Cihuatan 'Jade' Rum, El Salvador

Vanilla, fresh sugarcane, citrus peel, and gentle baking spice open with a soft, approachable richness. Cihuatán Jade is inspired by Ixchel, the Maya goddess closely associated with jade, fertility, love, and the moon, with the expression serving as a tribute to one of the most revered symbols of ancient Mesoamerican culture. Produced entirely in El Salvador from estate sugarcane and matured in ex-bourbon American oak barrels, it reflects Cihuatán's philosophy of weaving Salvadoran heritage, mythology, and modern rum making into every bottle.

Product Details:

• Producer: Licorera Cihuatán S.A. de C.V.
• Owner: Ingenio La Cabaña
• Master Blender: Gabriela Ayala
• Spirit Type: Molasses-based rum
• Base Ingredient: Sugarcane molasses
• Still Type: Continuous column still
• Maturation: Minimum 4 years in ex-bourbon American oak barrels
• ABV: 40%

Sensory Description:

The nose opens with vanilla bean, orange zest, fresh cane syrup, and light toasted coconut, supported by subtle oak spice. The palate is soft and rounded, carrying notes of caramel, honey, ripe tropical fruit, and delicate cinnamon with restrained oak influence. Gentle sweetness is balanced by bright citrus and mild spice, leading to a clean finish that retains freshness while showcasing the lighter, elegant style characteristic of Salvadoran rum.

Producer’s Background:

Licorera Cihuatán was established in 2004 as the spirits division of Ingenio La Cabaña, one of El Salvador's longest-established sugar producers, becoming the country's first and only dedicated rum distillery. Unlike many rum producers that source molasses externally, Cihuatán oversees production from its own sugar operation through fermentation, distillation, maturation, blending, and bottling. The distillery takes its name from the nearby archaeological site of Cihuatán, an important Postclassic Maya city whose Nahuat name is commonly translated as "the land beside the sleeping woman," inspired by the profile of Guazapa Mountain overlooking the valley. Every permanent expression draws upon Maya legends, with Jade honoring Ixchel, whose connection to jade symbolizes beauty, life, femininity, and renewal. Under Master Blender Gabriela Ayala, the house has developed a distinctive identity that combines Salvadoran agricultural heritage with storytelling rooted in the country's ancient civilizations.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius in a Glencairn or small tulip-shaped rum glass to highlight its delicate aromatics and layered sweetness. Enjoy neat, over a single large cube, or in refreshing cocktails such as a Daiquiri, El Presidente, or Rum Highball. Pair with grilled pineapple, roasted nuts, milk chocolate, tropical fruit desserts, or mild aged cheeses.