The Cihuatan XO Xaman 16yo is a masterfully crafted molasses rum hailing from the picturesque Cihuatan Valley in El Salvador. Aged for a total of 16 years, this exquisite rum spends 15 years maturing in ex-bourbon American oak barrels before undergoing a unique one-year finishing process in locally sourced Ceiba Maya wood, also known as the cheese tree. This special finishing process imparts a smooth, complex, and well-rounded flavor profile, making it a truly distinctive spirit.
This rum is produced by Licorera Cihuatan, a reputable craft distillery founded in 2004 with a mission to create rums that symbolize the essence of El Salvador. The distillery meticulously oversees every step of the production process, from cultivating and harvesting their own molasses to the final blending, ensuring the highest quality in every bottle.
The Cihuatan XO Xaman is named in honor of Xaman, the Maya god of the North Star and protector of the Cihuatan Valley. The legend speaks of a sleeping woman in the nearby mountain who gazes upon the North Star, adding a touch of mystique to this exceptional rum.
Visually, the rum boasts a rich, dark color and provides a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. The aroma is an inviting blend of clove, pineapple, banana, dried fruit, and roasted almonds. On the palate, it's velvety and sweet, featuring flavors of toffee, vanilla, and pineapple, complemented by notes of caramel, chocolate, and lightly roasted wood.
The meticulous aging process in American oak ex-bourbon casks followed by a year in Mayan Ceiba casks results in a smooth, complex, and well-balanced rum with an ABV of 40%. This creates a round flavor profile with hints of melted cane sugar, orange peel, vanilla, caramel, molasses, and a subtle roastiness. Aeration further enhances the caramel, molasses, and oak characteristics, interspersed with softly spicy notes.
The Cihuatan XO Xaman 16yo is often likened to a little orange treat, with candied citrus peel coated in milk chocolate and a thin slice of caramel-encrusted oak. In summary, this rum is a unique and high-quality offering from El Salvador, with a smooth and complex flavor profile that is sure to delight any rum enthusiast. Its distinct aging process and connection to Mayan culture and legends promise a one-of-a-kind tasting experience.
The Cihuatan XO Xaman 16yo rum comes from the Cihuatan Valley in El Salvador.
Its uniqueness comes from the 16-year aging process, including 15 years in ex-bourbon American oak barrels followed by one year in Mayan Ceiba wood barrels, imparting distinctive flavors.
The alcohol by volume (ABV) of the Cihuatan XO Xaman 16yo rum is 40%.
This rum is produced by Licorera Cihuatan, a craft distillery in El Salvador founded in 2004.
The rum offers a complex blend of fruity, spicy, and sweet flavors, including notes of pineapple, banana, clove, vanilla, caramel, cocoa, and roasted wood.
While opinions vary, some reviewers feel that the price is a bit high for what it offers at 40% ABV, though many appreciate its unique and smooth flavor profile.
Overall, the Cihuatan XO Xaman 16yo rum receives mixed reviews. Many appreciate its smoothness and complex flavor profile, highlighting fruity, spicy, and sweet notes. However, some find it less impressive due to its price and 40% ABV, which leads to a shorter finish. Despite some critiques, it's recognized as a well-rounded, enjoyable rum, suitable for sipping and adding to any collection.
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