CubaPLUS Magazine

When the news came late last year that the Knowledge of the Light Rum Masters had been included by UNESCO in the coveted list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the population of the largest Antillean Island expressed its pride for such a distinction, which also implies recognizing the work of those who devote their best efforts daily to improving the drink.

Cuban light rum has been produced on the island since the second half of the 19th century. Since then, traditional and scientific knowledge has been passed down uninterrupted from generation to generation, through oral, body and sensory language, as well as the practices connected with the artisanal processes of creating the spirit.

Rum masters, it must be noted, are a fundamental factor in the processes of naturally selecting, blending and aging the eaux-de-vie.

Through sharing their knowledge, these experts pass down to candidates the cultural heritage of more than a century and a half, which contributes to achieving high quality rums that enjoy unique global prestige.

This knowledge, it should be clarified, is not the property of a specific brand, but is considered the heritage of the Cuban nation inherited by future generations from their ancestors, so that the tradition will last through the centuries.

First Master of Cuban Rum, Juan Carlos González, with over four decades experience in its production, told this magazine that he started in that world learning little by little, trying to apply the knowledge acquired at the University of Havana and, at the same time, entering the rum culture and falling in love with the work.

"In 2001 the teachers' movement was created -currently made up of two First Masters, seven Masters and five candidates- and I entered it, because I had already been in that job for some time. I think I have been a teacher since 1986," he recalled.

For this specialist, the inclusion of the Knowledge of the Light Rum Masters in Unesco's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity "means a recognition to his nation, to the dedication of generations and generations of Cubans who have made an effort in this area.

"It has a cultural essence that is deeply imbedded in the Cuban nationality itself. The only formula for success is to work hard, with passion, commitment and will," he stressed.

With this inclusion in Unesco's list, Cuba now has five elements inscribed: the Tumba Francesa (2008), the Cuban Rumba, a festive mixture of dance and music, and all the inherent cultural practices (2016), the Punto (2017), the Parrandas from the central region of Cuba (2018), and the Knowledge of the Light Rum Masters (2022).