In 1890, Francisco Alfredo Pellas established a sugar mill in San Antonio, Chichigalpa, Nicaragua. Remarkably, the Pellas family has maintained ownership and management of the business for five generations. Flor de Caña is one of the most recognized rums in the world and one of the biggest in Central America. Most recently, they’ve come to be recognized by their green standards and lessening of carbon footprint when making their rums.
Read in the magazine (rotate your device for a better reading experience):
According to its website, the rum is produced from molasses, which come from the same sugar cane that is planted around the distillery. The molasses is fermented and later distilled five times in a column still. The spirit is then aged in ex-bourbon casks.
Though the bottle clearly states 12 years old, the number is actually an average of years, with minor variations in each production. It is bottled at 40% ABV.
Distillery: Flor de Caña.
Name: 12 Centenario.
Brand: Flor de Caña.
Origin: Nicaragua
Age: 12 years (average)
Price: $32.00
Nose: Caramel, oak, black pepper, orange peel, vanilla and cardamom. After a few minutes, some scents of dried fruits (walnuts and pecans), chocolate and raisins.
Palate: Balanced notes of caramel, oak, green pepper, vanilla, cinnamon, clove and allspice. Also some orange peel and marmalade.
Retrohale/Finish: Some dark chocolate, coffee and cola.
Rating: 8 on the t8ke scale.
Conclusion: I usually have issues when I know I’m being lied to. If a bottle states 12 years old, I won’t expect to read about it being a 12-year average or that the liquid isn’t 12 years old. I’d rather it not have an age statement. On the other hand, I find it very positive how Flor de Caña does not seem to add sweetener to their rums and this 12 “year” certainly doesn’t feel sweetened, though many of the scents remind me of sweet things. That’s a great thing when having it, as it won’t make you too thirsty and doesn’t seem to hide flavors. It’s as dry as I’d expect a younger rum, but very complex, more than I’d expect from other rums in this price range. It’s a great rum that you should definitely try.
