International Festival Varadero Gourmet hails rum-making tradition and culture

Those who visit the Cárdenas rum factory, in the so-called Route of Rum, a project that combines culture and tradition, can witness the process of distilling, aging, manufacturing, blending and bottling of the flagship rum Perla del Norte, presented at the International Festival Varadero Gourmet, where the know-how of Masters of Cuban Light Rum, Intangible Heritage of Humanity, was also honored.

Cuban experts described the evolution of the Cuban rum industry since the birth of Havana Club in 1878, the pioneer of a process that produces between 70,000 and 80,000 liters of alcohol daily and will soon deliver flavored beverages.

Varadero Gourmet opened its doors in this resort with the keynote lecture “Life, passion and fate of gastronomic industry” by the renowned international chef and author Jorge Luis Mendez, who went through the history of gastronomy since the time of the Cuban aborigines to today’s gourmet and cuisine and praised the Cubans’ creativity in using natural aromas and their ability to replace ingredients and use handmade utensils in their kitchens.

The Festival gathers participants from nine countries and exhibitors from domestic state and non-state enterprises intent on showcasing their products, creating alliances and showing the evolution of gastronomy.