The Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies (CLLAS) is excited to host a special book talk celebrating the release of Professor Chris Chávez's new book Isle of Rum: Havana Club, Cultural Mediation, and the Fight for Cuban Authenticity. Through the lens of Havana Club rum, Chávez examines how Western cultural producers, in collaboration with the Cuban state, shape and sell an image of Cuba to the world. He explores how advertising, music, film, and art intersect with corporate marketing, revealing which aspects of Cuban culture are deemed most profitable. This thought-provoking discussion will delve into the complexities of cultural authenticity, economic reform, and global markets, offering a unique perspective on Cuba's Special Period in a Time of Peace.