Paul Kushner
If you’re a fan of premium rum, you’ve likely heard of Flor de Caña. This sustainably produced rum is made from 100% renewable energy, and is both Carbon Neutral and Fair Trade certified. The brand has a rich history dating back to 1890, and is headquartered in Managua, Nicaragua.
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Flor de Caña is a premium rum with a portfolio of aged rums that are naturally aged without artificial ingredients or added sugar.
The rum is distilled with 100% renewable energy and the brand plants 50,000 trees annually since 2005. Flor de Caña is the only spirit in the world to be both Carbon Neutral and Fair Trade certified, making it a top choice for those who are environmentally conscious.
The brand’s commitment to sustainability and natural production methods has earned it a reputation as one of the best rums in the world.
History of Flor De Caña Rum
Flor De Caña Rum is a premium rum brand that is distilled and bottled in Nicaragua. The brand has a long and rich history that dates back to 1890 when Francisco Alfredo Pellas Canessa founded the distillery in Chichigalpa, Nicaragua.
Since then, Flor De Caña Rum has become one of the most popular and respected rum brands in the world.
The rum is made from molasses that is sourced from local sugar cane fields. The molasses is fermented using a proprietary strain of yeast that is unique to Flor De Caña. After fermentation, the rum is distilled using a column still, which produces a light and smooth spirit that is perfect for aging.
One of the things that sets Flor De Caña Rum apart from other rums is its aging process. The rum is aged in American oak barrels that have been previously used to age bourbon. The barrels are stored in an aging warehouse that is located at the base of the San Cristobal volcano. The volcanic soil and climate in the area give the rum its unique flavor profile and character.
Over the years, Flor De Caña Rum has won numerous awards and accolades for its quality and taste. The brand has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The distillery is powered by 100% renewable energy, and the company has implemented programs to support local farmers and communities.
Production Process
When it comes to Flor de Caña Rum, the production process is as unique as the brand itself. Here are some of the key factors that contribute to the creation of this award-winning rum.
Natural Aging
One of the most distinctive features of Flor de Caña Rum is its natural aging process. Unlike many other rums on the market, Flor de Caña is aged without any additives, accelerants, or artificial ingredients. The rum is simply placed in oak barrels that have been previously used to mature bourbon whiskey. These barrels are then stored in a cool, dry environment where the rum can age naturally over time.
Use of Renewable Energy
Flor de Caña is also committed to using renewable energy throughout the production process. The distillery is powered by 100% renewable energy, which is sourced from biomass. This means that the production of Flor de Caña Rum has a minimal carbon footprint, making it a sustainable choice for those who are environmentally conscious.
Sustainability and Environmental Standards
In addition to using renewable energy, Flor de Caña is also produced with sustainability and environmental standards in mind. The distillery has won numerous awards for its commitment to sustainability, including the Distillery Sustainability Award. The company also uses plantain leaves to cover the barrels during the aging process, which helps to regulate the temperature and humidity levels, reducing the need for energy-intensive climate control systems.
Bourbon Barrels
As mentioned earlier, Flor de Caña Rum is aged in oak barrels that have been previously used to mature bourbon whiskey. This gives the rum its distinctive flavor profile, which is characterized by notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
Product Range
Flor de Caña offers a range of premium rums that are naturally aged without sugar, additives or artificial ingredients. Their rums are distilled using 100% renewable energy, making it a sustainable choice for rum lovers.
Flor De Caña Premium Rum
Flor de Caña’s premium rums are renowned for their quality and taste. The brand has received over 180 international accolades, making it one of the most awarded rums in the world. Their premium range includes:
- Gran Reserva 7: This is a 7-year-old rum that is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks. It has a rich, smooth taste with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. This rum is perfect for those who appreciate a high-quality sipping rum.
- Centenario 12: This is a 12-year-old rum that is aged in oak barrels. It has a rich, complex flavor with notes of honey, vanilla, and oak. This rum is perfect for those who want a premium sipping rum that is aged to perfection.
- 25 Year: This is a limited edition rum that is aged for 25 years in oak barrels. It has a rich, complex flavor with notes of chocolate, coffee, and vanilla. This rum is perfect for those who want to indulge in a luxurious sipping experience.
Flor de Caña’s premium rums are perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks. They are also great for mixing into cocktails, adding a touch of luxury to any drink.
Tasting Notes
When it comes to Flor de Caña Rum, the tasting notes are what really set it apart. This rum has a complex and rich flavor profile that is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates. In this section, we will explore the different tasting notes that you can expect from Flor de Caña Rum.
Amber Color and Rich Flavor
One of the first things you will notice about Flor de Caña Rum is its deep amber color. This color comes from the aging process, which takes place in oak barrels. The longer the rum is aged, the darker and richer the color becomes.
But it’s not just the color that is impressive. Flor de Caña Rum has a rich and complex flavor that is sure to delight your taste buds. You can expect notes of caramel, toffee, and butterscotch, as well as a hint of oak. The finish is smooth and long-lasting, with a subtle sweetness that lingers on your palate.
Tropical Notes and Vanilla
In addition to the rich flavor profile, Flor de Caña Rum also has some tropical notes that are sure to transport you to a warm and sunny beach. You can expect to taste hints of pineapple, banana, and coconut, as well as a subtle spiciness that adds depth to the flavor.
