FLOR DE CAÑA 12 & FLOR DE CAÑA TERRA
Who can resist a cup of coffee served with chocolate? Simply put – no one. This delightful combination transcends age and personal preferences, likely rooted deep in our genetic makeup. Especially if, like me, you grew up with coffee and chocolate as staples, sharing the same volcanic soil, Nicaraguan air, and other natural and geographical factors that create distinct rum notes, perfect espresso acidity, and the flowery notes of chocolate. According to our sources, all these products are certified sustainable, resulting in perfectly balanced pairings. Unfortunately we have to reveal the verdict at the start because our expectations were not high at the beginning.
At the beginning we were facing two relatively affordable rums, mass production rums with mass production chocolate and quite mass production espresso. So, how did they fare in the end?
CENTENARIO 12 YEARS OLD & illy NICARAGUA
On the nose is perfect harmony… Seems like the boys are ready to be men.
Matching illy espresso with Centenario 12 Year Old Rum reveals a delightful synergy. The balanced nut flavors of the espresso harmonize with the oak and roasted nut notes of the rum. Background hints of cacao emerge, suggesting a premium rum quality. Like it is trying to show us, I have that premium rum gene in me, just wait some time. Maybe 6 or 13 years… This combination offers an affordable yet premium rum pairing experience, perfect for those new to rum pairings.
TERRA & illy NICARAGUA
On the nose we have a more serious and silky feeling.
Pairing illy Nicaragua with Terra rum results in a silky, harmonious connection between the two. The hazelnut notes from both the rum and the coffee are pronounced, with the cacao notes standing out more confidently. The espresso’s acidity is well-integrated, adding to the maturity of this pairing. It’s a step up towards more sophisticated rum and coffee pairings.
RITTER SPORT NICARAGUA 61%
Only chocolate on the German market with 100% Nicaraguan cacao that you can buy in the supermarket.
Nicaraguan Chocolate and Nicaraguan rum… Name a better duo. Both of the rums fulfill their role as serious rums when we confront them with chocolate pairings. Centenario 12 Years Old reacts a little bit wild on the first bite of chocolate. Nothing serious but if we compare them with Terra it looks wild. The reason is that Terra combined it with more style. Once again the difference in aging is also noticeable here.
A COMMON THREAD: NUTTY FLAVORS
An interesting aspect of this Nicaraguan trio is their shared nutty flavor profile. For example, Ritter Sport combines it with flowery notes, while illy Nicaragua blends nutty aromas with cacao and vanilla. Additionally, both rums complement these flavors with their complex profiles, enhanced by their natural Nicaraguan maturation. Therefore, there’s something special about Nicaragua’s soil and air that calls for more sophisticated combinations and pairings. Perhaps, a pair of Nicaraguan cigars would be a fitting addition to this ensemble.
CONCLUSION
Our initial skepticism turned into pleasant surprise as we discovered that even relatively affordable, mass-produced products can deliver a premium experience when paired thoughtfully. So, the next time you seek to elevate your coffee, chocolate, or rum experience, consider exploring these Nicaraguan delights. They might just surprise you with their harmonious and complex flavors, inviting you to delve deeper into the world of pairings.
