Flor de Caña is one of Central America's most respected rums, produced at the Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua in Chichigalpa, about two hours northwest of Managua. The distillery has been operating since 1890 and produces a range of aged rums — from the four-year blanco to the 25-year Gran Reserva — that compete seriously with Caribbean rums for international awards.
In Managua, Flor de Caña is everywhere: every bar stocks it, usually in several ages, and the standard order is ron con gaseosa (rum with a soft drink mixer) or ron puro on the rocks. The 7-year and 12-year expressions are particularly good values. If you are interested in visiting the distillery, day tours from Managua can be arranged through tour operators; the factory town of Chichigalpa is a good combined trip with a visit to León. Bring a bottle of 18-year añejo home — it is excellent and costs a fraction of what comparable aged rum sells for internationally.