But perhaps the most prominent note in Flor de Caña Rum is vanilla. This flavor is present throughout the entire tasting experience, from the initial sip to the long and satisfying finish. The vanilla adds a creamy sweetness to the rum that is sure to please even the most discerning of palates.
Flor De Caña and Fair Trade
If you are someone who cares about sustainability and ethical production, then Flor de Caña Rum might be the perfect choice for you. Flor de Caña is not only a premium rum brand, but it is also Fair Trade certified, which means that it complies with more than 300 rigorous labor, social, and environmental standards.
In 2018, Flor de Caña became the first global spirit to be both Carbon Neutral and Fair Trade certified. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the way it sources its ingredients, distills its products, and packages its bottles. Flor de Caña is distilled with 100% renewable energy and naturally aged without artificial ingredients or added sugar.
Fair Trade certification ensures that the workers who grow and harvest the sugarcane used to produce Flor de Caña are paid fairly and work in safe and healthy conditions. Fair Trade USA, the organization responsible for certifying Flor de Caña, also provides additional funds to support community development projects.
In recognition of its commitment to sustainability and ethical production, Flor de Caña has received several awards, including the Ethical Award from The Good Shopping Guide. The brand’s dedication to sustainability is also reflected in its packaging, which is made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable.
Flor De Caña in the Global Market
Flor de Caña is a premium rum that has gained worldwide recognition for its unique taste and sustainable production methods. As a result, it has won numerous awards and accolades in the global market, solidifying its position as a top rum producer.
International Wine and Spirit Competition
Flor de Caña has been awarded several medals at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), one of the most prestigious competitions in the spirits industry. The brand has won several gold medals for its aged rums, including the 18-Year-Old and 25-Year-Old expressions. These awards reflect the brand’s commitment to producing high-quality rums that are both delicious and sustainable.
Global Rum Producer of The Year
In 2017, Flor de Caña was named Global Rum Producer of the Year by the IWSC. This award recognizes the brand’s dedication to sustainable production methods, including its use of renewable energy and carbon-neutral distillation processes. Flor de Caña was the first rum producer to receive this award, cementing its status as a leader in the global rum industry.
Spirits Business Awards
Flor de Caña has also been recognized at the Spirits Business Awards, another prestigious competition in the spirits industry. The brand has won several awards for its aged rums, including the 25-Year-Old expression, which was named Best Rum at the 2019 competition. These awards reflect the brand’s commitment to producing high-quality rums that are both delicious and sustainable.
Flor De Caña and Sustainability
Flor de Caña Rum is a brand that is committed to sustainability, and it shows in their production process. They have implemented several initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, from field to bottle.
Sustainable Cocktail Challenge
One of the initiatives that Flor de Caña has implemented is the Sustainable Cocktail Challenge. This challenge aims to inspire bartenders to create cocktails that are not only delicious but also sustainable. The challenge invites bartenders from around the world to create a cocktail using Flor de Caña Rum and sustainable ingredients. The winner of the challenge receives a prize and their cocktail is featured in the brand’s marketing materials.
Field to Bottle
Flor de Caña Rum is made using sustainably sourced sugarcane. The brand’s sugarcane is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which reduces the environmental impact of the crop. Additionally, Flor de Caña has implemented a zero-waste policy in their production process. The leftover sugarcane is used as fuel to power the distillery, which reduces the amount of waste produced.
Carbon-Negative Status
Flor de Caña Rum has achieved carbon-negative status, which means that they remove more carbon from the atmosphere than they produce. The brand’s distillery is powered by renewable energy sources, such as geothermal energy and hydropower. Additionally, Flor de Caña has implemented several initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint, such as using recycled materials in their packaging and reducing the weight of their bottles.
Cocktails and Mixology with Flor De Caña
Bartender’s Guide
As a bartender, you know that the secret to a great cocktail is using the right ingredients. Flor de Caña Rum is an excellent choice for creating a delicious and unique cocktail. This premium rum is naturally aged without any sugar or additives, making it a perfect base for your cocktails.
When mixing with Flor de Caña, it’s important to keep in mind the flavor profile of the rum. The 12-year-old rum has notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, while the 7-year-old rum has a smooth and balanced taste with hints of chocolate and spice. The 18-year-old rum has a complex flavor profile with notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and vanilla.
To create a classic cocktail with Flor de Caña, try making a rum and coke with the 7-year-old rum. The smooth and balanced taste of the rum pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the coke. For a more complex cocktail, try mixing the 12-year-old rum with ginger beer and lime juice to create a Flor Ginger cocktail.
Original Cocktail Submissions
As a mixologist, you’re always looking for new and exciting ways to create cocktails. Flor de Caña Rum is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of cocktail recipes. If you’re looking to create an original cocktail with Flor de Caña, here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Flor de Caña Mojito: Muddle fresh mint leaves and lime wedges in a glass. Add ice, 2 oz. of Flor de Caña 7-year-old rum, and top with soda water. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.
- Flor de Caña Margarita: Combine 2 oz. of Flor de Caña 12-year-old rum, 1 oz. of lime juice, and 1 oz. of triple sec in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Flor de Caña Old Fashioned: Muddle a sugar cube, a dash of bitters, and an orange slice in a glass. Add ice and 2 oz. of Flor de Caña 18-year-old rum. Stir well and garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.
When creating your own original cocktail with Flor de Caña, keep in mind the flavor profile of the rum and experiment with different ingredients to create a unique and delicious cocktail.
