Havana Club's Finest Expressions Take Centre Stage at OXBO Bangkok

Bangkok recently hosted an extraordinary celebration of Cuban rum at OXBO Bangkok, the contemporary dining destination at Millennium Hilton Bangkok. Bringing together heritage, craftsmanship, gastronomy and diplomacy, the exclusive dinner offered guests a rare opportunity to explore Havana Club's ICONICA Collection, the brand's prestige portfolio representing the pinnacle of Cuban rum-making.

The evening began with a relaxed reception at the bar, where guests gathered over canapés and a welcome cocktail before the formal dinner commenced. Conversations flowed easily as glasses of OXBO Batanga circulated through the room. Made with Havana Club 7 Years Old, the refreshing Cuban classic twist provided an approachable introduction to the spirit that would take centre stage throughout the evening. The informal setting encouraged guests to mingle while setting the tone for a night dedicated to Cuban culture, hospitality and craftsmanship.

As the reception drew to a close, guests were invited into OXBO's dining room, where the main experience unfolded. Leading the evening were Asbel Morales, Maestro del Ron Cubano, and Alfredo Guerra, Global Brand Ambassador, who guided attendees through a carefully curated tasting journey across the ICONICA Collection. The occasion was further honoured by the presence of H.E. Mr Pedro Pablo San Jorge Rodriguez, Ambassador of Cuba to Thailand, underscoring the cultural significance of Cuban rum as one of the nation's most celebrated exports.

Complementing the experience was a menu created by Chef Oliver Afonso, whose dishes were thoughtfully designed to highlight the distinctive characteristics of each expression. Moving from delicate seafood to rich pork, then to dessert, rare spirits, and a rooftop cigar experience, the evening demonstrated how Cuban rum can be appreciated far beyond the traditional after-dinner serve.

The dinner commenced with cured Tapi Farm sea bass accompanied by orange truffle ponzu, gremolata and balsamic caviar, paired with Havana Club Selección de Maestros. The pairing relied on contrast rather than similarity. The freshness and acidity of the sea bass preparation lifted the rum's deeper characteristics, allowing notes of cocoa, coffee, sweet tobacco and candied fruits to emerge with clarity and balance. The citrus elements sharpened the spirit's complexity, while the balsamic caviar echoed its darker, sweeter nuances. Together, the pairing delivered an elegant opening that felt vibrant while hinting at the depth still to come.

Part of the Ultra Premium tier of the ICONICA Collection, Selección de Maestros is a testament to the collaborative philosophy behind Cuban rum-making. Rather than being shaped by a single blender, the rum is created through a unique collective process involving multiple Maestros del Ron Cubano who select and refine the aged reserves that make up the final blend. Bottled directly from the barrel at 45% ABV, it showcases the expertise and precision that define Havana Club's approach to maturation and blending.

The experience continued with a 12-hour slow-cooked Kurobuta pork belly glazed with Chiang Mai honey and apple cider, accompanied by cauliflower seasoned with cumin and chimichurri. Rich, comforting and deeply flavourful, the dish found a natural companion in Havana Club Unión. The caramelised flavours developed during the pork's lengthy cooking process mirrored the rum's notes of vanilla, chocolate, dried fruits and toasted oak. At the same time, the honey glaze amplified its fruit-forward character. The apple cider glaze introduced enough acidity to maintain balance, while the cumin and chimichurri contributed aromatic freshness that highlighted subtle smoky undertones within the spirit.

Occupying the Prestige tier of the ICONICA Collection, Unión remains one of the most distinctive expressions ever produced by Havana Club. Created as the first Cuban rum specifically designed to pair with premium Cuban cigars, it was developed in collaboration with Asbel Morales and one of Cuba's leading cigar sommeliers. Drawing inspiration from the ageing and maturation processes traditionally associated with Cuban tobacco, the rum celebrates the close relationship between two of Cuba's most renowned crafts. Adding further significance to the evening, Unión has since been discontinued and is believed to have fewer than ten bottles remaining in Thailand.

Dessert arrived in the form of a classic lemon tart paired with Havana Club Tributo 2018. The pairing once again demonstrated the effectiveness of contrast. The bright acidity of the lemon tart cut through the rum's richer characteristics, allowing its dried-fruit notes, raisin-like sweetness, and oak influence to become more pronounced. Meanwhile, the buttery pastry created a natural bridge to the spirit's mature oak profile, while delicate smoky nuances added further complexity. The result was a pairing that felt lively, balanced and unexpectedly sophisticated.

As part of the Ultra Prestige tier, Tributo 2018 represents one of the most exclusive expressions within the ICONICA Collection. Produced in an edition of just 2,500 bottles worldwide, it was created to honour the important role oak plays in shaping the character of Cuban rum. Crafted from some of Havana Club's finest aged reserves and finished in rare Islay whisky casks, the expression successfully combines traditional Cuban elegance with subtle innovation, demonstrating how the brand continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its heritage.

Guests were then introduced to Havana Club Máximo Extra Añejo, widely regarded as the ultimate expression of Havana Club's craftsmanship. Unlike the previous expressions, Máximo required no culinary accompaniment. Its role was not to complement a dish but to stand alone as a demonstration of what Cuban rum can achieve at its highest level. Aromas of oak, dried fruits, fresh pear and coconut unfolded gradually, leading into a luxuriously smooth palate layered with dark chocolate, vanilla and mature oak. The exceptionally long finish encouraged guests to savour every moment of the experience.

Representing the pinnacle of the Ultra Prestige tier, Máximo is produced from some of the oldest and rarest reserves housed within Havana Club's ageing cellars. Only 1,000 crystal decanters are released worldwide each year, each presented in a hand-crafted vessel inspired by Havana's decorative arts and cultural heritage. More than a rare spirit, Máximo stands as a symbol of Cuban rum-making at its most refined, reflecting decades of patience, expertise and dedication.

The formal programme concluded with a Coffee Yuzu Manhattan crafted with Havana Club 7 Years Old, vermouth rosso infused with coffee and yuzu, and cherry vinegar. Contemporary in style yet respectful of classic cocktail traditions, the drink provided a refreshing bridge between the structured tasting experience and the evening's final chapter, while demonstrating Havana Club's versatility beyond neat serves and classic cocktails.

Yet the evening was not quite over. Following dinner, guests made their way to ThreeSixty Rooftop Lounge, where the experience concluded against the backdrop of Bangkok's illuminated skyline and the Chao Phraya River below. Here, the focus shifted towards another pillar of Cuban heritage: cigars. The relaxed rooftop setting provided the perfect environment to reflect on the spirits experienced throughout the evening while enjoying one of Cuba's most celebrated traditions. The finale felt particularly fitting given Unión's prominence earlier in the evening. Created specifically to accompany premium Cuban cigars, the expression represents the close relationship between rum and tobacco that has long been part of Cuba's cultural identity.

Beyond the rarity of the bottles and the prestige of the labels, the evening ultimately celebrated the people behind the rum. Throughout the experience, Asbel Morales shared insights into the discipline, patience and expertise required to uphold the traditions of Cuban rum-making. From the collaborative artistry of Selección de Maestros and the cigar-inspired complexity of Unión to the oak-driven innovation of Tributo 2018 and the extraordinary refinement of Máximo, each expression within the Havana Club ICONICA Collection offered a different perspective on Cuban craftsmanship. Through exceptional spirits, thoughtful cuisine, cigars and meaningful storytelling, the evening successfully captured the essence of Cuba itself while demonstrating why Havana Club remains one of the most respected names in the world of rum.

Credits

Article: Wariya Intreyonk

Photos: courtesy