Flor de Cana 18 Year Old

[Milicent]

I've had several bottles of Flor de Cana's 18 year old. I have enjoyed every sip I have had. Beverage Tasting Institute rates it at 94, which is the same rating they give to Mount Gay Extra Old and Santa Teresa 1796 (not that BTI isn't always "on" re its ratings). Still, I haven't heard or read a whole lot about people loving this rum.

I am interested in hearing other people's impressions of this rum. If they like and appreciate it, why? If they don't, why? Again, I like and appreciate this rum and find it underrated. At the same time, I would like to hear other rum aficionado's thoughts and impressions. Talk to me.

On a side note, I have read lots about Flor de Cana's 15 year old rum that is called 21. There has been lots of confusion about it being 21 years old even though that refers to Flor de Cana's anniversary and not the rum's age. I haven't had the 15 yet, but people I know who have had it and the 18 prefer the 18 year old. Again, I'd like to hear your thoughts and experiences. Thanks.

[Scottes]

I've got the "21" and I like it a lot. I've never had the 18-year-old though, and it's one on my short list. I hope to grab a bottle next weekend in NYC. Hopefully.

[Hank Koestner]

The 18 is delicious. I will post more of my thoughts on this rum when I have more time!

[Milicent]

Scottes,

I am fortunate enough to have my local Costco selling the 18 year for right around $30 after tax. I've gone through a couple of bottles and have another few in reserve. It is beautiful. I look forward to hearing your observations once you give it a shot. Let us know if you review and make a post re it.

[Hank Koestner]

Wow, $30! It is $50 here. In my opinion, this is a pure sipping rum, with great balance. :) The oak is evident, but the other flavors of the rum come through very well. It has a rich consistency, feels good on the palate. This is a rum I will always keep on my shelf. The 15 (21 Centennario) is a very good rum also, not as full in body, more subtle in flavor. The 18 also pairs well with the right cigar, preferably one medium in body, and a Cameroon wrapper seems to go well. Fuente Don Carlos is a suggestion.:p
I need to do a tasting comparing the 7, 12, 15 and 18. As soon as I have the time!:rolleyes:

[Edward Hamilton]

I've got the "21" and I like it a lot. I've never had the 18-year-old though, and it's one on my short list. I hope to grab a bottle next weekend in NYC. Hopefully.

Take a look at the bottle and see if the age statement is actually 21 years or is this a 21 year Anniversary bottle?

[cigar-aficionado]

Which is the one in the ceramic bottle and the blue velvet bag?:confused:

[Edward Hamilton]

This Centenario (http://ministryofrum.com/rumdetails.php?r=481) comes in a velvet bag and clearly has the number 21 on the front of the bottle. This was sold in the US, the presentation may be different in the UK.

[cigar-aficionado]

That's the one, thanks Ed:)

[Scottes]

Take a look at the bottle and see if the age statement is actually 21 years or is this a 21 year Anniversary bottle?
The "21" I have is the "Centenario 21." It's not 21 years old, it's 15. Flor De Cana's website is very blazen about stating that it's 15 years old, in big red numbers. According to Flor De Cana's web site, this is not a 21st Anniversary anything, but is meant to commemorate the 21st Century. Thus Centenario 21.

One shouldn't be concerned with the age of the rum. The Flor De Cana 21 is very nice, and I like it.

[Milicent]

I was reading the Minstry of Rum's "Rum Index by Country" description of Flor de Caсa rums, and came across the following re Flor de Caсa Centenario 21: "The oldest rum from the distillery. Although the name is 21, the rum is aged 15 years."

Isn't Flor de Caсa 18 actually the oldest rum from the distillery? Is it a newer release? I am hoping it isn't a temporary or short-lived release. I hope, hope, hope it is a staple of Flor de Caсa's stable from now on.

I'm sure others can help me out here, and equally sure Edward will have the final say (by the way, Ed/ward, if you are reading this, which do you prefer: Edward or Ed?).

[Edward Hamilton]

Call be anything but late to dinner. At the time I wrote my comments you are referring to, the 15 was the oldest rum from Flor de Caсa. I'm working to add a review date to the rum detail page listings but I haven't yet gotten that detail incorporated into the site.

[knight of the rum table]

I have had the 18YR, the 15 YR (21), the 12 YR, and the 7YR. All are good. The 18YR has more character but I prefer the smoothness of the 15YR (21). The 12 is also good and for about $20 the 7YR holds it's own. Here we pay about $42 for the 18yr, about $65 for the Centenario 21 and about $35 for the 12YR. Enjoy.

[tym2relax]

Does anyone know why the 18 is not listed on the Flor de Cana website? Their product selection includes the 12 and 21 (15), but no 18. Has it been discontinued?

It is however available for purchase at select sites though....

[Don Piero]

I have had the 18YR, the 15 YR (21), the 12 YR, and the 7YR. All are good. The 18YR has more character but I prefer the smoothness of the 15YR (21). The 12 is also good and for about $20 the 7YR holds it's own. Here we pay about $42 for the 18yr, about $65 for the Centenario 21 and about $35 for the 12YR. Enjoy.


I have had both the 18 and 15 (21) and also find the 15 more smooth with the differences in taste subtle with both having an oak/vanilla bitterness. The 15 (21) was the first premium Rum I ever had and converted me from strictly Single malt whisky to now single malts and Rum.

Having now tried various styles of Rum, my preference is for something mildly sweeter. I recently bought the Pampero Seleccion 1938 which has a subtle oak/vanilla sweetness that is outstanding.

[JMac]

I love Flor de Cana rums. I keep a constant supply of the 7 year for sipping and the 5 year for mixed drinks. However I have never been able to obtain the 18 year old.

I've tried the 15 and loved the oak/vanilla and dry finish. The 7 year is very smooth with a stronger oak/fruit palate.

[RobertBurr]

I believe the FDC 18 may be available only in limited markets. It's very popular here in South Florida. This may be a reason it's not prominent on the web site.

My experience in working with them on my tasting events is that they wish to promote their 18, and in this market, they're not promoting the 12 as much. The 21st Century special edition is not commonly found here, but I've seen it on several occasions.

[tym2relax]

I believe the FDC 18 may be available only in limited markets. It's very popular here in South Florida. This may be a reason it's not prominent on the web site.

My experience in working with them on my tasting events is that they wish to promote their 18, and in this market, they're not promoting the 12 as much. The 21st Century special edition is not commonly found here, but I've seen it on several occasions.

Thanks Robert

[Lew Barrett]

My experience in working with them on my tasting events is that they wish to promote their 18, and in this market, they're not promoting the 12 as much. The 21st Century special edition is not commonly found here, but I've seen it on several occasions.

The only bottle of FDC I have is the 12, and I find it very sippable and enjoyable. I'm surprised they don't want to promote it. For whatever reason, possibly because Washington State had so much FDC on hand at the end of the year (at high prices and in fancy packs with glasses I didn't want to pay for), I had a prejudice against it. Fully explaining my view on that would be complicated, but in any case, if their other rums are mo betta, I think it's a brand I could become an advocate of very easily.

[Milicent]

I commend your willingness to give FDC a shot. Their 4 year olds are great mixers, the 7 year old Grand Reserve is an excellent mixer and solid sipper, and the 18 is subtle, refined, and superb. The fifteen has great packaging, presentation, and feel but I have a hard time putting out for it when the 12 and especially the 18 are available for much less.

[Lew Barrett]

Thank you Milicent. I'll pick up an 18 at my next opportunity to go with the 12.