The Fourth International Symposium on Light Rum, organized by the corporation Cuba Ron SA highlighted the values of that drink that is an inseparable part of Cuban culture. The event especially dedicated to Perla del Norte brand in its three assortments: Carta Blanca, Carta Oro and Añejo Especial.

It is not just about drinking, say Masters of Rum and every expert who love and know rum. That was demonstrated in each theoretical session, dialogue or competition that between 24 and 26 May took place in the resort of Varadero and Cardenas municipality in the western Cuban province of Matanzas.

The Rum Factory of Cardenas, former Arrechabala, founded in 1878, and producer of the Perla del Norte, hosted the opening day of the event in which Juan Gonzalez Escalona, president of Cuba Ron SA, highlighted the experience and commitment of Masters of Rum, who have contributed to uphold the drink culture of the country. Furthermore, he appreciated the efforts of the Cuban government to progress every day.

During the ceremony a woman was awarded for the first time with the tile of Master of Rum: Salomé Alemán, Chemical Engineer of the Rum Factory of Santa Cruz, where Havana Club is produced.

Also that day, guests, delegates and the press, during a tour around the Rum Factory of Cardenas, could know details of the rum production process in the industry, its aging and even some secrets of its flavor.

The theoretical sessions covered lectures on rum quality, projections and main results of Havana Club International and the Cubay liquors, the impact of technology and innovation in the rum industry and the possibilities of foreign investment and industry trends of packaging.

Also, bartending skills and gourmet cuisine competitions that showed a wide range of possibilities for combining the Perla del Norte rum with sweet, seafood or salads were made.

Blind tasting of different varieties of Santiago de Cuba, Cubay, Havana Club and Isla del Tesoro trademarks were made. It was without doubt, one of the main attractions of the Colloquium, in which sommeliers from across the country tested their knowledge. After two rounds of competition and a theoretical evaluation, the winner sommeliers were Pedro Pestana, Plaza las Morlas, Varadero; Ulises Gallo, Cayo Coco and Marilín Ortega, the Iberostar Varadero.

The final day of the Rum Festival in Varadero counted on presentations and product tastings of Cuba Ron and other rum producers and traders in shopping malls, outlets and tourist facilities.
The Cuban rum industry claimed a new spirit in the hands of its main doers. Three days of dialogue, counting and search for new projects served as impetus to this culture of rum drinking to enjoy, share and make history.