Flor de Cana Rum is by far one of the most recognisable names when it comes to Nicaraguan rums, and the 18 is our choice of today. The rum is wholly aged for 18 years in the tropics in ex-bourbon casks and bottled at 40% abv (thankfully, in comparison to the domestic Nicaraguan 35% abv).

(Image Source: @weixiang_liu)

The nose is a very familiar one, a central american style that is light and sweet, cane juice, grassy, and citrus fruits. I also managed to pick up some notes of coconuts, mangoes, and the vanilla, likely from the aging in oak barrels.

The palate is smooth, quite creamy in fact. The vanilla and oak are right up there, followed by some very interesting notes of sour plums and preserved orange peels. In the middle are some light peppery notes, tobacco, coupled with bananas, red apples, and finishes a bit short with more vanilla.

What the Flor de Cana 18 is is a simple, clean rum, and actually makes a great before-meal aperitif with those brighter and tangy notes. The only thing I wished was for it to be released at a higher proof, perhaps say 45-50% to really bring out those notes a bit more, to give it a fuller body and richness!

Your occasional rum addict!

@weixiang_liu