s Luca heard about a legendary stock of Saint James rum dating back probably to 1885 and bottled in 1952. After a complex negotiation, he finally managed to acquire the entire stock. This was only the first of a list of legendary selections to come in the following years.
Please note: Due to the various ages of bottles and their seals, condition of liquid is at the buyer's discretion and no claim can be lodged against failure/leakage in transit. Please ensure that you undertake close up viewing/inspection prior to placing any bid. If you have questions beyond the offered description and images, please click 'Ask a question' to make a specific enquiry or to receive more in-depth condition report. Lots will be sold as seen and described.
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