El Presidente
Entry 1 — An elegant baseline before things get more tropical—and dangerous.
The second run through Smuggler’s Cove began with a polished Cuban classic and a bottle of Havana Club 7 Años brought back from London—or, as the official record will say, acquired completely legally. The richer aged rum pushed the drink darker, rounder, and more mahogany than the book’s lightly aged recommendation.
The Build
- Havana Club 7 Años
- Dry vermouth
- Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao
- Grenadine
Shaken with ice, double-strained, and served up in a chilled coupe with no garnish.
Jeff’s Thoughts
The grenadine and vermouth created an unexpected almond-like, nutty note that may have been amplified by the Havana 7. It was balanced, smooth, easy to drink, and a lovely showcase for the rum, with a dark mahogany-to-cherry-wood color. I have made it before with Havana Club 3 Años, Appleton Signature, and Mount Gay Eclipse, but I prefer this richer Category 4-style version. Still, it lives closer to an elegant, restrained, spirit-forward classic than to the excitement, vibrancy, escapism, and danger I want from tiki. Beautiful? Absolutely. Better than a daiquiri? Eh....
Stasi’s Thoughts
I’m tasting cherry and orange, almost like a Manhattan. The coupe makes it feel different from a standard Manhattan, but it still doesn’t say tiki to me.
The Ratings
