Objective Notes
Very Smooth (on the RnD scale of Harsh-Smooth-Very Smooth-Extremely Smooth)

Quite a step up in smoothness from their excellent 12 year old aged rum. Medium amber color. Respectfully sweet, brown sugary, light paraffin; all in very appealing harmony on the nose, with alcohol well integrated and no harsh nasal rush. The taste is noble, with a distinct dryness and favors of light chocolate, caramel, charred oak and a delicate but deeply delicious earthiness. The finish is dry, with hints of maple, and a bit of smokiness in the throat.

Anecdotal Notes
I had been wanting to try Flor de Caña's 18 year old rum ever since I tasted their impressive Centenario 12 year old, but always opted to purchase another rum instead. Finally, Roger gave me bottle over the holidays. (Thanks R, or were you just trying to stop me from whining?) As you might expect to find in a rum that is aged half again as long as one of its distillers already superior rums – meaning Flor de Caña's Centenario 12 year old – the 18 year old is simply that much better. Smoother, more refined, the older rum's flavors are softer but more complex, refined, distinct, and pure.

Taster’s Opinion
One of the older rums available in the US, and worth looking for. Slow aging in oak barrels brings out the best in this rum made from pure sugar cane juice. Priced below $50, this great tasting rum also represents a great value. Flor de Caña Centenario Gold is complex, balanced and subtle, from sniffing to sipping to finish; each stage exhibits different facets of a fine rum aged 18 years. This is one beautiful old rum, easy and rewarding to sip neat.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Dave - 9 Flasks

Most recently reviewed by: Dave in January, 2007 at RnD's south tasting room in USA