At some point you're going to run across the Flor de Cana (flower of the cane) rums from Nicaragua - a group of well balanced and crafted rums that have found almost universal praise and respect. From the white and gold four year mixing rums to the 18 year and special edition 21 (which is NOT 21 years old). But take heart - the 7 and 12 are mighty fine and very well priced for the rest of us. With that, the reviews...
Sue Sea:
Me:Flor de Cana 7 year comes in a nice classic squared off bottle; topped by an impressive black, mahogany and gold label. Pretty. I loved the aroma of this rum - a hint of deep citrus orange topped with just a wisp of floral (magnolia?). There's oak and what I can only describe as a grassy, outdoorsy, woodsy effect. Complex and beautiful. Seven has a medium-light body. It has a crisp edge, not a heavy rum, very consistent with the aroma with cherrywood and oak carried through. I found the finish long, lightly peppery - which I like - warm and wonderful. This is a very consistent rum, well balanced.
Flor de Cana has always had a place on my shelves - a great company. Now as for the 7 Year: A lustrous clear amber in color, accompanied by good honest legs. As always I tend to pick up some of the heavier aromatic tones - the deep fruit or apricot, and a peppery licorice leather. These carried through the taste, where I also found vanilla, oak and the aforesaid leather. The late palate is slightly astringent. Like Sue Sea I found the finish long,lightly peppery and warm as we both appreciate.
Our further reflection Sue Sea found nutmeg, pecan, tobacco and perhaps a bit of Chardonnay (but you'll need a good imagination on these). All in all Flor de Cana 7 Year is a surprisingly complex, consistent and well-balanced rum, well worth it's very modest price (I recall finding it for about $19). Hard to beat.
Rating (10 is best): 7.
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For more and up-to-date reviews of this rum, plus a smackdown with the Four and Twelve Year click here.