Ron La Progresiva Introduces Mezcla 9 Edición Cubana at TFWA Cannes

Ron La Progresiva, a joint venture between Island Rum Brands and Zerus (the commercial arm of Azcuba), has unveiled its latest creation, Mezcla 9 Edición Cubana. This new global travel retail (GTR) exclusive will make its debut at the prestigious Tax Free World Association (TFWA) event in Cannes. Designed to appeal to both Cuban locals and international travelers, Mezcla 9 offers a lighter, smoother profile than the brand’s flagship expression, La Progresiva Mezcla 13.

A New Expression for the Global Market

Set to expand Ron La Progresiva’s reach, Mezcla 9 Edición Cubana aims to attract a broader audience with its approachable flavor and balanced profile. Unlike many traditional Cuban rums, Mezcla 9 is crafted to serve as an entry point into the world of La Progresiva, making it an ideal choice for those new to the brand. This smooth aged dark rum reveals a complex aroma of woody notes, while the palate delights with hints of vanilla, coconut, and almond.

Bringing La Progresiva to a Wider Audience

Ramses Villar Caraballo, sales and marketing director of Ron Vigia, explained in a recent interview for The Spirit Business: “We developed Mezcla 9 as an easy entry into the La Progresiva range so that more Cuban consumers could discover the unique style of Bodega Vigia. The initial results have been very promising, with our distribution expanding daily.”

The strategic launch at TFWA Cannes also signifies Ron La Progresiva’s intention to further establish itself in the global travel retail sector. “Based on the success of La Progresiva Mezcla 13 within the Gebr Heinemann network, we believe Mezcla 9 will appeal to an even larger pool of consumers due to its lighter and smoother character,” said Helena Zakmane, international commercial and marketing director of Island Rum Brands.

A Showcase of Cuban Excellence at TFWA

In addition to unveiling Mezcla 9, Island Rum Brands will feature its other notable rums, including the Black Tears Dry Spiced Rum and the original La Progresiva Mezcla 13. Visitors can explore the brand’s full lineup at stand L60 in the Green Village during the TFWA event.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Since its launch in 2023, La Progresiva Mezcla 13 has received praise for its distinctive Cuban flavor and strong sales within the Gebr Heinemann network. The introduction of Mezcla 9 aims to replicate this success by offering a more affordable, accessible option while maintaining the high-quality standards that define the brand.

Perfect Pairings with Cuban Heritage

Earlier this year, La Progresiva partnered with Habanos sommelier Yanelis López Sánchez to curate ideal cigar-pairing recommendations, enhancing the brand’s reputation for delivering an authentic Cuban experience. This collaboration highlights the brand’s commitment to honoring Cuban tradition and elevating its offerings through innovative pairings and expert partnerships.

With the launch of Mezcla 9 Edición Cubana, Ron La Progresiva continues to showcase its expertise in creating rums that blend tradition with modern appeal. Whether enjoyed neat or paired with a fine cigar, Mezcla 9 promises to deliver an unforgettable Cuban experience that caters to both newcomers and seasoned rum enthusiasts alike.

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Source of information

The Spirit Business’ Article: Ron La Progresiva unveils Mezcla 9 Edición

The image of the article is courtesy of IR_Stone on Canva.