FLOR DE CAÑA 12 & FLOR DE CAÑA TERRA
We haven’t had the chance to meet such interesting rums in a long time. Perhaps the impression is strengthened because this is our first review where we compare two rums from the same house, so it only shows us their quality, or is it a matter of “upbringing” that we mentioned at the beginning of the meeting with these two excellent gentlemen.
We believe that it is both, or as we mentioned before that the soil on which the sugarcane grows is also responsible for a good part of the quality. And now the time has come for our two gentlemen to see how they handle cocktails. Therefore, we have to call them gentlemen, because they no longer deserve the title of teenager. Moreover, the way they behave when paired with chocolate, espresso and cigars puts them in a very respectable place. Now we’re gonna see how they act in combination with one liquor from their house- Flor de Caña Spresso. Rum based coffee liqueur with dark intensive color and dark chocolate notes besides coffee aroma. Quite dry and not so sweet based on 7 years old Flor de Caña rum, this liqueur is surely a must have for every bar cabinet.
SPRESSO MARTINI & ESPRESSO TERRANI
Our journey begins with the Spresso Martini, a unique twist on the classic Espresso Martini. Instead of vodka, we used Flor de Caña Centenario 12 Years Old, adding a pinch of salt, a shot of Illy Nicaragua espresso, and three drops of bitter molasses. We garnished it with Nicaraguan chocolate and dried rose petals, enhancing its floral name.
The first sip already suggests a well-known sentence:
“Something to wake me up…“
And it wakes you up, it wakes up all your senses, while the rum’s smoothness together with its family liqueur, creates a harmonious blend with the coffee and chocolate notes. It’s a delightful combination, perfect as an after-meal treat that isn’t overly sweet.
Next, we experimented with Flor de Caña Terra in our Espresso Terrani. This variation features a double shot of espresso, walnut, and angostura bitters, along with the essential ingredients of Spresso Liqueur, salt, and a drop of sugar syrup. But we decided to make this version a little more special, so we didn’t serve it in a classic cocktail glass or as many call it a martini glass. Garnished with nutmeg and walnut, this cocktail stands out with its robust coffee and nutty flavors. The finish is smooth and satisfying, leaving you with a memorable experience.
T o sum up, the finish of the cocktail is something like the rest of the famous sentence. Only a little bit rearranged.
“Give me something to wake me up and never fck me up again.”- and that would be this cocktail- Espresso Terrani.
12 YEARS OLD FASHIONED & TERRA FASHIONED
Moving on to Old Fashioned variations, we paired the same bitters with the same rums, using a classic white sugar cube, a dash of angostura, and two dashes of the bitters. Here we have to say right at the beginning that the guys have fulfilled their mission again. Both Centenario 12 Years Old and Terra excel in these cocktails, showcasing their rich aromas and flavors. The bitters enhance their profiles, making each sip a delightful exploration of taste. Both of them are serious rums for rum Old Fashioned cocktails. Playing with bitters is just satisfying our inner needs and curiosity. With ice, sugar and splash of water they develop aromas, highlight some already known flavors, and with bitters they are just upgrading our wishes.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, both Centenario 12 Years Old and Terra are exceptional choices for rum enthusiasts. The Centenario 12 Years Old has a slightly wild character, while Terra exudes a touch more maturity. Both rums are versatile, pairing wonderfully with cigars, chocolate, and espresso. When used in cocktails, they elevate the experience, offering complexity and depth.
The main challenge lies in choosing between them. However, considering their affordability, you can enjoy both without breaking the bank. Our only regret is that this month had only five Sundays, limiting our opportunity to further explore these remarkable rums. Nonetheless, it’s clear that these rums consistently fulfill their promise of quality and enjoyment.
