Flor de Caña Bar 1802 2004

This Flor de Caña was bottled for Bar 1802, drawn from the Nicaraguan distillery's slow aged, genuinely unsweetened style. Distilled in 2004 and carrying nineteen years, it is a molasses rum aged in ex-bourbon and offered at a robust 53%, well above the brand's standard releases, which gives it noticeably more drive and concentration.

The extra strength and a well judged barrel selection lift it above the everyday Flor de Caña expressions. The nose is fruity with dried fruit, fresh fruits, wood and allspice, the palate echoes that fruitiness with dried fruit, allspice and a sweet edge, and the finish lingers on dried fruit, allspice, caramel and cocoa. Tasters were pleasantly surprised by the depth here, crediting the higher proof and cask pick. Because Flor de Caña avoids added sugar, the sweetness is age and oak derived, making this a spiced, fruit forward Nicaragua with more backbone than its label proof might suggest.