Flor de Caña, a name synonymous with premium rum, has been captivating spirits enthusiasts since 1890 with its rich Nicaraguan heritage. Produced by Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua at the base of the San Cristóbal Volcano, this family-owned brand is celebrated for its sustainable practices, five-times-distilled purity, and natural aging in bourbon barrels.
From the smooth Flor de Caña 12 year to the robust Flor de Caña 18 year, the portfolio offers a range of expressions that balance tradition with innovation. With over 200 international awards, including being named the 2017 Global Rum Producer of the Year, Flor de Caña Nicaraguan rum stands as a beacon of quality.
What is Flor de Caña?
Flor de Caña, meaning “sugarcane flower” in Spanish, is crafted in Chichigalpa, Nicaragua, where volcanic soil and a tropical climate enhance its unique flavor profile. Founded by Alfredo Francisco Pellas Canessa, the distillery has remained under the Pellas family’s stewardship for five generations. The rum is distilled using 100% renewable energy, making Flor de Caña sustainable distillery a pioneer in eco-conscious production.
Certified carbon neutral and Fair Trade, the brand plants 50,000 trees annually and adheres to over 300 labor and environmental standards. The portfolio spans from the light 4-Year Añejo Oro to the luxurious 25-Year Centenario, each aged naturally without sugar or artificial additives, ensuring a pure, gluten-free, and kosher-certified spirit.
History of Flor de Caña
- 1890: Alfredo Francisco Pellas Canessa founds the distillery at San Antonio sugar refinery.
- 1937: Flor de Caña launches as a brand with Etiqueta Amarilla and Roja.
- 1959: Exports begin to Venezuela and Costa Rica, sparking international growth.
- 1980s: Nicaraguan Revolution leads to stockpiling, creating a vast aged rum reserve.
- 1996: Modernization boosts production quality and global reach.
- 2000s: Premium aged expressions like Flor de Caña 12 year and 18 year debut.
- 2010s: Fair Trade certification and sustainability efforts address labor concerns.
Production and Sustainability
- Location: Chichigalpa, near San Cristóbal Volcano, enriches sugarcane with volcanic soil.
- Process: Five-times distilled using renewable energy, aged in bourbon barrels sealed with plantain leaves.
- Sustainability: Flor de Caña sustainable distillery is carbon neutral, capturing CO2 during fermentation.
- Ethics: Fair Trade certification ensures fair wages, free healthcare, and schooling for workers’ families.
- Environment: Plants 50,000 trees annually, uses recyclable packaging, and minimizes waste.
Flor de Caña Rum Tasting Notes
- 4-Year Añejo Oro: 40% Flor de Caña alcohol content. Caramel, orange zest aroma; tropical fruit, vanilla palate; light finish. Ideal for mojitos.
- 7-Year Gran Reserva: 40% ABV. Toffee, dark chocolate nose; oak, spice palate; balanced finish. Great for daiquiris.
- Flor de Caña 12 Year: 40% ABV. Oak, vanilla, tobacco notes; smooth, medium finish. Perfect neat or in Old Fashioned.
- Flor de Caña 18 Year: 40% ABV. Butterscotch, molasses, oak; long, smooth finish. Best sipped with orange peel.
- 25-Year Centenario: 40% ABV. Dark chocolate, leather; complex, lingering finish. Savor neat.
Flor de Caña Alcohol Content and Aging
- Alcohol Content: Most expressions at 40% ABV, balancing flavor and smoothness.
- Aging: Tropical climate accelerates maturation, losing 8% volume yearly, concentrating flavors.
- Purity: No sugar or additives; transparent age statements ensure authenticity.
- Barrels: White oak bourbon barrels impart oak, vanilla, and spice notes.
Flor de Caña Awards and Recognition
- 2017: Global Rum Producer of the Year, International Wine and Spirit Competition.
- 2021: Double Gold for Flor de Caña 18 year, San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- 2019: Gold for Flor de Caña 12 year, John Barleycorn Awards.
- Global Acclaim: Over 200 awards since 2000, named #1 Rum by The Huffington Post.
