Licorera Cihuatán Cihuatán Nantli 2004

Cihuatan Nantli is a twenty year old rum from Licorera Cihuatan in El Salvador, drawn from a 2004 vintage, matured in ex bourbon and bottled at a gentle 40 percent. It is the oldest in the distillery's range, a soft, sweet leaning sipper that trades on age and approachability rather than intensity, and a clear favourite for fans of the house.

Two decades in ex bourbon give a rounded, mellow spirit with a particularly attractive nose of praline, toffee, vanilla and honey, joined by notes of cherry, banana and chocolate. The palate is honeyed, velvety and a touch syrupy, with nutty depth, and the finish closes on coffee, roasted notes, sweetness and dried fruit. The light strength keeps the mouthfeel slender, so it leans on aroma and smoothness rather than power. It is a newcomer friendly, relaxed evening pour, best enjoyed neat for its soft, sweet character.