Ron Flor de Caña Centenario Rum History And Tasting Notes

The History of Ron Flor de Caña Centenario

Ron Flor de Caña Centenario is one of the most popular rums originating from Nicaragua. With a history spanning over 130 years, Flor de Caña has become an iconic brand known for its smooth taste and quality production methods.

The Beginning at Hacienda San Antonio

In 1890, a young Spanish immigrant named José Antonio Melo established the San Antonio sugar plantation in the fertile soils of Nicaragua near the San Juan River. As with many sugar plantations, the leftover sugarcane juice was put to use by being distilled into rum.

José Antonio Melo quickly realized the smooth tasting “aguardiente de caña” being produced had potential on the global market. He named his rum Flor de Caña, meaning “sugarcane blossom,” inspired by the endless sugarcane fields surrounding the distillery.

Expanding Production in 1950

As demand grew over the first half of the 20th century, the sugar plantation was converted entirely into a rum distillery in 1950 by the descendants of Melo. This allowed production levels to expand greatly to meet needs across Central America and the Caribbean.

The distillery became dedicated to perfecting the double distillation process that gives Flor de Caña rum its crisp and balanced flavor sought after by rum connoisseurs.

The Creation of Flor de Caña Centenario Rum

As the decades passed, the makers of the Flor de Caña brand tested and experimented with different aging processes. In 1996 they finally achieved what they had been striving for, an ultra-premium aged rum that reflected the heritage and pride of Nicaragua.

Carefully Crafted Over Many Years

Flor de Caña Centenario is carefully watched and tested by expert rum masters throughout its aging process in used bourbon barrels. After 12 long years, the rum is hand selected to ensure the smoothness and taste meets the highest standards.

Each rum batch is then bottled in an iconic glass bottle shaped like a volcano. This represents the San Cristobal volcano that has towered over the Flor de Caña distillery fields for generations.

Highest Awards And Accolades

Since its release, Flor de Caña Centenario has won over 35 international awards and medallions. This includes gold medals from rum tasting competitions in Madrid and Paris.

It has consistently been praised for its balanced flavors and the spiced oak and dried fruit notes from patient aging. Top rum reviews have recognized it as one of the best luxury rums for sipping or premium cocktails.

The Perfect Nicaraguan Rum

The sugarcane used to produce Flor de Caña rum has always been sourced from the nutrient-rich volcanic soil surrounding the factory. Combine this sweet molasses with over a century of experience crafting rum, and you get a true premium product.

Locally Sourced Ingredients

The distillery remains family owned and they take pride in using local ingredients whenever possible. Nicaragua has perfect conditions for growing sugarcane, and the water used also flows from a nearby volcano summit through natural mineral filters.

From the planting of the sugarcane to the bottling of the rum, Flor de Caña retains its high quality and environmentally friendly production methods.

The Taste Experience

Taking the first sip of Flor de Caña Centenario is reminiscent of the rich fertile history of the San Antonio sugar plantation. It brings alive the passion that has gone into every batch since 1890.

Its deep amber color is inviting with aromas of cinnamon, vanilla, and dried cherry. Each luxurious taste has a balance of sweet molasses and spiced oakiness from 12 years of aging in bourbon barrels.

Drinking Flor de Caña Centenario evokes imagery of the glistening sugarcane fields and towering volcanoes in the background that make up its spiritual home.

FAQs

How long has Flor de Caña rum been produced?

Flor de Caña rum was first distilled in 1890 at the San Antonio sugar plantation in Nicaragua by founder José Antonio Melo. So it has over 130 years of rum-making history and heritage.

What is unique about Centenario rum aging process?

Flor de Caña Centenario spends a full 12 years aging in used bourbon barrels under the watch of expert rum masters. This extended maturation time allows the complex flavors to fully develop.

What awards has Centenario won?

The premium Flor de Caña Centenario expression has won over 35 awards at international competitions. This includes gold medals from prestigious rum tasting events held in Madrid and Paris.

What are the tasting notes for Centenario rum?

Tasting notes typically mention aromas of cinnamon, vanilla, and dried fruit. It has a smooth balanced flavor with notes of sweet molasses and spiced oak from the 12-year aging in bourbon casks.