Licorera Cihuatán Folklore Creacion 2022 (Perola)

Licorera Cihuatan Folklore Creacion 2022 (Perola) is a 16 year Salvadoran rum from the Cihuatan distillery, a column-still molasses spirit finished in cognac casks and bottled as a single cask at 53.6%. Part of the house's higher-end Folklore range, it leans into the influence of the wine cask to give a familiar distillery a more vinous, dressed-up character.

The cognac finish dominates the profile, with grapes, baked apple and a clear brandy note sitting over vanilla, pastry, caramel and citrus, the palate turning woody and grape-laden through a dry, oak-driven finish. At 53.6% the strength is well judged, though the heavy cognac and wood character will read as a touch vinous for some, the alcohol not quite seamlessly tucked away. For many it is among the better Cihuatan releases, a harmonious, intensely flavoured single cask for those who enjoy wine-finished rums.