Guatemala Travel | Rum Flor de Caña VS Zacapa
There’s a Central American war going on between Guatemala and Nicaragua and it’s over “bragging rights” concerning the best rum in the world – is it Guatemala’s famous Zacapa Rum or Nicaragua’s Flor de Caña 21?
Being more a vodka drinker myself, I suspect it’s best that I just “play Switzerland” in this “Rum War,” but for those of you who are Rum Aficionados here are some interesting facts and opinions that may help you decide which rum deserves the title of “World’s Best.”
Flor de Caña 21 dates back to 1890 and the San Antonio Sugar Mill in Chichigalpa, Nicaragua. Today the 5th generation of the Pellas family continues the traditions of their ancestors by creating a rum famous for its flavorful natural ingredients and unique slow-aging process.
Zacapa has its roots in the eastern Guatemalan town of Zacapa, founded in 1876. The company’s most famous rum – Ron Zacapa Centenario 23-year-old – was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the town of Zacapa in 1976. This rum is unique for its use of “virgin” sugar cane honey (most rums use molasses) in its creation and also for its “high altitude” aging process.
Both of these rums have ardent fans and supporters and both are indeed exceptional brands but – as the comments below reveal – sometimes it is just a matter of taste… the tastes of the rum AND the tastes of the drinker…
“We liked it quite a lot (Flor de Caña 21), though… a single bottle of the Flor De Cana 21 ($75) would buy two bottles of Ron Zacapa 23.”
“I sipped the Flor de Caña 21 slowly, enjoying it, letting it melt in my mouth and all the way down. I was surprised by its small burn… it’s a very small sensation of a burn, but I always expect more smoothness for a premium rum. Still, it was darn tasty…”
“I admit that the Ron Z 23 is my favorite rum, easily, no challenge…”
“This rum (Flor de Caña 21) is a dark gold, almost copper color. It smells a bit sweet, but with a balance of darker smells and a bit of spice and barrel. As I sip, the sweetness is not as apparent as in the smell, but the spiciness and dark fruits achieve some balance and then go far beyond. Several tastes mingle, and then a rush of spiciness hits, leaving the mouth tingling quite pleasantly”
“Zacapa is the best rum I know to drink straight. Flor de Caña has a fabulous taste too, but it’s not quite the same category. It is, however, the best rum I know to mix with… mixing Zacapa would be nothing short of waste.
For an exclusive tour of Zacapa Rums’ Distillery – or to learn more about the enchanting country of Guatemala – visit my website at George’s Travel Club / Guatemala Travel Packages or write me at George@Georges-TravelClub.com.
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