Bahama Bob's Rumstyles

When I Think About Rum, I Think About Barbados.

2012-02-29T06:02:00.000-08:00

Having visited many of the rum producing countries, I find it funny that my mind keeps coming back to Barbados. I think that it is because this little island has four rum distilleries and the relaxing draw of the quaint rum shops. I was last in Barbados in November of last year and I had the pleasure of having a fine man named Hugh to take us around his island and introduce me to some of the finest rum shops and sights on the island. The day was spent traveling across and up and down the island stopping at small town rum shops , historic sugar mills, beaches, and two distilleries.

The first stop was at the Foursquare Distillery, where we met with Richard Seal and his family for a tour of the facility and some tasting of some the finest rums on the island. Heritage park at the distillery and the rum shop give you a glimpse of what rum production was like in the earlier days at the distillery. Today some of the most innovative methods in the industry are used to keep energy costs down and enhance the fine flavor of the rums. The time it takes to go through this facility is worth every minute.

Next on the agenda, as it were was the St. Nicolas Abbey, a 1650's era sugar plantation that has been meticulously restored by Larry Warren and his family. The restoration of the house and the grounds is mostly complete, but there is still work being done on the cane crusher windmill and some of the other areas. The distillery is in full operation and they are producing some very fine rums there right now.

Now it is time for us to head the bus back to the south and visit the last of the operational windmills on the island at the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill. This is one of the most magnificent windmill that I have ever seen and well worth the time it takes to go by and see. Then it is down the road again and heading for the coastline and some of the historic Rum Shops of Barbados.

The Rum Shop is the somewhat equivalent of what we call a private club in some of the southern states here in America. You buy a bottle of Rum, choose your mix, and they give you a glass with a bowl of ice and you mix you cocktail at the table and enjoy. Many of these places started out as the front porch of someones home where they were able to sell rum to their neighbors and people could gather to have conversations and a little bit of rum. Later some of them have expanded into full fledged restaurants and cocktail lounges. It is the slap of the dominoes and the excitement of a cricket match on the TV as the locals carry on conversations and closely scan all of us tourists as we try to figure out how this rum shop idea is suppose to be done. All in all, this is a great idea and I wish that we could do something like it here in this country. It won't happen, Uncle Sam would loose control of the liquor sales and the loss of all that tax revenue.

Some of the nice rum shops we got to visit were John Moore Bar and the Fisherman's Pub both North of Bridgetown. Both of these are larger establishments, but still carry all the characteristics of the "front porch" rum shops we saw on our way down the hell from the abbey.

After visiting 10 or so rum shops on our return to Bridgetown, we felt the need to walk off some of the "Old Brigand Rum". A walk on the beach was in order and another of the treasures of Barbados is set in front of us. The beaches are absolutely breath taking and with their soft sands you can just walk out there and listen to the surf as it rolls up on the beach. This was the perfect end to our 6 or 7 hour tour of Barbados and it could now have been a better day. ;o)

Marie Brizard's Chocolat Royal Liqueur in the Rum Lab

2012-02-28T06:18:00.001-08:00

Marie Brizard's Chocolat Royal performed very well in yesterday's Rum Lab. The thick viscous nature of the spirit makes for a great addition to the shelves of the Rum Lab. This liqueur is not sweet like so many other chocolate liqueurs, it is more of a semi-sweet very chocolaty flavor. The first mistake was using too much of the product most of the time about 3/4 oz. is plenty. Chocolat Royal is only a small part of a huge line of liqueurs that are produced by Marie Brizard. The company was founded in 1755 and is based in Bordeaux, France. Marie Brizard is one of the most famous houses that produce fine liqueurs in the world. It has been at the top of national and international cocktail championships for many years.

Marie Brizard Chocolate Royal worked well in cocktails, aperitifs and frozen drinks. It is very versatile and mixes well with every other liquor and mix that we tried it with. We also found that it is great for chocolate martinis.

Bahama Bob's Espresso

1 oz. Rum and Cream
1 oz. Brinley Gold Coffee Rum
1 oz. Marie Brizard Chocolat Royal
1 oz. Amaretto
2 oz. Half & Half

Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Pour into a Collins glass and garnish with shaved hard chocolate.

Chocolat Cinnamon Shot

1/2 oz. White Rum
1/2 oz. Cinnamon Schnapps
1/4 oz. Dry Vermouth
1/4 oz. Marie Brizard Chocolat Royal

Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass.

Bahama Bob's Chocolate Frosty

1 1/2 oz. Brinley Gold Vanilla Rum
1 1/2 oz. Marie Brizard Chocolat Royal
3/4 oz. Amaretto

Place all ingredients in a blender with ice and blend until silky smooth. Pour into a pint glass and garnish with fresh ground nutmeg, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.

You will find that this is a very rich and really unique liqueur that you can over use if you are not careful, in other words, use it sparingly. You can always add some more to the cocktail, but it is hard to reduce it. ;o)

Welcome to My Monday

2012-02-27T07:08:00.000-08:00

Today is going to be an interesting one, we are opening up the Rum Lab again and this time experimenting with a new to us Marie Brizard's Chocolat Royal Liqueur. This is different from other chocolate liqueurs that we have used in the lab in that it is thick like chocolate syrup. I'm looking forward to put this one through it paces, even though it isn't a rum, it will spend a lot of time with rums this afternoon.

Gayle Marshall Seale and her friend Kimberly Rich Lupkin stopped by the Rum Bar on Saturday and Sunday for a few cocktails and some "Southernmost" Key West fun. As usual, it was great to see them again. Thanks to Gayle for the nice Doorly's and Foursquare Rums she brought from Barbados . Looking forward to seeing here and hopefully her husband Richard Seale at the Miami Rum Renaissance, April 16th through the 23rd at the Deauville Beach Resort.

I'll fill you in on the Rum Lab and have a few of the recipes that worked in tomorrow's blog. Can't wait to see what we come up with, I know this is going to produce a number of those chocolaty cocktails that so many people love. ;o)

Sea and Land at Peace with Each Other

2012-02-26T04:11:00.001-08:00

It's when the sea and the land can get together peacefully that things begin to happen in a beautiful way, and all is preserved. ;o)

Brinley's Gold Rums: Gold from St. Kitts

2012-02-25T05:50:00.000-08:00

     In the center of the Eastern Caribbean, lies the very special little island of St. Kitts, home to Brinley Gold Rums.     Originally the Brinley family was in the temperature sensor business in Fairfield. New Jersey, but coming to the conclusion that they could be more competitive by relocation to St. Kitts.    In the mid 90's, they were the biggest employer in St. Kitts, but introduction of the Far Eastern companies into the market and he lost his competitive edge and closed the factory.    The family really loved the island and they had this big factory building that was doing nothing at the time.     They decided to try their hand at the flavored rum business.

     Originally they approached Cane Spirit Rotheschild also known as CSR to provide the rum, and a french blender named Michelle, and they were ready to start making "the best tasting flavored rums in the world".     They won their first competition at the St. Johns International Rum Festival in Newfoundland, Canada.    25 years Later, they are still trying to get the right distribution for their rums and keep the spirit growing here in America.

     Today they are getting their rum from Demerera in Guyana, their vanilla from Madascar, Mangos and coffee from Brasil, limes from Tahiti, and coconuts from all over the tropics.    Michelle is still the master blender and they are proud of their special rums that can be sipped or mixed.

     We have the entire line of Brinley Rums at the the Rum Bar in Key West and they are used in a number of fine cocktails that we sell regularly.

Bahama Bob's Expresso

1 1/2 oz. Brinley Gold Coffee Rum
1/2 oz. Marie Brizard's Chocolat Royal Liqueur
1 oz. Amaretto
1 oz. Half and Half

Place all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake until chilled and pour into a collins glass.
Garnish with fresh ground hard chocolate and nutmeg.

This is only one of many uses for these very flavorful rums that rose from the demise of the temperature sensor factory in St. Kitts. They seem to be available in 25 or more states these days, and well worth the effort to find them. ;o)

The Sea and Her Perils

2012-02-24T05:56:00.000-08:00

The ocean is one of the most powerful forces on the planet, and something that people and things seem to take for granted. Her power is is unlimited and when she is mad, she can wipe out a whole city or island as she did along the Asia Rim. If you want to ride on her, you have to respect her, and use her forces to your advantage. Do not not try to fight against her, you will lose.

There a wrecks and other signs of those who tried to resist her forces and lost scattered all over this area. You can find old chugs, debris of sunken ships and even the land and it's trees can't stand up to her mighty forces. When she is calm and serene, she is a real lady and a lot of fun to dance with, but if she gets stirred up, my friend you better be on your toes or she will dump you hard.

You have to love her and treat her right, or just stay away. When she is mad, you must do what ever it takes if you want to survive your ride. To become an "old man of the sea", you have to out smart her or you better learn how to ride her, either way you can never lose your respect for her or let your guard down for a minute. She will come right back and bite you from behind given half a chance.

The lady has drawn me to her edge and beyond since I was a kid surfing her waves on the West Coast. Today where I ride her tides in bigger and smaller crafts in the Florida Keys and the Caribbean. She has been good to me, but I watch her all the time. I know when to say when and return to the dock to enjoy a seat on the aft deck with a glass of fine rum and just watch her until she calms back down again. She is a great mistress, but like all mistresses, you have to pay her the attention she is due. ;o)

The Caribbean Kiss, Revived by "The Rum Diary"

2012-02-23T06:27:00.000-08:00

Like many other things in this world, cocktails are sometimes brought back to life by movies and songs. A few years back, Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffet teamed up on a song call "5 O'clock Somewhere" and the Hurricane was drawn from obscurity back to the forefront. Today a 1994 Trois Rivieres After Dinner Cocktail Winner, "Caribbean Kiss" is revived by the movie "The Rum Diary".
This Johnny Depp film is poised to be a classic, like the other Depp movies with rum loving characters.