- Madrid: Best Rum of the Year, International Rum Conference.
Flor de Caña Cocktail Recipes
- Nicaraguan Old Fashioned:
- 2 oz Flor de Caña 12 year
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel garnish
- Stir with ice for 20 seconds.
- Classic Daiquiri:
- 2 oz Flor de Caña 7 Year
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- Shake with ice, strain into coupe glass.
- Painkiller:
- 2 oz Flor de Caña 4 Year
- 4 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- Shake, serve over crushed ice, garnish with nutmeg.
Where to Buy Flor de Caña
- Options: Buy Flor de Caña online at retailers like Total Wine & More, Amazon, or The Whisky Exchange.
- Pricing: Flor de Caña 12 year ($30–$50); Flor de Caña 18 year ($50–$80); 25-Year ($150–$200).
- Duty-Free: Nicaraguan airports offer deals, especially on premium expressions.
- Availability: Widely stocked in U.S., UK, Canada, and Latin America.
Flor de Caña Rum Review
- 4-Year Añejo Oro: Light, versatile for cocktails; vanilla, citrus notes; slightly sharp finish.
- 7-Year Gran Reserva: Balanced for sipping or mixing; toffee, spice; good value.
- Flor de Caña 12 Year: Smooth, oaky, tobacco hints; 2010 IWSC Gold; ideal for sipping.
- Flor de Caña 18 Year: Rich butterscotch, oak; 2021 Double Gold; some find tannins heavy.
- Critique: Sugar-free purity praised, though past “slow aged” labels sparked debate.
Tasting and Pairing Tips
- Sipping: Enjoy Flor de Caña 12 year or 18 year neat or with one ice cube.
- Swirling: Aerate for 2–3 minutes to reduce alcohol vapors, enhancing flavors.
- Pairings: 12-year with dark chocolate or cigars; 18-year with aged cheeses or roasted nuts.
- Mixing: 4-Year and 7-Year shine in tropical cocktails like mojitos or piña coladas.
Facts About Flor de Caña
- Volcanic Roots: Crafted near San Cristóbal Volcano, enriching sugarcane flavor.
- Family Legacy: Pellas family has run Flor de Caña for five generations since 1890.
- Eco Pioneer: Flor de Caña sustainable distillery plants 50,000 trees yearly.
- Award Haul: Over 200 global awards, including 2017 Rum Producer of the Year.
- No Sugar: All rums are additive-free, ensuring pure, natural taste.
- Revolution Stockpile: 1980s turmoil created one of the largest aged rum reserves.
- Fair Trade: Certified for ethical labor, offering free healthcare to workers’ families.
FAQs About Flor de Caña
- What is Flor de Caña?
Flor de Caña is a premium Nicaraguan rum, crafted since 1890, known for sustainability and quality. - What are the tasting notes for Flor de Caña 12 Year?
Flor de Caña rum tasting notes for 12-year include oak, vanilla, and tobacco, with a smooth finish. - What is the alcohol content of Flor de Caña?
Flor de Caña alcohol content is 40% ABV for most expressions. - Where can I buy Flor de Caña online?
Buy Flor de Caña online at retailers like Total Wine & More or Amazon. - Is Flor de Caña sustainable?
Yes, Flor de Caña sustainable distillery is carbon neutral and Fair Trade certified. - What cocktails can I make with Flor de Caña?
Flor de Caña cocktail recipes include Old Fashioned, Daiquiri, and Painkiller. - What awards has Flor de Caña won?
Flor de Caña awards and recognition include 2017 Global Rum Producer of the Year and 2021 Double Gold.
Conclusion on Flor de Caña
Flor de Caña embodies Nicaraguan craftsmanship, blending rich history with sustainable innovation. From the versatile Flor de Caña 12 year to the bold Flor de Caña 18 year, its sugar-free, naturally aged rums deliver unmatched quality.
With Flor de Caña awards and recognition like Global Rum Producer of the Year, the brand shines globally. Whether sipped neat or mixed in Flor de Caña cocktail recipes, this rum captivates with volcanic depth and eco-conscious values, making it a must-try for spirits lovers in 2025.
