Toronto Restaurants Ultimate Cocktail Guide - Flor de Caña Rum
🕒 2 min read
Just before Christmas, an exceedingly opulent rum was unveiled in front of a select crowd in a secluded space at a restaurant in Yorkville.
Flor de Caña, home to one of the largest aged rum reserves in the world - and one of the first global spirits to be Fair Trade certified and sustainably sourced - introduced V Generaciones.
Released just ahead of their 130th anniversary this year, the luxe spirit aged in a single barrel since 1988 by Nicaragua’s award-winning producer is only available in select markets worldwide in very limited supply.
Enriched by the tallest active volcano San Cristóbal, naturally aged without sugar, and distilled completely with renewable energy, this trailblazing distillery awarded Canada almost 50 bottles of their oldest release available for purchase.
Treat yo’ self
At a staggering $1,600 each, this deep amber tipple isn’t for everyone. Despite the steep price tag, the bottle detailing however, is next level: Thanks to deep angles, wide shoulders, and thick glass base, it looks more prestigious award than bar cart staple.
Embellished with signatures of five generations of family distillers, replica postage stamp depicting the historic Nicaragua volcano of 1902, and finished with a colossal piece of actual black volcanic rock on top, this major home bar upgrade deserves a place front and centre for all to see.
Whether you choose to display the accompanying certificate of authenticity and sleek black leather case, is up to you.
Priced for the rest of us
While an individually numbered bottle of V Generaciones will set you back almost $2K, there are more accessibly-priced selections. And almost as tantalizing, especially the 18 Year ($64.95), boasting enticing complexity and depth; intoxicating aromas of vanilla, oak, and butterscotch; and bold, yet delightfully smooth finish.
Each unadulterated selection - including younger expressions 12 Year ($41.95), 7 Year ($34.95) aged in Jack Daniels barrels, and 5 Year ($29.45) - boasts distinct flavour profiles (including butter, coffee, chocolate, spice, and brown sugar), so explore their diverse portfolio to discover what speaks to you – and your wallet.
Let it shine
Because there’s great complexity here, there’s no need to cloak it in a myriad of ingredients. The best way to enjoy it, especially for the older expressions, is simply - neat, on the rocks, or with a twist.
Should you wish to make a cocktail, this one is uncomplicated and allows the depth of the spirit to shine through.
Smoked Old Fashioned
Ingredients
1 ½ parts Flor de Caña 12 Year
4 dashes of Angostura Bitters
1 tbs of sugar
Splash of premium mineral water
Glassware
Old Fashioned Glass
Preparation
Smoke the glass with herbs and citrus skins, then add the ice cubes and pour the ingredients in the order indicated by the recipe. Decorate with orange peel and a red cherry.