Researching this cocktail like so many others, there doesn't seem to be much information on the origin. There is some reference to it being a Caribbean version of the classic cocktail "Goodnight Kiss", that is a Champagne, bitters and Campari cocktail. The "Caribbean Kiss" is a rum, amaretto, and a variety of other ingredients that vary with the version of the recipe that you happen to pick up.

Here are a few of the recipes:

Caribbean Kiss #1

3/4 oz. Dark Rum
1/4 oz. Amaretto
1/4 oz. Kahlua
3/4 oz. Cream
Dash of Cinnamon

Place all ingredients except the Cinnamon in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled, strain into a fluted martini glass with the rim coated with brown sugar. Garnish with cinnamon.

Brugal Caribbean Kiss #2

1 1/2oz. Brugal Anejo Rum
1/2 oz. Amaretto
1/2 oz. Simple Sugar Syrup
1 oz. Pineapple Juice

Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a Martini Glass and garnish with a Maraschino Cherry.

Bahama Bob's Caribbean Kiss

1 oz. Plantation 5 Year Barbados Rum
1 oz. Brinley's Gold Coffee Rum
1/2 oz. Amaretto
1/4 oz. Cane Syrup
1 oz. Half and Half
1 or 2 Drops of Marie Brizard Chocolate Royal Liqueur

Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a Martini Glass and garnish with an orange zest and a cherry.

All of these recipes are very good and the version you chosse should reflect your palate. Enjoy this derivitive of the classic old cocktail. 'o)

Rum and My World

2012-02-22T06:21:00.000-08:00

What is with this thing we call rum, that we spend so much time talking about, drinking, and analysing? Rum is one of the most versatile spirits out there for our enjoyment. The best thing about rum there are no two that are the same or even resemble each other. Personality plus that is the best way that I can think to describe rum to a customer at the bar. I try to find what they like and where they like in the world and then put the rum in their glass that will take them there.

It is nothing but fun, because not only do all of these rum have personalities of their own, but they also come from all corners of the world as well. The rum's home takes you to a place that only you can imagine, as you sit on the back porch sipping a fine rum or just having a tropical cocktail. This is the magical mystery that only rum can provide.

For all of us pirates and smugglers of the Conch Republic it is a way of life that we once only dreamed about, that today we are really living. Back in the days in the Carolina's, I turned my basement into my Tiki Bar where I could escape to the tropics at any time I wanted to. It was the rum that determined the location to where my mind went. It is a great place to be, and even now I can travel to a rum shop in Barbados, or a beach bar of the Virgin Islands just by breaking out a different rum and sit on the my back deck and turn it into a vacation. Take some time soon to visit your favorite place and never leave your yard. It is always a relaxing and enjoyable experience. ;o)

Great Birthday Cruise: Sun and Fun for All.

2012-02-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday started out with some clouds and a pretty stiff breeze out of the Northeast, but by the afternoon, the day turned out beautifully sunny, warm and only a light breeze. Initially we were headed to Snipes Key, but upon arrival the Northeastern wind which was blowing straight on the the beach was creating a pretty high surf condition and not one that we could securely anchor the boat in.

Undaunted, we charged straight back into the surf and headed back to the Mud Keys and a protected beach that I knew there. After a 20 or so minute cruise back, we surfed the pontoon across the small reef there and through the little channel to the beach. We dropped the anchor and proceeded to unload and get the party underway. The sun had come out by now, but the breeze continued for an hour or so more, but we didn't care the party was under way.

The party went on all afternoon, and a great time of fun and a bit of spiritual influence, made for a great day on the water and beach, when one of our party emerged from a trail back into the mangroves with the news that some previous visitors had left enough beer bottles and trash to fill a dumpster. This was a very disturbing thing for all of us that use the beaches and small keys down here. The group grabbed garbage bags and proceeded down the trail and removed 6 55 gallon garbage bags from the mangroves just in this one small key.

This is a very disgraceful badge for the visitors to this pristine and beautiful area to have to wear. It is my and the rest of the people that I hang with that if you can carry the bottles and cans out to the beach full of beer and other stuff, you can carry your trash back home with you. This is totally not cool!!! It is our contention that you need to leave the beach and the uninhabited areas cleaner than when you arrived. I do like to feel the sand between my toes and not have to worry about having my feet cut by broken glass.

It was a great celebration of Leanne's birthday and a really fun and fulfilling day for all or our party barge crew. Happy Birthday Leanne and lets look forward to your next one on hopefully a clean Mud Key beach. ;o)

Another Birthday Cruise Today, This Time to Snipes Key

2012-02-20T04:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday
Leanne

Today is Leanne's Birthday and we are off to Snipes for a day on the beach and sand bar at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. It is back in the pontoon party barge for Leanne and a bunch of her friends and off the the sandy bar and beach. Today promises another day of fun and frolic for all of us out at the edge of the gulf.

Full story and pictures tomorrow. Until then it is off the the marina and get the party barge loaded with food and refreshment for a fun day on the water. ;o)

2012-02-19T04:35:00.000-08:00

May your day be getting better as my barometer indicates for me today. ;o)

What a Beautiful Saturday in Key West

2012-02-18T05:28:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining and the sky is as blue as the ocean. Today the internet service is driving me to a good bottle of rum, but work beckons. Here is a picture to brighten up all of our days. I guess that with a little patience and perseverance a blog can still be accomplished even on the worst of internet days. Enjoy your day as I intend to mine. ;o)

The Mai Tai: The Mystery Cocktail of the Tiki Era

2012-02-17T06:03:00.000-08:00

    The Mai Tai is one of the cocktails that dominated the Tiki Era of the 40's through the 80's.     The real question is the origin of the cocktail.    Some say it was the creation of "Don the Beachcomber" Beach and others claim it was "Trader Vic" Bergeron.    Both sides have their stories, all of which are very interesting.   The real good news is we still have this fabulous little cocktail around today, although there are as many versions of the cocktail as there are stories of it's origin.

     To make your own decision as to who really created the Mai Tai, you have to hear both sides of the story.     Don the Beachcomber opened his first restaurant in Hollywood, California in 1933.   He decorated the place with treasures he had collected during his travels of the South Pacific.     Don's version of the Mai Tai first appeared with the opening of his Waikiki restaurant in 1947.   His version was a mixture of Cuban Rum, Cointreau, Pernod, Angostura Bitters, Fresh Lie Juice, and Grapefruit Juice.

     Trader Vic opened a restaurant in the early 1930's called Hinky Dinks, It sported an Eskimo theme. The story is that Victor Bergeron had been to Hollywood in 1934 and seen Don the Beachcombers Restaurant.    It has been said that he went home and changed Hinky Dinks to the Trade Vic theme.     He claims that he invented the Mai Tai at the service bar at the Oakland Trade Vic's.   He and the bartender talked about creating a new drink using nothing but the finest ingredients and the Mai Tai was the result.    There are several other stories about how some Tahitian friends were visiting and after tasting the cocktail, afterwards Carrie Guild expressed the words "Maita'i roa ae", Literally meaning very good.     "Maita'i" is a Tahitian word that means good.

      Like I say the mystery will be argued for many years to come, but the real story is that just as mysterious as the origin is the real recipe for the Mai Tai.    Based upon the classic Daiquiri, with the addition of orange and almond flavors fit perfectly into the Tiki cocktails that were sweeping the country in the 40's.

Trader Vic's Original Mai Tai - 1944

2 oz. Wray & Nephew Rum (17 Year Old)
Juice from 1 Lime
1/2 oz. Dekuyper Orange Curacao
1/4 oz. Trader Vic's Rock Candy Syrup (Simple Sugar Syrup)
1/2 oz. French Garnier Orgeat Syrup

Shake vigorously and serve in a rocks glass with a sprig of mint.

Don the Beach Comber's Mai Tai

1 oz. Dark Rum
1 1/2 oz. Golden Rum
1/2 oz. Cointreau
1/4 oz. Falernum
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
1 dash of Pernod (Anisette flavor)
3/4 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
1 oz. Grapefruit Juice
1 oz. Simple Sugar Syrup
2 oz. Water

Shake all ingredients in a shaker fill with ice, strain into a tall highball glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with fruits and serve with a straw.

Bahama Bob's Mai Tai

1 oz. El Dorado Rum (15 Year Old)
1 oz. Matusalem Platino Rum
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
1/2 oz. Falernum
1/2 oz. Cane Syrup
1/2 oz. Orgeat Syrup

Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice and Strain into a Highball glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with a lime and orange wheel.

There are as many versions of the Mai Tai as there are people that make this cocktail. I have one of my own, that is some where between the two, but this makes my point even clearer that both of these men invented very fine cocktails that I think got to share the same name. I almost think that they named it the same to create more controversy between them and controversy keeps the names in the forefront and people walking through the front door of both of their restaurants. You make your own decision. ;o)

Things are Heating Up in Key West

2012-02-16T05:41:00.000-08:00

The season is just getting under way and things are really starting to heat up here in Key West. Spring Break is just around the corner, and the weather is finally statring to chill up North. Sure signs that the party is moving to Key West very soon. It has been a late season start this year because of the warm weather across the northern tier of the United States. For those of us that make our livings in the service industry this is a great thing, we love to see all of the people arrinving and having so much fun down here in Key West.

