This is a single cask rum from Cihuatán Distillery in El Salvador, bottled by House of Rum in 2023 at 61.7% ABV with no reduction. The cask yielded 229 bottles. The producer states that it contains no added flavours or sugar.
 
Maturation took place in two stages and on two continents. The rum spent six years in American oak casks in El Salvador’s warm climate, then a further seven years in ex-Scotch whisky casks in the UK. A shift from tropical to cooler conditions, and from fresh American oak to casks that previously held whisky, is likely to have shaped the rum in different ways at each stage, though the source doesn’t say how. The producer credits master blender Gabriela Ayala with its creation.
 
The nose is mocha coffee, coconut and cocoa. The palate brings rich butterscotch and toasted nuts, with a crisp hint of green apple. At 61.7%, a few drops of water may help it open up, and it’s worth trying it both ways.
 
House of Rum was named Independent Bottler of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge 2026. That award recognises the bottler rather than this particular rum.
 
Tasting Notes
 
Nose: Mocha coffee, coconut, cocoa
Palate: Rich butterscotch, toasted nuts, a crisp hint of green apple
Finish: Not described in the source