Angel's Share Title
Flor de Caña rums are produced at Compañia Licorera de Nicaragua, which was founded in 1937 in Chichigalpa, Nicaragua. The molasses used to create their rum line is created from locally grown sugarcane. Using their proprietary yeast, they ferment the liquid for up to 48 to 72 hours in a continuous fermentation process before distilling the liquid in a five-column still. The rum is then aged in used bourbon barrels at their onsite aging facilities located on the estate property. They do not use any coloring or sweeteners to create their products. This product was blended to 40% ABV and bottled in an unspecified location. A few things of note with all Flor de Caña products: the numbers on the label are not an age statement but are indicative of the maturity of the spirit in the bottle. They are a carbon-neutral distillery, and a good portion of it is powered by a furnace that burns waste from their sugar mill. In recent years they have also earned the Fair Trade certification, which notes that they adhere to strict environmental, safety, and social regulations for their employees.
Appearance
The rum is bottled in a slender 750 ml bottle sealed with a metal screw cap that notes the company’s 130th anniversary. The front label has a good deal of basic information, noting that it has no sugar, is gluten-free, and has no artificial ingredients, as well as their environmental efforts. The liquid is a pale gold amber in the bottle and glass. Swirling the liquid creates a thick band that spins off fast-moving legs that leave a band of residue around the glass.
Aroma
The aroma leads with caramel, a touch of dry fruit, herbaceous vanilla, and a hint of wood tannins.
Palate
The rum leads with a strong rush of caramel and alcohol that conditions the mouth. The second sip delivers a mix of vanilla, dried apricot, toasted coconut, and black pepper. The pepper notes transition to a brief wood tannin “baking spice” dry finish.
Review
When I began researching this rum, I learned that it is engineered to be used as an introduction to sipping rums but is used primarily as a cocktail ingredient. I can only see this rum being used in a sipping situation as a tool to compare the rum with other products created by the company. However, as a cocktail ingredient, this rum, along with the brand Extra Seco Blanco, sees a good deal of use in fruit juice-based cocktails, and I have seen it on quite a few menus while travelling in Central America. Overall, Flor de Caña Oro is a good, versatile rum for your home bar that is approachable for those new to rum.