     Spring Break is the first major event of the season and it draws literally thousands of student to the Keys to party and take a break from the stress of school and studying.    I always enjoyed spring break back when I was in college as do the students of today.   I still look forward to seeing them arrive down here in Key West and seeing them having so much fun.   I find it to be a lot of fun for me as well, as they party and stop by the bar for cocktails, and just being around as they party with all of their youthful energy.

     No matter when you think you need to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city, kick back and enjoy the sound of the warm down hear is fun loving and friendly Key West.   Stop on by and say hey, you may never want to leave once you get here.    ;o)

Drinking Responsibly: It's No Accident.

2012-02-15T05:03:00.000-08:00

The enjoyment of great cocktails requires great planning and understanding of what is happening to you and your body as you consume alcohol. Having just completed an Alcohol Server's course, it has reminded me of a number of things that need to be addressed before you start out on a night of drinking.

Bacardi has hired Rafael Nadal, 10 time tennis champion to head up their "The Champion's Way" responsible drinking program. There are 4 steps to the program, Plan, Take your Time, Be there for Friends, and Get Home Safely. The plan is a simple assessment of what you are going to do tonight, where you are going to eat, drink, and how you are going to get back home. Once at the cocktail lounge or where you are drinking, take your time. Your body can absorb alcohol into your blood stream very rapidly, but your liver only dispels it at a rate of 1 ounce per hour. Take your time and enjoy the cocktail by sipping, not gulping down. Be there for your friends, make sure no one is left behind. If you are moving from club to club, make sure all of you are in a condition to continue drinking. Finally make sure every on gets home safely, even if it means leaving the car there and taking a taxi or public transportation home.

This is an important program and I'm glad to see many of the spirits manufacturers taking this issue very serious along with the owners of bars and restaurants. I'm proud to have received the certification of completion for the "TIPS" program for responsible alcohol serving. ;o)

Happy Valentine's Day to All

2012-02-14T07:19:00.000-08:00

This is one of those silly little holidays that means so much to so many. While not really a holiday, it has a strong market value and a time when the little gift is as important as the big one. I guess that I find Valentine's Day to be a warm and fuzzy day when hugs and kisses are the real commodity, not how much money that you have spent. It is the fact that you remembered that is the thing of real importance.

Make sure that today you take the time to wish all of your friends a very happy Valentine's Day and be sure tot remember the day to your very special one in your life. It is an important gesture and one where a little goes a long way. Enjoy this special day with your Valentine. ;o)

Bahama Bob's Valentine Daiquiri

2012-02-13T05:58:00.000-08:00

Trying to create a warm romantic Valentines Day atmosphere for the evening? This might be a help for your romantic cocktail.

Bahama Bob's Valentine Daiquiri

1 1/2 oz. Matusalem Platino or other quality white rum
1/2 oz. Pomegranate Liqueur
Juice of 1/2 Lime
1/8 oz Agave Nectar
Splash of Grapefruit Juice

Place all of the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled and strain into a chilled Martini Glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.

Make sure your Valentine has a great night tomorrow and enjoy your day of love and romance. ;o)

To Chase the Butterfly of Life

2012-02-12T04:43:00.000-08:00

As I wander through these beautiful different Keys around Key West, I keep running across all of these beautiful and different butterflies that are so hard to catch as they flit around from bush to bush and flower to flower. I some times look at life the same way, flitting from spot to spot and gleaning something new from every place you lite. I pop around from key to key to enjoy and capture the beauty as a butterfly does from flower to flower. ;o)

Thinking About a Stout Cocktail

2012-02-11T05:27:00.000-08:00

Whenever I think about a good Tiki style cocktail, I start thinking of ways to use Plantation Trinidad Overproof Rum. This is one of the finest overproof rums anywhere. It is actually sipable, a bit on the hot side, but huge flavor that keeps you coming back for another sip. This 173 Proof gem is perfect for a Mai Tai or a Zombie. With it's high octane punch, it livens up any strong cocktail.

Down the road it would be a great subject for one of our Rum Lab, one that might take a couple of days to complete. It would be hard for me to be accurate making the cocktails after a couple of these and even harder for the lab mice to accurately judge them. We will figure it out, and I'm sure that we will get the job done in a proper fashion.

Bahama Bob’s Zombie

· 1 oz. Diplomatico Blanco

· 1 oz. El Dorado 12 Year Old

· ¾ oz. Plantation Overproof

· ¾ oz. J. D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum

· ¼ oz. Pomegranate Liqueur

· ¼ oz. Aguardiente

· ¼ oz. Bahama Bob’s #3 Syrup (Cinnamon, Sugar, and Nutmeg)

· ½ oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

· 2 oz. Pineapple Juice

· 2 oz. Grapefruit Juice

· 2 Dashes of Bitters

· Splash of Barrett’s Ginger Beer

Place all ingredients except the Ginger beer in a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a blender filled with crushed ice and swizzle. Pour into a pint glass and top-up with Barrett’s Ginger Beer. Garnish with an orange wheel and a mint sprig.

No matter how you choose to use this fine overproof rum, it is really enjoyable. By the way try it over ice with Barrett's Ginger Beer, makes for a really stormy treat, one that can blow you over. ;o)

Key West Is Second in the "Most Trashy" Spring Break Destinations

2012-02-10T05:38:00.000-08:00

Key West finished second to Las Vegas as the "trashiest " destination for Spring Breakers in Neal Lynch's survey for 2012.

The 10 trashiest U.S. cities for Spring Break (and Florida is home to five of them)

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

America’s 'Top 10 Trashiest Spring Break Destinations' have been revealed in a list of cities college students want to visit most - and their parents want them to visit the least.

Las Vegas has been crowned number one most trashiest Spring Break destination, it may not have a beach but it is the home of gambling and strip clubs.

Florida was the state to make the most appearances on the the list with five cities being listed in the top ten; with Key West coming in at second place.

TOP TEN U.S TRASHIEST SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS

1. Las Vegas: Home to gambling, strip clubs and the only Hooters Hotel. Vegas makes up for not having a beach with its popular pool parties.

2. Key West, Florid: Garden of Eden, a clothing-optional bar, is a spot the site recommends.

3. South Padre Island, Texas: Coed says 'How can it get any trashier than South Padre, a beach that essentially exists for the sole purpose of having wild parties?'

4. Daytona, Florida: This city’s high number of underage-drinking arrests helped win it a spot on Coed’s list.

5. Myrtle Beach, S.C: Coed makes a distinction between North and South Myrtle Beach and advises that if it is trashiness you’re after, South Myrtle beach is where you want to be.

6. Miami Beach: The online magazine points out that The Jersey Shore taped a season here.

7. Panama City Beach, Florida: Coed, again, uses the reality to show to measure the trash factor, saying that stars from the Jersey Shore were among last year’s celebrity visitors.

8. Fort Myers, Florida: Lana Kai hosts a daily 'booty contest' during high season.

9. Lake Havasu, Arizona: A tattoo convention is held during Spring Break. According to the site, Kokomo Havasu and Martini Bay are two of the trashier destinations.

10. San Diego: 'We know that most of the people who live in the San Diego area head to other destinations for Spring Break,' Coed writes, 'but that just means the people left partying here are extra trashy.'

Neal Lynch, the site’s editor in chief told ABCNews.com, 'Typically, people associate “trashy” with things of poor quality, however we associated the word with enjoying guilty pleasures. Like reality television — but in real life,where you can have the most amount of fun with the least amount of money.'

Lynch admits however that a fuller wallet may be necessary to enjoy the full experience at the number-one destination on his list.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2098799/The-10-trashiest-U-S-cities-Spring-Break-Florida-home-them.html#ixzz1lz5kr64f

It has been my experience that Key West has earned it's title, based on Neal Lynch's explanation of what he meant by "Trashiness".

    I know that spring break is just a few weeks away and if this year is anything like the past few years it is going to be a fun time again in Key West.    I think it is the laid back vibe of accepting of people that makes Key West so popular with the spring breakers.   It is OK to party, it is OK to act a little crazy, it OK to drink (providing you are old enough), and it is OK to just have a great time down here.    I guess what I am really saying is that for a lot of us here in Key West that haven't gotten "too old", spring break is still a fun time that most of us enjoyed in our college days and a tradition that should be enjoyed by the kids today.

The attraction to Key West, at least in my interaction with the breakers has been on of mutual respect and the ability to have as much fun as they are. 2012 is nearly upon us and as for me I can only say "Bring it on", let the party begin. ;o)

Malibu has a New Spin for the Winter

2012-02-09T05:11:00.000-08:00

     Malibu has a newly released coconut rum with the coconut f;akes that look like a winter snow storm.     This congers up memories of the snowy orbs that I got as a kid, you know the ones you shake up and watch the snow fall on the village.    This one you shake up your cocktail and watch the snow flakes fall to the bottom of the glass and you get to enjoy them later.

     Malibu Winter Edition has added flakes of real coconut into the mix, giving you snow in the Caribbean effect for your cocktails.    The great thing about this is that you still get your favorite Malibu Coconut flavor with the added treat of real coconut floating in suspension.   Great idea, reminds me of the drinks we make with rum and coconut water and the pieces of coconut float throughout the cocktail.

