Stock up on that Cuban rum

[El Presidente]

Cuba records the lowest sugar production since the 19th century

The island will have to import more sugar than it produces to meet the minimum domestic demand.

For the first time since the 19th century, the annual sugar production in Cuba will fall below 200,000 metric tons, according to recent estimates based on official reports and sector sources collected by the Reuters agency.

Although the decline has been ongoing for several years, the figure marks a new historical low in an industry that was for decades the economic backbone of the country and a symbol of its national identity.

The state-owned company AZCUBA had planned to reach a production of 265,000 metric tons by 2025. However, with the sugar harvest nearly completed, the actual production is estimated to be at least 100,000 tons below the target, according to calculations from the mentioned source.

Impact on the rum industry

The collapse of the sugar harvest also threatens one of Cuba's most iconic industries: rum. According to official data, the production of 96% ethyl alcohol—an essential ingredient for making authentic rums—fell by 70%, from 573,000 hectoliters in 2019 to only 174,000 in 2024. Another type of alcohol, used in some rum variants, experienced a similar decline.

"Authentic Cuban rum must be made with alcohol derived from Cuban sugarcane. We are using accumulated reserves, but the concern is whether we will have raw materials to replenish those inventories," a foreign businessman in the sector told Reuters on the condition of anonymity.

 

[Ken Gargett]

what do you reckon the priorities of the government will be? the long-suffering Cuban people or the rum industry and the money it brings them. 

hey, and they can claim they are saving the population from diabetes. 

[Lamboinee]

I didn't know they used different types of alcohol for Cuban rum.

This is a bummer for Cuba and it's people I'm sure.

 

 

[Çnote]

8 hours ago, Lamboinee said:

I didn't know they used different types of alcohol for Cuban rum.

https://www.masterofmalt.com/blog/post/how-havana-club-makes-cuban-rum.aspx

Different distillates for all sorts of things if you start digging in the corners.

Focus on the 96% pure distillate is odd tho. That's very light blending product without much flavor. More research i guess 

https://cocktailwonk.com/2017/08/havana-club-san-jose-distillery.html

96% is an integral part of the Cuban rum process, well well well.

 

[Lamboinee]

11 hours ago, Çnote said:

Different distillates

Your info is much appreciated. And your focus on distillates makes sense. I incorrectly thought that the article was alluding to the fact that they used something other than ethyl alcohol because I think ethyl is only one that we are supposed to drink. 

[SUP8333]

Thanks. I will order a dozen to brace for impact.