Started in 1890 by young entrepreneur Alfredo Francisco Pellas Canessa, today Flor de Caña rum is one of Nicaragua’s most iconic exports. The 25-year-old Pellas Canessa moved to Nicaragua in 1875 from Genoa, Italy with dreams of capitalizing on the bounty of opportunities present in the burgeoning country. By 1890 he had built the San Antonio Sugar Mill in Chichigalpa at the foot of the San Cristóbal volcano. Volcanic soil and favorable weather made the region ideal for sugar cane growth.
He soon realized that the byproduct of the sugar-making process, molasses, could be used to make rum. Initially the rum he produced was meant for personal consumption and to share with friends but word of its quality got around, leading to the birth of the Flor de Caña brand in 1937.
Throughout its history, the company has emphasized sustainability. It goes to lengths to harvest sugar cane without burning, recycle the distillery’s waste as fertilizer, and generate renewable energy. Its commitment to social, economic, and environmental practices led to its recognition as the world’s first Fair Trade certified spirit in 2017.
History, sustainability, and fair trade certifications aside, the rum has won more awards in spirits com- petitions than any other since 2000 including taking the top spot as Global Rum Producer of the Year in 2017 at the International Wine and Spirits Competition. Serious rum purists have also been drawn to Flor de Caña’s traditional, disciplined approach to rum production.
– Pairing by: Erik Calviño
TASTING NOTES:
Flor de Caña 130th Anniversary
45% ABV
Nicaragua
The Flor de Caña pours into a dark walnut color in the glass and offers a complexity of flavors, including rich caramel, dark chocolate, dried fruit, and a hint of oak. The mouthfeel is viscous, almost syrup-like with a smooth texture that gives the rum an elegant profile. The finish is long with a pleasant burn from the 45% alcohol.
Cigar Pairing: Joya de Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco
The Joya de Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco delivers a powerful but smooth blend of earth, pepper, and subtle sweetness that leaves a cinnamon roasted nuts flavor on the palate. The rum’s luxurious profile adds a rich, caramel sweetness to the earth and pepper core of the cigar creating a harmonious combo that is hard to put down.