     If you are of the coconut rum persuasion, Malibu Winter Edition is a geat little rum that brings you to the Caribbean in the middle of a snow storm of fine coconut flavor.   Enjoy your experience with the Winter Edition of Mailbu Rum.   ;o)

Marquesas and a Beautiful Day

2012-02-08T06:15:00.000-08:00

What a day out at the Marquesas, sunshine, warm, and smooth water, it just doesn't get any better. We headed West at about 1pm yesterday afternoon, and after clearing there Northwest Channel it was glass water in the Lakes Passage all the way to Boca Grand. We then turned North at that point for the last 7 miles to the Marquesas. We picked up a bit of wind against current chop, but nothing that would slow our determination to make it to the Marquesas. We first noticed that there were several new "chugs", you know the boats the Cuban refugees come to America in, scattered on the beaches and sandbars. The tide was out this afternoon, so we couldn't get to the beach where the newest chugs were. We did finds three or four more that had been set afire and were laying on sand bars just off of the beach.

The bird life was really abundant on this day, hawks, eagles, ibis, pelicans, cormorants, just to name a few. We stumbled across a rather large spotted eagle ray as we drifted across the shallows on the Southwest corner of the key. This was one of those days where every where we turned we found something of interest. Birds, fish, chugs, airplanes, old wrecks that the low tide had exposed, it was hard to know where to point the camera next.

It was noticed that the sun was starting to get a bit low in the west and time for us to point the boat back toward the east and cruise back to Key West and civilization again.

This area never ceases to amaze me with her beauty and abundance of life, don't miss the chance to explore it if you have the opportunity. ;o)

Beautiful Day in Key West Headed out to the Marquesas Keys

2012-02-07T08:42:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day in quite some time that I have good weather and calm winds. Perfect day to head out for a great fun day 25 miles out to West out to sea in the dinghy for the Marquesas Keys. Should be a fun day, report back tomorrow with pictures and stories of the adventure. Wish us good waters and weather. ;o)

Another Season Put to Bed

2012-02-06T05:45:00.000-08:00

The parties are all over, the armchair quarterbacks will still be talking about how the game should have been played, but on this cold hard morning the game is over. It is time to move on and do something about the hangover this morning, and figure out what is next for us to get all worked up about. Yes, here in paradise we follow all of the sports with all the passion of the mainland.

Now Nigel, he's a real fan of the Super Bowl, and will tell you all about it if you ask him. Seen hanging out at the the Hurricane Hole, and always ready to let you know how it really should have been done. Like most of the arm chair quarterbacks he is a sea captain, a football coach, but most of all he likes his racing. He is happy now because NASCAR season is about to begin with the Daytona 500 on February 26th, and all of the qualifying events the week before.

What is going to be your next season now that football is behind us for another year?

Today is another Rum Lab, research for Barbancourt Three Star, a 4 Year Old Rhum, and Pango, a pineapple and mango flavored rhum. We will have some observations about the rhum and some new recipes for it's use in tomorrow's edition. ;o)

Freedom to Ride with the Wind

2012-02-05T04:41:00.000-08:00

There is nothing more exciting of fun than to be out on a great and windy day flying across the top of the water with a good windsurfer. ;o)

1 Barrel Rum: Quite the Surprise

2012-02-04T05:22:00.000-08:00

     1 Barrel representative Amanda Perdomo walked into the Rum Bar yesterday morning and dropped off a little bottle of 1 Barrel Rum to us for sampling.    We found it to be surprisingly good.    Made in Belize by Travelers Liquors.     This family owned distillery was founded in 1954.    1 Barrel was first blended in 1964 by Master Blender Don Omario Perdomo, and has been since perfected by his sons Romel and Mayito into this fabulous rum that is available today.

     The Rum is produced from a high grade molasses that is fermented and then double distilled at the Belmopan, Belize distillery.   The rum is aged for at least 2 years in Kentucky Bourbon Oak Barrels.    The final blending give the rum it's sweet taste with notes of butterscotch, maple, and caramel.

     I found the rum to have an attractive aroma that lead me to taste the rum.    The flavor on the palate and the long and smooth finish left me with a very nice warm feeling about the entire experience.

The name of the distillery, Travelers comes from the bar that Jaime Omario Perdomo opened in 1953. The name of the bar was appropriate because his customers were usually traveling to or from Belize City. Omario sold imported liquors and beers as well as some locally distilled rums. It was the practice of many bars of that day to blend their own rums exclusively for their bar. Perdomo followed in the tradition of the many other bars, leading to the development of 1 Barrel and the decision to open his own distillery so the blends consistency could be maintained.

I think you like myself will be pleasantly surprised with the great taste and the quality of Don Omario Perdomo's fine rum. ;o)

Congratulations to Adam Kanter and the Rum Bar Philly

2012-02-03T05:04:00.000-08:00

The Rum Bar in Philadelphia was announced as the Best Cocktail Lounge of the Year by Nightclub & Bar Media Group yesterday. After many years of hard work, this is a deserved reward for his and his staffs efforts.

Nightclub & Bar Congratulates the Winners of the 2012 Nightclub & Bar Awards

February 2, 2012By: Megan Hernandez

Nightclub & Bar Media Group would like to congratulate the winners of the 2012 Nightclub & Bar Awards! The national awards program celebrates the nightlife industry’s cream of the crop.
As the premier nightlife-industry recognition program, the Nightclub & Bar Awards feature a vigorous judging process. Venue owners, operators and managers, as well as suppliers, vendors and other industry members eager to recognize excellence in on-premise concepts, programs, talent and professionalism are invited to submit entries. Qualifying entries then are presented to an expert judging panel composed of top consultants, developers, educators, writers, editors and trainers in the industry. The judges rank their first, second and third choices for each category; a mathematical calculation identifies the finalists and, ultimately, the winners, based on the judges’ ballots.
Read more at http://www.nightclub.com/press-releases/industry-news/news/nightclub-bar-congratulates-winners-2012-nightclub-bar-awards-4858

Bar Categories
Bartender of the Year
Russell Davis, Rickhouse, San Francisco
Beer Bar of the Year
Bierhaus NYC, New York
Cocktail Lounge of the Year
Rum Bar, Philadelphia
Hotel Bar of the Year
Grant Grill, San Diego
Small Wonder Bar of the Year
The Ivory Room Piano Bar, Madison, Wis.
Sports Bar of the Year
Bull & Bear, Chicago

Congratulations to all of the winners and especially to my friend Adam Kanter and his great facility up in Philly. ;o)

Walking the Beaches of Boca Grand Key

2012-02-02T05:52:00.000-08:00

I'm still drawn to the small uninhabited keys around Key West. Boca Grand is one of those that is very special to me. Just to be able to walk the beach of the Key West Bird Sanctuary and see all the variety of life out here. Shore birds scurry and fly in packs as you wander toward the flock, the pelican and gulls just off the beach, and even the eagles and ospreys back in the protected center part of the key keep my head spinning to see what is going to soar over next.

Seeing the interesting debris that has washed up on the beach and how mother nature carves her initials in the sands is very fascinating to me. Examining the materials used to create such intriguing art that mother nature places on her pallet. The surf carves three dimensional pictures in the sand for your delight and all of this is free for the viewing. You just have to slow down long enough to see what is right at your feet before you step on it. Walk on a little further and you find an old lobster trap that was washed up posed next to some old salt battered trees. This little key is just completely loaded with things that you can fill the camera with. This trip I took over 400 pictures, I wish that there was time and space to share all of them with you.h

In the water you see rays and sharks swimming by just off the beach. There are schools of fish and birds on the surface looking intently into the water for their next meal. This is a place that reaches out to you from everywhere you happen to be looking.
Look at the upper edge of the beach and you find fish nets and drift wood, in the center for the beach you find the active part where the surf is carving it's art into the sands.

Take the time next time you walk down the beach and you to will find the treasures of the ocean and land's meeting place.

Remember that when you visit these very special and pristine places that they are others home and make sure that the only thing you leave behind when you leave are your foot prints. ;o)

A New Friend for a Tried and True One

2012-02-01T05:30:00.000-08:00

Rhum Barbancourt has brought out a new mixing friend for the tried and true Rhum Barbancourt Three Star. Pango is a pineapple and mango flavored spicy rhum that likes to play with Rhum Barbancourt Three Star. This new addition is made from crushed pure sugar cane (not Molasses) and rested is oak casks. This aged dark rum is then blended with natural pineapple, mango and spice that yields a smooth and refreshing rum, loaded with flavor to sip on the rocks or mix.

Pango Tango

1 1/2 oz. Rhum Barbancourt Pango
1 oz Rhum Barbancourt 3 Star
1 oz Pineapple Juice
1/4 oz Pomegranate Liqueur
Splash of Barrett's Ginger Beer

Place the Pango, Rhum Barbancourt and Pine apple Juice in a shaker filled with Ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a Cocktail glass filled with ice and splash in the Barrett's Ginger Beer and float the Pomegranate Liqueur on the surface. Garnish with a wedge of pineapple and a sprig of mint.

Try this new combination I think you will enjoy it as much as I have. ;o)

Wind Blowing, Cloudy, but a Great Day Out Yesterday.

2012-01-31T07:47:00.000-08:00

It started to look like all was coming apart at the seams for our birthday party at Woman's Key yesterday morning. The birthday girl was feeling a little ill, the weather was cloudy and windy, but a patch of blue sky appeared, and we all got together and headed out to sea fully planning on a great day of fun and frolic. Going out the winds started to ease a bit as we got into the Lakes Passage to the West of Key West. The sun was making in and out appearances and the moods of all of us were getting better by the minute. The application of a little bit of Captain Morgan and Cruzan Raspberry Rums didn't hurt the traveler's moods. I guess that is why the British Navy kept rum for the sailors for so long.

