Cihuatán Rum – ‘Rum of Mayan Gods’ now available in the UK
New in the UK, Cihuatán Rum from El Salvador marries the age old craft of Rum distilling with an innovative forward thinking approach inspired by their Mayan forbears, to create an exciting collection of cask aged Rums.
Established in 2004, Licorera Cihuatán is the first and only Rum distillery in El Salvador. As a division of sugar mill Ingenio La Cabaña, which has over 100 years experience in the mastering of sugarcane, Cihuatán Rum’s master distiller and blender Gabriela Ayla is able to oversee the entire production process, from sugarcane seed selection to bottling. With a patient parent company, Cihuatán has also enjoyed the luxury of time to focus on craft aged rums. All Cihuatán rums are matured for at least eight years.
Drawing inspiration from the Mayan people, who were insatiably curious, the distillery has combined the traditions of rum distilling with an innovative approach, the results of which are the production of exceptional rums. Indicative of their approach is Cihuatán Xaman XO, the distillery’s oldest release and uniquely finished in specially commissioned Mayan Ceiba casks. Recent awards include Double Gold in the 2020 Fifty Best for Cihuatán Indigo 8 Years Old.
Cihuatán Rum is located in the Cihuatán valley, El Salvador. “Cihuatán” is a nahuat word which means “next to the woman”. When viewed from the valley, the profile of the nearby mountains resemble the silhouette of a woman’s face. Legend suggests that many centuries ago, a Mayan goddess visited the valley and filled it with fertile soils and riches, so that the ancient Maya could build their city. This goddess would intercede on behalf of the people of Cihuatán to grant them favors. Cihuatán Rum is named after this goddess, and Cihuatán’s vibrant and colourful label design brings Mayan legends to life. Recently relaunched, Cihuatán’s new presentation won Double Gold in the 2020 International Spirits Challenge.
Highfern Ltd, Cihuatán’s UK importer, now offer four expressions of Cihuatán Rum:
Indigo 8 Years Old 40%
Crafted as a homage to Tlaloc, the Mayan God of rain. Blue, the colour of Tlaloc, was produced by the Mayan people from the Indigo flower.
Indigo has been matured for 8 years in former bourbon barrels and delivers hints of vanilla, cappuccino, dark chocolate, lemongrass and hazelnut.
Cinabrio 12 Years Old 40%
Crafted as a homage to Kinich Ahau, Mayan God of the sun, whose sacred colour is red. The Mayan people used the mineral Cinabrio to make red dye.
Cinabrio has been matured for 12 years in former bourbon barrels and delivers plum, caramelised orange peel, pistashio and toasted oak on the taste.
Sahumerio 45.2%
Cihuatán Sahumerio is the distillery’s 2020 limited edition rum crafted as a celebration of love. A “Sahumerio” is an incense burner, in which the Mayan would burn treats for Chantico, the Mayan Goddess of love.
Inspired by the Mayan sahumerio rituals, Cihuatán’s master blender Gabriela Ayala has carefully blended 12 to 14 years old light and heavy rums to create Sahumerio, with a flavour profile that includes incense, honey, cacao butter, dried apricots and dried myrtle, to replicate the gifts the Maya would burn to celebrate love.
Xaman XO 40%
Named after Xaman, Mayan God of the North Star, the protector of Cihuatán valley. Xaman was believed to rest on sacred Ceiba trees, the Mayan tree of life.
Initially matured for 15 years in former bourbon barrels, Xaman XO is then finished for one year in specially created Mayan Ceiba barrels. This delivers a unique flavour profile of panela glazed bacon, clove, balsamic toast, leather, prunes and grilled pineapple.
Commenting on the release, Robert Ransom from Highfern Ltd said, ‘Cihuatán oozes provenance, is presented in exceptional packaging which celebrates the Maya’s rich history, and above all else, tastes wonderful. We look forward to introducing Cihuatán to British rum lovers’.
Amongst others Cihuatán Rum is available from Drinkfinder, Master of Malt and Shop4Whisky, with prices starting from GBP 39.99 for Cihuatán Indigo.
