Eminente Unveils its Sauternes-Finished Gran Reserva Edition N°2

Eminente recently expanded its luxury portfolio with a second experimental aging project. Following the success of the first edition, the brand has introduced the Gran Reserva Edition N°2, a 10-year-old spirit that marries traditional Cuban techniques with a French wine-cask finish. This release demonstrates the brand’s commitment to creating rums that bridge the gap between historic production and modern innovation.

The Science Behind the Gran Reserva Edition N°2

César Martí, the youngest maestro ronero in Cuba, utilized his PhD in chemical science to develop this unique expression. He aged a blend of high-quality aguardientes in a dry cellar, a condition that forces water to evaporate faster than alcohol. Consequently, Martí achieved a robust 43.2% ABV for the Gran Reserva Edition N°2, a strength that The Spirits Business notes as higher than the typical Cuban standard. Martí considers these “aguardientes” some of the most qualitative and well-preserved spirits in central Cuba.

Sensory Notes of the Gran Reserva Edition N°2

While Martí initially matured the liquid in white oak whisky barrels, he moved it to Sauternes wine casks for a final six-month finish. The Spirits Business reports that this specific aging process imparts a “distinctive aromatic profile” of honey, apricots, and tropical fruits. The Sauternes casks integrate flavors of candied fruits and spices into the Gran Reserva Edition N°2, resulting in a “long, silky and elegant” finish. Furthermore, Eminente suggests pairing the spirit with gourmet dishes like grilled salmon or blue cheese to enhance its floral and smoky notes.

Identity and Sustainability in Every Bottle

Martí views his work as an “authentic expression” of Cuban culture and identity. He designed the bottle to resemble crocodile skin, paying tribute to the shape of the island. In addition to cultural symbolism, Martí prioritizes sustainability by using recycled textile factory labels and cork made from repurposed oak. According to Martí, this liquid comes “from our heart” and represents the diversity of the Cuban people. By blending the complexity of the island’s eastern rums with the drier styles of the west, Martí celebrates Cuba’s diverse heritage through the Gran Reserva Edition N°2.