We arrived at Woman's Key to find the wind had shifted more to the East, leaving the beach exposed to the wind, so undaunted, we got underway a gain and headed for Boca Grand, another Key a little further to the West and the beach wraps around more to the west and Was better protected from the wind. Upon arrival, we toot the beach by storm and the party was underway. Food and fun, checking out all the trick and unique stuff that had been washed up on the beach as well as food and mor fine cocktails.

With all of us in full party mode, we headed up and down the beach and found many unusual things, shells feathers, bits of coral, and even a couple of sand dollars. With the wind in check around the corner, it became very comfortable and much fore fun for all of us as we frolicked on the beach.

I guess that it was a great success and as always when out on the water with a nice bottle of rum and some good friends that the party goes on and on till all are weary or we have to get underway in order to have the rental boat back in harbor by 5pm. Oh well it ended up being a fine day with a lot of fun had by all. ;o)

Happy Birthday Lauren!!!!!! ;o)

Out to Woman's Key Today

2012-01-30T04:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Lauren

It's my friend Lauren's Birthday today, so it is out on the water to Woman's Key for the day. Full story with the pix tomorrow. ;o)

The Intensity of Flight

2012-01-29T04:26:00.000-08:00

"Achin' with the feelin' of the freedom of an eagle when she flys." Kris Kristofferson

;o)

2012 Rum Renaissance Festival Miami

2012-01-28T06:15:00.000-08:00

The time is fast approaching for the 2012 Rum Renaissance Festival at the Deauville Beach Resort in Miami. The event runs from April 16 through the 22nd, so get your tickets early. 2012 promises more rum companies, more events and just plain more fun for all that participate. There is a rum contest to see who is making the best rums this year there are very special rum tastings, bar tender events and many many other things happening all week long. The tickets are going to be going fast so get your now so you won't be left out in the warm in Miami. Tickets available through Miami Rum Renaissance Festival at http://rumrenaissance.com/Tickets.html.

There is complete information about the event at their website http://rumrenaissance.com/. This year is expected to surpass last year's grand event so make your plans today. ;o)

Watering Holes in the Virgin Islands

2012-01-27T06:16:00.000-08:00

Pusser's Outpost, Road Harbour, BVI

I've been talking about all of the trips to all of the places, but today lets look at the watering holes that really make the virgin islands so popular. Almost daily in the Rum Bar we talk about going to the Virgin Islands, but it isn't so much the islands the conversations gravitate to, but it is the watering holes that no one can ever forget. Whether you are in the U.S. or the British Virgin Islands, you are going to find yourself visiting one of these famous bars.

Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke

The BVI has famous bars on nearly every island, There are Foxy's and Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke, Pusser's on Tortola, Willy T on Norman Island. Not to mention Saba Rock and Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda. If you are visiting the BVI, you will find it hard not to go to any of these famous and very unique watering holes. Every one of these special bars has it's own one of a kind atmosphere and traditions that make you want to return time after time.

Willy T, Home of the Naked Dive and the Shotski

Home of the Painkiller, the Soggy Dollar Bar

On the US Virgin Island side, there is Skinny Legs on St. John plus Iggie's and Duffy's Love Shack on St. Thomas. Not to mention the hundreds and hundreds of other fun bars that are located at every resort on both Islands. Duffy's is in Red Hook and Iggie's in in Bolongo Bay, both of these places have great entertainment and fun that carries deep into the night. The warm tropical afternoons and evenings make these places a blast to visit and party at.

As you can see I've only touched the tip of the iceberg if you will, the Virgin Islands are not only loaded with fabulous fishing, scenery, diving, and eateries, but some of the world's most famous watering holes as well. Make a point of visiting all or some of these fun places on you next visit.

2012 Key West Food and Wine Festival is Underway

2012-01-26T05:24:00.000-08:00

The 2012 Key West Food and Wine Festival goes into full swing today in Key West. The best of the wine and spirits distributors are showing off and providing tastings for their wines. The complete event schedule can be found at http://keywestfoodandwinefestival.com/default/index.cfm/2012-events/. You will find creative cuisine, premium wines, and other unique events all in a subtropical Key West island setting. The event runs today through Sunday, the 29th of January.

     There is a barefoot event at the Southernmost Beach Cafe featuring food,wine, and music on Thursday evening.     Other events that feature Turtles, Sharks and Mermaids, and a grand tasting at the Key West Aquarium plus many many more things happening all weekend.    There are more than 40 restaurants, bars, galleries and boutiques along the mile long stroll of Duval Street that will have special events for your pleasure as part of the "Duval Uncorked".



     There will be events at the Hogfish Bar and Grill, Bahama Village and The Historic Seaport that will include an outdoor wine market and culminate with the "18th Annual Master Chef's Classic".     There are tickets available at each of the events.   Get out and enjoy the festival.

The Forgotten Casks: A Marvelous Find

2012-01-25T05:17:00.000-08:00

     Chairman's Reserve the Forgotten Casks are a group of rum casks that were put aside after a fire at the distillery in 2007.    Through the reconstruction and the reorganization of the plant, these barrels had been forgotten about until the cellar master noticed the now over age barrels of Chairman's Reserve.     They were sampled and found to have a wonderful flavor.     The decision was made to offer this very special rum as a limited reserve.

     This is a fine mahogany colored rum that has not been run through the chill filtration of the other St. Lucia rums.    It's rich fruity and woody aroma leads you to the parallel flavors on the palate.   There is a smooth finish with a molasses notes that remain in a long finish.

     Unlike many other of the lost rum barrels that have sat far to long and the rum has past it's prime Chairman's Reserve "The Forgotten Casks" has sat just long enough to create a fine sipping rum that can be enjoyed by anyone that can sit and relax for a while and just sip and be.    The best news is that they are talking about continueing the Forgotten Casks leaving some more barrels of Chairman's Reserve to rest for and extended period of time.

     The word is that The Forgotten Casks will be arriving into the United States sometime in 2012. Keep your eyes out for it on the shelves soon.   ;o)

Monday Around Fish Hawk Key

2012-01-24T08:07:00.000-08:00

Monday is a great day for me, weather permitting it usually means get up in the morning, getting the work in the office completed and head out on the water in search of new and fun things. Yesterday was no exception, we visited Fish Hawk Key just to the North and East of Key West and found a pair of Ospreys and their aerie with the female sitting on eggs. Her mate is a beautiful specimen that soared near us trying to keep our attention away from her. This is nature at her very best, the female with fish in beak and the male circling above the aerie.

What made this so special was we were able to observe these magnificent birds from the dinghy with the motor off and just drifting next to the mangrove key that they had the aerie nestled in. We only spent a half an hour or so watching the pair, but their actions yielded hundreds of spectacular photos of the two. It is so rewarding to be able to take home such a great bunch of photos of such unusual and regal creatures.

Just a couple of sips from the flask of good Plantation Guyana Rum as we drifted by the pair. This just made the relaxation and enjoyment of the afternoon more complete. It is, in a way like being lost at sea without a care in the world, drifting in and out of the mangroves silently, photographing the birds and the scenery without leaving even a footprint in the sands. Making it even better the fact that there was no one else around to bother us or to scare the birds as they went about their business of fishing and keeping the eggs warm in the aerie.

Here are a few other pictures of the Ospreys and a Kingfisher that kept us company during the drifting through the area. ;o)

The 12 Step Become a Pirate Program by Maria de Los Angeles

2012-01-24T05:56:00.000-08:00

Maria de Los Angeles in here Sex and the Beach Blog has published a great article about the 12 steps of becoming a pirate. I found this to be a great article that you should really enjoy.

http://sexandthebeach.blogspot.com/2011/12/12-step-become-pirate-program.html

The 12 Step Become A Pirate Program

Trail of the Pirates is a travel series exploring maritime history, culture and lore between Key West and St. Augustine on the east coast of Florida.

If you don't want to read this epic post, just watch this video.

A funny thing happens when you start investigating and writing a lot about a particular topic -- you get sucked in. And if that topic happens to be pirates, that's a good thing.

Nine years ago, Michelle Murillo was a reporter in Florida doing exactly what I did earlier this month. She was on assignment covering Pirates in Paradise in Key West and got hooked. Today, she's still a journalist but also a professional reenacter who goes by the pirate name of Diosa (Goddess), teaching folks about pirate history through plays, demonstrations and lectures at events around the country.

It has taken me a year to follow in her footsteps, traveling around Florida exploring pirate history and events. Since my first trip to Key West and my subsequent time in St. Augustine where Iinterviewed Murillo about her role as famous female pirate Mary Read, she has become a mentor of sorts.

Soaring Through Life with a Smile

2012-01-22T04:24:00.000-08:00

100 Years Ago Tomorrow Henry Flagler's Over-Sea Railroad Came to Key West

2012-01-21T05:30:00.000-08:00

     Tomorrow marks the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Henry Flagler's "Little Train that Could".     Building this railroad would be a major feat with today's technology, but to have done it between 1908 and 1912 and complete it in that short of time is incredible.



