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Last week, we were invited to experience Flor de Cana’s vast range of premium rums as the brand hosted an outdoor party by the shipyards in North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Quay.

Douglas and I were greeted at the entrance with Macua Punch, a creation made with Flor de Cana 5, guava-, orange-, and lemon juices plus simple syrup.

To learn about the history of the award-winning Nicaraguan-based rum distillery, we were taken behind the scenes through their VR experience, immersed with a visit to underground barrels sealed with plantain leaves as we ran around the top of an active volcano where the distillery is located.

We discovered that the pride of Nicaragua, Flor de Cana rum, was first produced at the San Antonio sugar mill in Chichigalpa, Nicaragua in 1890. Back in the day, young rums were consumed to celebrate the sugarcane harvest while limited quantities of better tasting aged rums were reserved for and savoured by the mill’s proprietors.

As the preference for aged rum spread to the population at large, Compania Licorara de Nicaragua was founded in 1937 and the commercial production of those fine quality aged rums got underway.

Since its inception, Flor de Cana has stood for an unwavering commitment to creating high-quality rums, comprising expert craftsmanship, the finest ingredients and a unique slow-aging method.

Our bartender dipped his long ladle in to pour us a sample of full-bodied, 18-year-old rum from a barrel brought all the way from the Nicaragua distillery.

Throughout the night, cocktails featuring younger-aged Flor de Cana rum were flowing at the tiki bar.

[Strawberry Basil Mojito: Flor de Cana 4 rum, basil, strawberries, lemon juice, passion fruit juice, sugar, soda water]

[On the right: Hibiscus Tea: Flor de Cana 5, simple syrup, lemon juice, hibiscus tea]

[Left: The Old Fashioned: Flor de Cana 7, brown sugar, coffee bitters, freshly-peeled orange zest]

In between dancing and tastings, guests headed under the ice volcano to get smooth rum poured into their glasses.

To wrap up the night, we watched a pair of talented fire dancers dazzled guests.

A big thumbs-up to the event organizers for a fun, summery way to experience Flor De Cana rum for the first time on the West coast! Photos by Yumi Ang.

About Our Contributor Yumi Ang

Yumi Ang is a Vancouver-born and raised multidisciplinary, creative professional. Curiosity for innovation drives her to branding, advertising and marketing. Outside her design work, Yumi stays inspired by discovering the latest gift ideas through events and new adventures. On Twitter @yumi_ang.