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La Progresiva Rum partners with Habanos sommelier
Cuban rum brand La Progresiva has partnered with Habanos sommelier Yanelis López Sánchez to provide cigar-pairing recommendations.
The Island Rum Company’s La Progresiva rum was created in 2019 by Ron Vigia, led by master blenders Martha San Nicolas López and Idania Blanco.
La Progresiva reflects ‘the progressive spirit of Ron Vigia and Island Rum Brands when bringing some of the best Cuban rums to the consumers both in Cuba and internationally’.
The rum brand has partnered with Sánchez to offer consumers insight into the best cigar-pairing experience with its Mezcla 13 expression.
Sánchez is a Habanos sommelier and bartender with more than 10 years of specialised experience pairing Cuban cigars, rums and cocktails.
She provides bartender and sommelier training through her brand, Yanelis López.S Habanosommelier. She has also showcased her talents in events like the Habanos Academy and the Great International Cuba Golf Tournament and created pairing menus for venues like Hostal Villa Villegas.
“La Progresiva Mezcla 13 was born in the heart of Cuba – in Falla, Chambas, Ciego de Ávila. It is a classic aged Cuban rum, but with a female touch for extra smoothness,” said Sánchez.
“Therefore, to accompany it well, my advice is to choose the cigars that will not overpower it but will add further delicacy to the experience.”
Sánchez recommends pairing La Progresiva Mezcla 13 rum neat with Open Master of Montecristo, which has a light bitterness that complements the rum’s sweetness.
Alternatively, served with a single ice cube, the rum serves as a great pairing with Short Churchill of Romeo and Juliet. For cocktail enthusiasts, Sánchez recommends pairing a La Progresiva Old Fashioned with an Epicure No.2 from Hoyo de Monterey.
“Cuban rum and cigars are a natural match– they’re both part of the Cuban culture and tradition,” said Helena Zakmane, international commercial and marketing director of Island Rum Brands.
“With La Progresiva, we follow the tradition, albeit adding a modern touch to its flavour profile. The cooperation with Yanelis is a fantastic opportunity to get expert advice for our customers and consumers around the globe, coming directly from Havana.”
Ron Vigia is a joint venture of Island Rum Brands and Zerus, the commercial arm of Azcuba, Cuba’s state-owned sugar company.
Island Rum Brands is also the owner of Black Tears rum. Earlier this year, the brand reported an 84% increase in sales.
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