     It took the 12 years to complete the bridge leading to Key Largo between 1998 and 2010, let alone bridges to span the length of the keys.    4,000 men working six days a week for 10 to 12 hours a day completed the 156 mile road bed project in just over 4 years.    Pigeon Key was the headquarters for the project between 1908 and 1912. This small key was home for workers lured to the project by the $1.60 a day wages for working in the hot Florida sun and surviving the mosquitoes.   "They say the two things slowed the completion of the railroad were mosquitoes and the lack of alcohol." Kelly McKinnon, Director of the Pigeon Key Foundation said.

     There was a fear that Henry Flagler, in his 80's at the time might die before his railroad was completed, so the men started working marathon 12 hour shifts toward the end of the project.    It was those efforts that gave the central keys city of Marathon it's name.

     There were some 10,000 people that showed up on January 22, 1912 to see the arrival of Henry's Train and to greet Henry Flagler and his family as they got off the train. .    Everyone from school children to politicians showed up for the event.

     Key West was Florida's most populated city and the richest per capita in 1908 and Henry Flagler successfully linked the city to the mainland.   You could ride from Miami to Key West for $7.18 or from New York to Key West for $77.00.

     Henry Flagler died 18 months after the completion of the railroad.   Thousands of people made the journey on the Over-Sea Railroad for the next two decades, but the great depression and the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 brought the Over-Sea Railroad to a grinding halt when 40 miles of track were destroyed and the locomotive was lost into the sea.

Sunday there will be a parade in Key West and Henry Flagler re-enactor, museum exhibitions and many other events throughout Florida to celebrate the centennial. ;o)

Corn 'n Oil: The Cocktail

2012-01-20T05:22:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights of my recent trip to Barbados last fall was the getting to have the seemingly "National Drink of Barbados" Corn 'n Oil. This is a curious blend of Bajan Rum, John D. Taylor's Falernum and Angostura Bitters. This is a nice and smooth cocktail that is starting to hit it's stride in the United States these days.

I was first Introduced to Corn 'n Oil on a trip to Barbados 2 years ago, it's spicy, limey and sweet tastes tickle the palliate and finish as smooth as silk. This is one of those cocktails that you can just enjoy in the evening or at any time.

The most predominant recipe here in the United States calls for more rum than falernum, but the Bajan recipe is the reverse.

Corn 'n Oil: The American Recipe

2 oz. Cruzan Blackstrap Rum
1/2 oz. John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum
2 Dashes of Bitters

Place Ingredients in a Rocks or Highball Glass, and squeeze the juice from a couple of lime wedges into the mix and stir.

Corn 'n Oil: Bajan Recipe

1 1/2 oz. John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum
1/2 oz. Dark Bajan Rum (Plantation Barbados 5 Year Old)
2 Dashes of Bitters
Juice of 2 Lime Wedges

Fill a Rocks or Highball Glass with ice, pour in the Falernum, then the dark rum, which will float on the surface like oil, add a couple of dashes of Bitters and squeeze the juice of a couple of lime wedges and stir well and add additional ice as needed. Garnish with a lime wedge.

After trying both of these recipes, I tend to favor the Bajan recipe over the American one. I prefer the dryer Bajan Rum in the mix to the sweeter Blackstrap Rum. Try this cocktail, and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do. ;o)o prefer the Bajan

Renewed Interest in the Daiquiri

2012-01-19T04:56:00.000-08:00

This classic rum cocktail was named for a beach in the vicinity of Santiago, Cuba. This is made from the simplest of ingredients and the most bastardized cocktail ever in these modern times of mixes and smoothie machines. This is a simple drink that is made from lime juice, sugar (or cane syrup), and rum, all the ingredients are shaken with ice and strained into a cocktail glass and garnished with a piece of lime. It is the freshness of these cocktails attained through the use of fresh squeezed ingredients that make them the popular cocktail they really are. This is a cocktail that made it's first appearances in the beginning of the 1900's and in 2011 it is still a very popular cocktail.

Mary and Earnest Hemingway
and Spencer Tracy at El Floridita

El Floridita today

It was Hemingway that really brought a lot of attention to the cocktail in his Cuban years when hanging out at the El Floridita at the corner of Calle Obispo and Monserrate Street La Habana Vieja, Cuba. " My Mojito in La Bodeguita, my Daiquiri in El Floridita", this is the place that to this day is the mecca for the finest daiquiri's anywhere. The El Floridita first opened in 1817 at it's present location. In 1914 Constantino Ribalaigua Vert began working as the bartender at El Floridita and in 1918 he became the owner. Much of the original atmosphere and contains a large collection of memorabilia from many of it's famous clientele, Earnest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, John Dos Passos, Graham Greene, to name a few. El Floridita is famous for its fine seafood restaurant as well as it's cocktail lounge, and a must visit when in Havana.

If you haven't had the opportunity to experience one of these really exquisite cocktails, you must find a traditional bar that has the abilities to reproduce them in the traditional manner. This will be a cocktail to remember. There are several of these classic daiquiri's like the Hemingway, El Floridita (Frozen), or just go with the classic Daiquiri, all or any of these will light up your taste buds and put a smile on your face. Some of the variation include the use of any one of several liqueurs like Maraschino Liqueur, Blue Curacao. Gallliano, Falernum, or any of several others to ad a different dimension to the cocktail. No matter how you make this wonderful cocktail, do it with fresh ingredients that do NOT include "Daiquiri Mix", keep it fresh and simple you'll really enjoy it that way.

Sailing around Key West

2012-01-18T05:12:00.000-08:00

More of a power boater myself, but the sails are all up in Key West this week. The Mount Gay Sailboat Races are on this week, drawing a good crowd to the Keys. This week has some really perfect sailing weather, 10 to 20 mph winds and 2 to 3 foot seas, ideal for a sailing event. The boats are further out than I was able to go. but you could see them appearing and disappearing as the seas ebbed and flowed between me and them.

These conditions don't just bring out the racers, the local sailors are out on the water as well. You will see them in all sizes and shapes of boats out there this time of year. There is nothing quite as spectacular as the big sailboats with their sails full and making way through the water. I'm out here just drifting in the seas camera in hand and having a great afternoon of taking pictures and sipping a from a flask of Moung Gay Black Rum just letting my mind drift with the boats.

The more time that I spend on the water the more time I'd like to spend on the water, sounds strange, but it is true. My Mondays and Tuesdays are the days that I get to spend doing pretty much what pleases me, and I seem to spend many of them on the water doing different things every time I go out. The weather, whether it is windy; big or flat seas; sunny or cloudy; I seem to be drawn to get out there and just enjoy being a part of the ocean and all she has to offer. ;o)

Channel Key on a Windy Day

2012-01-17T06:07:00.000-08:00

By the time I got all my chores done and got ready to head out on the water the wind had picked up and the temperature dropped, undaunted, I jumped aboard my dinghy and went the short distance to Channel Key. This is a curious little mangrove key that has a narrow channel that winds though the center of it. It is sort of like being in Jungleland at Disneyland, you wind through the key with the mangroves reaching out and over you making you feel like you are traveling the Amazon or something like it anyway. All that with the big plus of no alligators, big snakes, or piranha lurking around every bend in the river.

It is a very peaceful place that you can raise the motor and let the boat just drift as you sip your rum and let your imagination take over. The perfect place, the mangroves filter out the wind and allow the sun to warm my skin as I drift along taking pictures and sipping my rum. The stream is full of small and medium size fish, they are fun to watch as the seemingly just scurry around under and around the boat. It is like watching people on the sidewalk from a upper story perch, they just go in random directions, each on their own mission.

I begin to realize that I do live in a very special place when I get out on my little journeys all within a five or six mile radius of home. I have the peaceful solitude of places like Channel Key or Mud Key to let all of the concerns float away as I drift along. The Smith and Cross Rum was the perfect selection for this day with it's cool and brisk air. Takes the chill off and soothes the soul like no other. That big bold pot still flavor and the naval strength makes it perfect for an old guy drifting through the mangroves and chilling in a big way.

Maybe next Monday will be less windy and I will be able to go further to the West and visit Boca Grand, or maybe even the Marquesas Keys. It really doesn't matter, because the close in keys are really fun and relaxing too. ;o)

Monday Morning of a New Week

2012-01-16T07:22:00.000-08:00

This almost seems anti-climatic after the past few weeks. My friends from Barbados and London have all gone home, Mike from rumconnection .com, http://rumconnection.com/uncategorized/jamaica-bound/ is on his way to Jamaica, and "poor me", still here in Key West. I really don't feel sorry for me either. The weather is clear and mostly sunny and temps in the low seventy's today. The winds are down so I guess it is another good day to go out on the water with a flask of rum and my camera to see what I can find. These explorations are always fun and mind clearing, especially with a nice rum. Smith & Cross might be the perfect one for today, naval rum with the big bold taste, perfect.

Let me check the list, rum, boat, munchies, camera, sun block, and ice. That should take care of everything I need for the day. Check back in tomorrow with you to let you know how the day worked out. ;o)

Describe the Sea to Me, Please

2012-01-15T04:14:00.000-08:00

To Quote Jimmy Buffett, "Don't try to describe the ocean if you have never seen it".

Waking up in a Fog

2012-01-14T05:19:00.000-08:00

Did you ever have one of those mornings that you really didn't want to get moving, you know like you are in a fog? Today is one of those mornings. A great night with some special friends hanging out in the marina with R.L. Seale and Doorley's XO rums. Too little sleep tends to leave me feeling that way. This was the last night for Gayle and Lizzie here in Key West, and I feel like we celebrated the final night of their visit in a proper manner, good friends and very special rum. ;o)

The Rum and the Ecosystem

2012-01-13T05:28:00.000-08:00

One of the TV series talks about the dirtiest jobs, and goes to a rum distillery in Rhode Island. This go me thinking about how the rum industry is utilizing their waste products and doing a lot to keep the pristine environment in which they operate, to remain pristine. In Puerto Rico Serralles Distilleries and Bacardi Distilleries have undertaken a huge project to reuse the water, and all of the other by-products of rum production to create energy and make products that will help the business grow.

