Flor de Cana 18

ABV: 40%

Country: Nicaragua 

Age: 18 years

Cask: Small white oak

Still: Multi-column

Price: £60

Distillery: Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua, S.A

Flor de Caña 18 is a well-regarded Nicaraguan rum that highlights the distillery’s focus on clean, balanced spirit. Produced by the family-owned Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua, the distillery has been making rum for over 130 years and is known for its single-estate approach. All of the sugarcane is grown at the base of the San Cristóbal volcano, and the spirit is matured naturally in ex-bourbon barrels without any added sugar or artificial flavouring.

The 18 year sits at the top end of the core lineup, offering a sense of the depth and refinement the distillery can achieve while keeping the rum approachable. There has been some debate among enthusiasts over the age statement on Flor de Caña 18, with discussions around how the stated age relates to the youngest rum in the blend. Regardless, it remains a clear expression of the brand’s style (clean, balanced, and distinctly Nicaraguan) making it a reference point for Central American rum.

Nose

Caramel and ethanol come together to make a very aromatic nose that develops into warm spices (nutmeg) alongside macadamia nuts and cheap milk chocolate.

Palate

A surprisingly “thick” mouthfeel without feeling particularly dense or chewy. Sitting at 40% ABV I find this lacks any heat or tingle yet still carries a lot of flavour with a really enjoyable profile of soft stewed fruits, caramel, vanilla, baking spices, a hint of smoke and a touch of sweetness from honey. The finish is pretty short.

7/10 – At this price point I think this is a fantastically aged rum I’d be very happy to sit with.