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Liquor Review: Flor de Caña Extra Dry

Published on September 27th, 2007 in Rum by Wade

Flor de Caña Extra Dry Rum is just the like the little brother of the popular kid at school. Meaning there isn’t much that Flor de Caña Extra Dry can do that the Flor de Caña Gold doesn’t do better. And just like the wannabe little brother, it will never quite live up to the glory of the cooler sibling. Well, not before taking five shots of it at least. Then again, everything is good after the fifth one (excluding children).

Flor de Caña Extra Dry comes with a strong 80-proof bit of charm. And it is the only white rum on the market that is slow-aged four years. It is dry, crystal clear, and light bodied, making it great for mixing. And for $19, it’s a gift, but if you are already going to buy a Flor de Caña brand of rum, go ahead and get the Gold for the same price. Let me tell you why.

For sipping rum, Extra Dry isn’t the worst thing ever, but it’s far from the best. It actually tastes a little cheap. I know it’s 80-proof but it just seems like something is wrong with its stand-alone flavor. Unlike the gold that gives a happy feeling after drinking, Extra Dry just makes you feel okay. It’s not bad; it’s just very blah. It goes down smooth without much burn, and that’s a good thing. In most cases, burning is a bad thing (excluding children). Extra Dry tastes like the folks at Flor de Caña did just enough to make it a basic, ” just good enough” rum.

As for mixing, just like most clear liquors, it works great. But yet again, it still did not bring anything special to the table. On the same note though, it did not take anything away. It only adds a hint of rum flavor to whatever you pair it with. It wasn’t overwhelming, but it wasn’t so light that I couldn’t taste its rummy-goodness. Extra Dry just seems to mix right into the party without anyone being the wiser. Maybe the people at Flor de Caña just wanted a clear counterpart to their delicious dark rum. And it looks like they figured even an all ‘C’ student is still passing the class. Well, it’s not all ‘C’s. Extra Dry earned some extra bonus points in the “get me drunk” class and pulled off a ‘B+’. Making that sweet buzz is what this little guy must have turned in for his science project. Flor de Caña Extra Dry does get you drunk and it does it well. Besides, let’s be honest, that’s the part that matters more than anything else.

If you want decent rum for mixing or a clear rum that doesn’t bring anything special, try Flor de Caña Extra Dry. It won’t let you down, but also won’t necessarily make you smile. Well, maybe after you have a few it will. But if you’re out for a more flavorful taste, then try the far more talented golden brother. Or hell, splurge a little and get both. They are only $19 apiece. Things that are cheap and tasty are always good (including children).

Also check out our review of Flor de Caña Gold.

Sipability – 5.0

Mixability – 6.0

Drunkability – 7.0

Hangover-ability – 5.5

Bang for the Buck – 9.0

Overall – 6.0