Esteban Ordonez from Serralles Distilleries recently sat down and talked to a group of rum journalists about how the Serrales people are reusing the steam and water as well as other by-products of rum production to help cut down on costs and offer the company new profit centers. This is a great bonus to the company while they are preserving the ecosystem.

Here in the United States, I recently visited the Florida Caribbean Distillery in Auburndale, Florida and got to talk Jacob Call about their programs.   They start with the by products of the Orange and Sugar industries of Florida to produce the spirits. Then take the left overs produce cattle and chicken feed that is sold to farmers and ranchers.    They too have other programs that reduce their Eco footprint on the area in place as well.

     In Panama the Varela Hermanos Distillery uses the sugar cane hulls to fire the boilers that make the steam that heats the stills, and still use oxen to pull the carts filled with the hand cut cane to the crusher.

     It makes me feel good that the spirits industry as a whole is acting quite responsibly to preserve the environment around them.     This is only going to help keep the spirits manufacturers in business and make the consumers feel better about their spirits.   ;o)

Historic Seaport by Night

2012-01-12T05:40:00.000-08:00

The Historic Seaport in Key West takes on a new and wonderful life of it's own as you walk along the boardwalk in the evening. Last night three friends and myself started out at the "Conch Farm" for dinner and then proceeded to mosey along the boardwalk to the ferry terminal and back. The post storm atmosphere was great especially being able to see the outline of all the ships and boats from dinghy's, to schooners, to large motoryachts and we proceeded.

With dinner completed, it was time to walk on down the boardwalk and see what the docks had to offer tonight. Schooner Wharf was the first stop where we ran into a couple of acquaintances and chatted a bit with them . Next stop was for an after dinner coffee on the pier. Nice warm break from the cooling evening air coming off of the water. Now it is back on the docks and wandering past the Turtle Kraal Museum, the statue of the old "wrecker", and on down to the Ferry Terminal.

Along the way it is fun to look at the great schooners and old sailing ships like the "Western Union", an old cable laying ship that has been here in Key West for years. Further down the way we run a cross the modern day yachts and it is fun to wonder what it would be like to be able to just live on such a vessel.

Your imagination is a wonderful thing and taking it with you as you wander around here in Key West takes you anywhere you want to go without ever leaving the "home port". This has been a great evening of dinner and "high seas" adventure that I look forward to visiting again soon. ;o)

Mother Nature and Rum, What a Concept

2012-01-11T05:25:00.000-08:00

It never ceases to amaze me what mother nature has to offer as I drift through the seemingly endless waterways around the Key West area. Recently I went back to the channels of the Mud Keys just east of Key West and wandered around with camera in hand and marveled at all of the beauty that surrounded me. It was the little things that really got my attention, things like a dragonfly circling over my head as I lie on the beach sipping some rum from a hip flask.

The plants and animals all the way down to the beach itself and how the land and the water all come together giving me warm and fuzzy feelings just being there. When I'm out away from all of the people and noise, I find myself totally in tune with the warm and the best part is that it is only about 10 miles away from my home. No matter where you live we all need a great little place to go and get away and just relax and chill out for a few hours. I'm very lucky that my world is based around some of the most beautiful waters anywhere and it's my backyard.

The Mud Keys are a protected Mangrove area that has some of the most interesting birds, animals and marine life I have ever seen, especially in such a small area. Whether you are drifting with the currents or walking around on a beach, there are so many things to see. On this day I had some of my friends with me and we all were able to chill out on the beach and just relax and enjoy the warm sunshine and cool waters. Oh yeah the rum was good too. ;o)

January 2012 on the Beach Life is very Special

2012-01-10T08:23:00.000-08:00

     Yesterday afternoon was one of those very special days.     A flask of Mocambo 20 Year Old rum, chicken, cheese & crackers, and 4 friends on a very special get away from it all day at the beach.    Basking in the sun and enjoying the sights and sounds of mother nature as we all relaxed.      Today was a the perfect day, because there nobody else in the area, and beautiful 77 degree temperatures.

     That brings me to the main point of this article.     walking up and down this pristine beach my friends and We picked up a trash bag full of broken beer bottles, cans and broken glass.     If you can carry the stuff out with you carry the trash back with you too.    There is nothing more disgusting than coming to a very natural area and find it filled with trash.

     The day was fabulous and all of us had a great time on the water and on the beach, by the way we brought all of our trash back as well as that of others.     ;o)

How Shall I Have My Rum?

2012-01-09T05:41:00.000-08:00

The only question that comes to mind as I sit on the aft deck and ponder what I want to drink, is how am I going to drink it. Rum is a very unique spirit with the ability to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed. Any way you drink rum, it is a versatile spirit. In the evening when I'm out I tend to have a well rum with tonic and a lime, but in the evening home relaxing, it is usually a ultra premium rum with one cube of ice in a snifter that I slowly sip.

In the Rum Lab we have spent a lot of time with rum creating cocktails to show off the attributes of many rums. It is the rum that is so important in these cocktails, because it is the flavor of the rum that is the basis of the cocktail. The Rum Lab results almost always revealed that the best cocktails were the ones that the mixers enhanced the rum rather than burying it in some other flavor. Choose your mixers wisely to bring out the flavors of the rum and still enhance your experience with the cocktail.

The best of the rums stand alone and don't require anything at all to go with them, with the possible addition of small amount of water or an ice cube. The small amount of water opens up the rum and bring the flavors out for your special enjoyment.

It really doesn't matter how you enjoy the spirit of the sugar cane, what is important is that you enjoy it your way. It goes right along with the spirit of rum in that there are no rule on how the rum is produced, there are no rule for how you enjoy it either. Your palate is the only one that counts so keep trying the thousands of different rums out there until you find that very special one that makes you heart and mind say aaaaaaaaah. I'll be enjoying a 20 year old Mocambo, a Mexican rum today as I cruise out toward the Marquesas Keys in the dinghy today. ;o)

Sunday Morning on the Dock

2012-01-08T04:35:00.000-08:00

I just love walking down the dock just before sun-up and seeing the birds waking up at the same time as I am.

Coming to America from Cuba

2012-01-07T06:17:00.000-08:00

There are literally thousands of Cubans that attempt the journey from Cuba to the Florida Keys every year, many make it many more are intercepted at sea and returned to Cuba, and a few are also lost at sea. These are desperate people trying to escape poverty and the political problems of their home land.

Many try to make the 90 or so mile trip across the Florida Straits in homemade tin boats. Many of these are really inspired designs that make it to the dry land of the Marquesas Keys just West of Key West. I have spent some really enjoyable days marveling at these crafts that successfully made the crossing and liberated her passengers from Cuba. Some are powered by 4 and 6 cylinder automotive diesels, and one I ran across was powered by a Russian built 1 cylinder diesel lawn mower engine.

I guess that desperate times bring about desperate measures. Especially when it come to getting out of a place where life is not good and getting to somewhere where life is portrayed as being a "Nirvana". I have to lend kudos to the people who have tried to make the journey and all of their ingenuity, stamina, and bravery for even trying. On one occasion returning from the Marquesas Keys in a storm, saw one of these "Chugs" at sea, but was unable to get any closer than a half a mile or so from it, and in 10 plus foot seas, wasn't going to try. The boat was in control and very sea worthy, so I kept going on my way back to Key West. The interesting part is that a week later I returned to the Marquesas Keys and found the boat ashore there. It was interesting to see all of the stuff that they had aboard the boat and the sturdy construction of this boat as well. Most of the boats are set afire upon reaching dry land to signal the Coast Guard that they were there and could be picked up. This one however was still afloat and in very good shape considering the weather that it had gone through to reach land.

I can feel a kindred spirit with these people because I to like to venture out to sea in small boats as well. This little 12 foot inflatable craft is what three of us ventured out on this day to find the "chug" that I had see while out in the big boat. The is a really exhilarating feeling traveling out in the small boat the the big one just doesn't have. It is the feel of the sea and the rising and falling of the swells out on open waters that is great fun. ;o)

Guana Cay in the Abaco's

2012-01-06T05:48:00.000-08:00

Great Guana Cay is part of the Abaco group of Cays in the Eastern Bahamas. This is one of the most exciting cays in the entire chain of cays. It features great beach bars, restaurants, and some of the most exciting live music and party's anywhere. This cay features major events for Easter, the Sailing Regatta, and the Barefoot Man yearly, or sometimes even more ofter.

Nipper's in the most famous of the beach bars on the island, but there is a newcomer making some noise call Grabbers that is following close behind. Nipper's is famous for its Sunday Pig Roasts and big live music events like when the Barefoot Man comes to town every March. Sitting on top of the sand dune looking over the third largest barrier reef in the world, Nipper's is so much fun to be there and a part of the fun and beauty of Guana Cay.

Grabber's is the "new" place in town, but was the first actually, known as the "Guana Harbor Club"when it opened in 1960's, then it became the "Guana Beach Resort" with an owner change. Today it has been resurrected from severe damage and a fire at the hands of Hurricane Floyd in 2001. Operating with the air of it's roots of a laid back and comfortable lifestyle, Grabbers is a fun spot to while away some time and party on Guana Cay.

