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.
I need to do a tasting comparing the 7, 12, 15 and 18. As soon as I have the time!

[Edward Hamilton]

Originally Posted by 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.

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?

[Edward Hamilton]

This Centenario 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]

Originally Posted by Edward Hamilton

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.