Single Estate Rum

Flor de Cana is first and foremost a family story that dates back to 1890. Since that moment, 120 years after its appearance, the same family has always been at the head of the brand, which has become an institution in Nicaragua and a renowned brand throughout the world. An effective policy of transparency since you will find the real age of the rum on each of their bottles.

Price : expect to pay €60 for a 70cl bottle at 40°. If you happen to travel (without necessarily going very far) you will easily find this rum for less than €40.

Age : aged 18 years in small American white oak barrels, previously holding Bourbon.

The image on this page is based on the new visual that Flor de Cana will soon be launching. A rather successful bet compared to the old, rather old-fashioned look of the brand's bottles. It's more about simplicity and sobriety, refined and effective!

The rum has a coppery color and bright orange highlights . Once at work, the liquid forms a crown on the walls of the glass, which quickly reveals many droplets that slowly fall.

The first smell that emerges is of a sweet and delicate nature and recalls the warm woody smell of a bourbon. The vanilla gradually takes its place, the spices appear quietly, without a hitch, and the fruits – very ripe – tickle our noses (slightly harsh smell): apricot, banana and dried fruits that become a little more present with rest. We even notice a slight smell of leather that seems to transform into liquorice. A fairly sweet nose but with enough character to avoid a certain ease. A nose that opens up with rest so do not hesitate to give it time to reveal itself completely.

On the attack we find a creamy rum, almost buttery like a caramel , quickly accentuated by the spices and leather already present on the nose. A sort of gentle start but quickly eclipsed by a certain wave of heat, almost peppery. The woodiness happily takes over, perhaps a little too much in fact?

The finish is a beautiful continuation of what the rum gave in the mouth , on the same wavelength, in a spicy and peppery momentum and all in length.

A fairly well-balanced, lively and complex rum, even if all this woodiness may bother some people. If this is your case, the Flor de Cana 12 years old will be a wiser choice because its age is probably better controlled than this 18 year old… Or you have to wait and see what the 25 year old will give, which should be released soon. One thing is sure, the finish of the 18 year old is clearly superior to that of the 12, let's say more impressive in terms of its power and length… it's up to you to make your choice 😉 Rating: 78

To help you (and me) find your way around, regarding the notes:

90 and + : exceptional and unique rum, it is the best of the best
between 85 and 89 : highly recommended rum, with that little something that makes the difference
between 80 and 84 : recommendable rum
75-79 POINTS : above average
70-74 POINTS : in the low average
less than 70 : not very good

Review courtesy of DuRhum.com.

From the folks behind DuRhum, Velier, and more, comes a premium online marketplace for rum enthusiasts by rum enthusiasts! Do check out www.rowspirits.fr for more great content and iconic rums!