Rum Connoisseur
Interview of The Week:

CÉSAR AUGUSTO MARTI

Master Blender of Cuban Rum

 

 

1. Who is Cesar Augusto Marti?

He was born on September 8, 1976 in the municipality of Santo Domingo, Villa Clara Province, where he currently resides. He graduated from the Universidad Central de la Villas in 2000 as a Chemical Engineer, joining the same year to work at the Central Bank as a technologist. A year later he joined the Roneros Masters movement as an aspirant, during which time he developed the skills to identify and select raw materials in the rum manufacturing process, introduce technological improvements, carry out projects and research, interpret results, design products, but Above all, he learned to love Cuban rum as an authentic expression of Cuban culture. In 2009, the Corporación Cuba Ron S.A granted him the status of Master of the Cuban rum as a result of the work carried out in the development of the Cuban rum and the defense of the rum tradition.

As Master of the Cuban rum, he has participated in the design and development of Havana Club, Cubay and Perla del Norte brand products, among others, which have obtained numerous national and international awards for their quality and design. In his daily work he is a faithful guardian of the old bases that are treasured in the Aging Ships, to achieve the assurance of the productions of the coming years. He has represented Cuban rum in different national and international settings.

 

2. Biggest achievement you personally feel you have accomplished for the rum industry.

The greatest achievement I have had is to be part of the Cuban Rum Masters movement, something that for me is invaluable. I feel proud as well as having contributed to maintain and improve several brands that identify the tradition of Cuba in Cuba and the achievement of its quality and preference in general, together with the inescapable commitment to safeguard and modestly transmit the legacy left by other Roneros Masters who preceded me to future generations.

 

3. What made you fall in love with rum and when did it happen?

The initial attraction arose from the production practices I did in the Ronera Central when I was studying Chemical Engineering at the University “Marta Abreu”. But passion for rum, I began to feel and have been increasing, since I started working in the factory and I knew this exciting world, full of stories, culture and traditions, together with the immense privilege of meeting the first Master of Cuban Rum, José Navarro Campa, who has transmitted to me his exemplary dedication and love for Cuban rum.

 

4. What is that thing that makes you want to continue in the rum industry?

The passion I feel for my profession, the reward and the luxury of having a new experience every day in a world of complex aromas and flavors as if it were the first time. The possibility of continuing to enrich the history of Cuban rum and its recognition in the world while maintaining its exclusivity and particular charm. And finally the duty to enlarge and protect the work that has been developed for over 150 years and transmit it to future generations.

 

5. Favourite Drink + Recipe

I usually prefer a good drink of Cubay Extra Añejo 1870. In the cocktail bar I like to enjoy a Cuba Libre made from Cubay Carta Blanca.

 

6. Where do you see the rum industry today and in the next 5 years?

The Cuban rum has been imposed and has grown, achieving a prestige that is imposed by its high quality and the history that accompanies it. We have absolute confidence in the growth of Cuban rum, for this we work every day, because it was born with sufficient quality to impose its presence in the world of spirits, and prevail for a long time conquering the taste of consumers.

 

7. What do you think needs to happen to grow the premium category of rum?

Respect for the consumer must be the most important. We must maintain the distinctive features that identify and particularize the production of Cuban rum, which will lead us to have products that are distinguished by their high quality and competitiveness, being faithful exponents of the Cuban rum tradition of which we are depositaries.

 

8. Which rum would you recommend a person that?

– Sipping a premium rum for the 1st time: You should taste it in a cozy atmosphere that allows you to enjoy its aroma to discover its charms little by little and taste it slowly so you can make an exotic trip through the flavors of Cuba.

– Likes Scotch Whisky: Santiago de Cuba Rum, Extra Aged 20 years.

– Likes Bourbon: Santiago de Cuba Rum, Extra Dry.

– Likes Gin or Vodka: Cubay Rum, Silver Dry Extra Old.

– Likes Cognac: Cubay Rum, Extra Aged 1870.

 

9. Share some (2-3) of your mentors and how they have helped you.

I have a very intimate place in my heart for all those who with their effort, intelligence and love have allowed me to be a tributary of the cultural wealth that sustains the Cuban rum family, especially for the First Master of the Cuban Rum José Navarro Campa who has been my tutor and guide for so many years and the First Master of the Cuban Rum Juan Carlos González for sharing his experiences with me. I thank you both for allowing me to always count on your wise advice and the privilege of your friendship.

 

10. What 3-5 things do you have in your bucket list for the next 12 month?

I wish first of all the well-being of the Cuban people, that all the projects on which we are working are successful, that the prestige of Cuban rum in the world is further consolidated and that life gives me the possibility to continue working on the design and development of new rums.

 

 11. Any last words?

I appreciate the opportunity to allow myself to express my feelings towards the Cuban rum once more, because for me it is much more than just a drink; It is culture, tradition and a heritage defended for over 150 years by whom we have been proud to preserve that legacy.

 

 12. How can people learn more about you? Website? Social Media Page?

I´m not a regular at writing on social networks, but Cuba Ron’s websites allow access to up-to-date information about the work of Cuban rum masters, available at www.cubaron.com

On Facebook:

• @CubaRonS.A
• @RonSantiagoDeCubaOficial
• @RonCubayOfficial
• @RonPerlaDelNorteOficial
• @FestivalRonCubaOficial
• @RonIslaDelTesoroOficial