In order not to make a mistake in choosing alcohol, many consumers prefer to find information on the Internet before buying. When asked about Castro rum, search engines often provide links to two different drinks. Indeed, there are two Castro rums: Italian and Venezuelan. Italian rum is produced by the Polini Distillates & Beverages group of companies. This is an inexpensive drink, intended mainly for cocktails. Ron Castro de Venezuela produces a premium aged rum that is added to cocktails or served as a digestif.
Historical reference. The Polini D & B group of companies, founded in 1968, is famous for its high quality products. Polini Group is the first Italian company to receive the top level certification from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The company exports products to 25 countries.
Polini Group has been producing Castro rum since 2002. The drink was originally conceived as an inexpensive “cocktail” alcohol of decent quality that does not cause a hangover. Rum is produced in one of the Caribbean countries using Cuban technology: the molasses distillate is carefully filtered and clarified.
That is why consultants of online stores sometimes call “Castro” Cuban rum. However, already by the name it is clear that he has nothing to do with Cuba: Comandante forbade giving his name to any product.
Young rum is bottled at the Spanish company Vittone 1842 Slu, owned by the Polini Group. The label of a drink bottle depicts a sailboat sailing into the ocean distance.
Types of Italian Rum Castro:
- Castro Blanco Rum is a young rum, colorless and transparent, with a strength of 38%, with a light floral aroma. The taste is dry, a little sharp. The drink is suitable for any cocktails;
- Castro Gold Rum – young rum of golden amber color (38%). Caramel and spices are added to give taste and smell to the drink. The taste of rum is softer and sweeter than that of Blanco, but somewhat tart.
History of the Venezuelan rum Castro
Ron Castro de Venezuela was founded in 2006 by entrepreneur Alfredo Castro. The Castro premium rum recipe is a trade secret, but it is known that the drink is aged in oak barrels for at least 2 years (Añejo varieties – at least 4 years).
Distinguishing Venezuelan rum from the Italian “namesake” is easy: on the strict, spectacular labels of the Venezuelan Castro – only the name, a brief description and the image of a five-pointed star.
In 2006, the drink won a gold medal at the International Review of Spirits competition in Chicago, in 2009 – at the Ministry of Rum Tasting Competition. The taste of rum was highly appreciated by Laura Turner, the daughter of TV mogul Ted Turner. In addition to Venezuela and other Latin American countries, Castro rum is exported to the United States. It is also sold in duty free stores.
Types of Venezuelan Castro Rum:
- Castro Licor de Ron Blanco – transparent colorless rum 2 years old with a rich fruity aroma and mild taste;
- Castro Ron Añejo Flint is an amber-colored rum, aged 4 years. The drink is fragrant with tropical fruits, the taste is dominated by woody notes. The company’s mixologists recommend using it to make a Cuba Libre cocktail or serve as a digestif;
- Castro Ron Extra Añejo Rojo is an aged mahogany rum. The taste is fruity, with a pronounced oak bitterness. Aftertaste – long, warm;
- Castro Ron Extra Añejo Oro de Indias is a copper-brown rum, a blend of extra long aged rums.