There are restaurants, lodging, shops and fun all only steps from the government docks that the ferry from Marsh Harbor or Treasure Cay drop you off at. Come and try all of the fun and pleasure of Guana Cay. ;o)

Centenario About to Announce New 25 Year Gran Reserva

2012-01-05T04:12:00.000-08:00

     Ron Centenario's new Gran Reserva 25 Year Systema Solera is one of the best rums I have tasted in some time.    This new rum is an excellent new addition to the already fine line of rums from Ron Centenario.

    This is a product of the unique biodiverse country of Costa Rica.     Made from the molasses of local sugar cane that was hand cut from the volcanic soil and a tropical climate that makes for some of the best sugar cane anywhere.

     This dark amber rum has a rich and sweet aroma that leads you to a great long lasting sweet carmel and fruit taste on the palate and a semi dry finish that seems to go on for a long long time.      I tried hard to talk George out of the bottle, but I had little success, but it will be available in late March or early April.     There is also rumor of a 30 year old on the horizon.

     Keep your eyes open for this one, it is going to be one you don't want to miss.     ;o)

Reality has Set In

2012-01-04T05:01:00.000-08:00

Into every warm and wonderful place a little bit of cold must fall. Today we dropped to 48 degrees, warm by many standards, but not by the standards of those of us that live in the tropics. It is hard to type today, my fingers are stiff, my feet are cold, and I'm wearing a parka over warm sweatshirts. This is not the weather we signed up for, but fortunately it is going away almost as fast as it showed up. I guess I'll have to "man up" today and live through it.

It is really funny to hear myself talk like this, because six years ago I'd just laugh at this temperature and maybe put on a sweat shirt and go about my business. Today, I guess that I have acclimated to this climate and the cold really hurts. I know it must be time to break out the rum filled flask that I got at Saba Rock in November and tip a few, just for the warmth and medicinal reasons. Oops, I guess I'm not as tough as those California mountain girls.

It makes for a good story, one I've heard for several days now, but it is still cold this morning, but by Sunday we will e back in the mid seventy's and life will be back to normal. I will still have the flask for medicinal purposes, just in case. ;o)

Magen's Bay, St. Thomas

2012-01-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

Like so many other spots in the Virgin Islands, Magen's Bay has the charm and beauty of nature as it's biggest asset. Sunset on the bay is as beautiful as it can be, but it is the lush white power sand is what really makes the beach and the bay so enjoyable for all of the visitors. I enjoy just wandering up and down the nearly one mile long beach watching all of the different sights that keep popping up in front of me. With it's soft white sands, palm trees and crystal clear water, this is considered one of the best beaches in the Virgin Islands.

People playing in the sand and water, all seeming to be having a great time, just like I am as I wander by taking my pictures. The beautiful water and the almost non existing surf makes this the perfect beach to stand waist deep in the warm water and enjoy a cocktail, just like in the movie "10" from years ago. The bay has a marked off swimming area that protects us from the boats and jet ski's, but outside the area there are many boats anchored.

     Legend has it the Sir Francis Drake used Magen's Bay as an anchorage from which he could hide while waiting for ships to plunder.    His exploits in the area were legendary, making him a hero to the English and a "Pirate" to the Spaniards to whom he was known as "Draque".

This is a park that was donated to the people of the Virgin Islands by Arthur Fairchild in 1943.     The far western portion of the park was donated by Fairchild's nephew's widow, Christine Wheaton in 2002.

     I have to say that I did really enjoy my afternoon on Magen's Bay and the laid back time in the sand sipping on a few of my favorite rum cocktails.

     If you get to St. Thomas, take the time to hop a safari or a taxi, but get out to the beaches and spend an afternoon basking in the Caribbean sunshine and swimming in the crystal clear waters of Magen's Bay.   ;o)

2012: Where are We Going from Here?

2012-01-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

This is the start of a new year and a clean slate on which to carve out a new world for ourselves. I'm thinking that more travel and new cocktails are in order and the completion of "Bahama Bob's Cocktails and Tales" is in order.

Your response to the travel blogs shows me that I need to spend more time out and about finding new and more exciting venues in which to play with the rum. The world is full of very exciting rum venues and people who call rum when they sit at the bar. I guess that with some effort, the exploration of these locals can be accomplished.

The Rum Lab will continue in 2012 as well, this year trying to develop cocktail that are rum specific, as distillers provide us with rum to work out some new cocktails for. The book development is completed so now it is time to work on the specific rums.

Life in the Keys is also another area that I'll continue to explore including, historical, watering holes, and water trips to the areas around the keys.

This is going to be a fun and interesting year for us, so keep up with me on the blog, and hopefully we will see you in our travels. ;o)

Welcome to 2012 Take it to the Limit

2012-01-01T04:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to the Rumstyler World,

2012 is going to be our banner year and we will all grow and prosper as a result. ;o)

Happy New Year to All

2011-12-31T05:45:00.000-08:00

Thanks for helping me get this blog launched and taking it as far as you have in it's first year.

The Rum Swizzle from Bermuda Revisited

The Swizzle Inn Bailey's Bay Bermuda

The Rum Swizzle is the "National Drink of Bermuda", but it's history is a bit cloudy like most of the really good cocktails. Swizzles have appeared in literature since the late 1700's from places like Fort Ticonderoga, New York, Saint Kitts and Great Britain, Bridgetown, Barbados in the mid 1800's, as well as St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands in the early 1900's. These early versions of the swizzles were typically mixed with a v shaped stick that was rotated with the palms of your hands. Most of the swizzles contained rum diluted with water and some aromatic ingredients added.

Today's Rum Swizzle is said to have been created at the Swizzle Inn in 1932 and so they say the "rest is history". The motto of the Swizzle Inn is "Swizzle Inn, Swagger Out", and also known as the "Home of the Rum Swizzle". Different bartenders like all another cocktails have different interpretations of the Rum Swizzle, but most of them have Gosling Black Seal Rum, a Gosling Barbados Rum (One that I haven't been able to find in the U.S.) fruit juices ( Orange, Pineapple, and Lime) and a flavored sweetener like falernum or grenadine. The drink is often make in a "pitcher" batch and then strained into a cocktail glass with an orange and cherry garnish.

There seem to be a few recipes out there in publication, but the Original from The Swizzle Inn seems to be the most realistic.

Rum Swizzle

4 oz. Gosling's Black Seal Rum
4 oz. Gosling Barbados Rum
Juice of 2 Lime Juice
5 oz. Pineapple Juice
5 oz. Orange Juice
2 oz. Bermuda falernum
6 dashes Angostura Bitters

Mix in a pitcher with crushed ice, shake vigorously until a frothing head appears. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a orange slice and a cherry. ( Serves 6)

A later version sourced from Gosling Brothers Ltd.:

Bermuda Rum Swizzle

2 oz. Dark Rum
1 oz. Lime Juice
1 oz. Pineapple Juice
1 oz. Orange Juice
1/4 oz. Falernum

Shake all ingredients wit Ice and strain into an ice filled highball glass, and garnish with an orange and a cherry.

There are other recipes that use simple syrup or grenadine to substitute for the falernum, but those ingredients are not the same. There is really no substitute for the falernum. Falernum is rather hard to find, but it is available as an alcoholic (J. D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum) or a non-alcoholic (Fee's Falernum Syrup) version, and either will make a fine drink. This is another of the classic cocktails that can be done with relative ease at home or be made in the bar for your enjoyment. Stop by your favorite tropical bar and ask for one, it they don't have the recipe, you do so show them so they can make it for you. ;o)

Cuba Libre Revisited

2011-12-30T05:34:00.000-08:00

Por Cuba Libre: Free Cuba or a Great Cocktail?

The Cuba Libre's origin is as varied as many other cocktails of the period, but the one sure thing is that was originally concocted by U.S. Soldiers while in Cuba. There are stories if the cocktail appearing in 1898 at a party to celebrate the Independence of Cuba from Spain. "Cuba Libre" was the battle cry of the Cuban Liberation Army during the Cuban War for Independence that ended in 1898 The story of the off duty soldiers in 1898 has some holes in it being that there was no Coca-Cola in Cuba until 1900. According to a deposition by Fausto Rodriguez, it wasn't until August of 1900 that the Cuba-Libre was first mixed in a Havana bar. The story has it that a member of the U.S. Signal Corps was the first to mix the cocktail, and he is only known as "John Doe". It seems that only Cuba has the real story of how this cocktail emerged into the populous.

It took the "Tiki Pop Culture" growth in the United States for the popularity of the cocktail to really take off. In 1945, the Andrews Sisters recorded a song named for in ingredients that made up the cocktail. "Rum and Coca-Cola" as a song and as a cocktail swept the country. Both of the ingredients is the post -war era were cheap and this didn't hurt the growth in popularity of the cocktail. Today this is still one of the more popular cocktails here in America.

Cuba Libre

2 oz. of Blanco or Gold Rum
Juice of 1/2 Lime
4 oz. Coca-Cola

Place all ingredients in a "Collins glass" with ice and garnish with a lime.

If you talk to the Bacardi folks, it was originated with "Bacardi Gold Rum", if you talk to the Havana Club , it was made with "Havana Club Light Rum", thus the mystery continues. Like all good cocktails everyone wants to be the originator, and as a result the story becomes so murky that the truth will probably will never be known.

Modern Day "Rum and Coke"

2 oz Light Rum
2 oz Cola
2 drops of Bitters (Optional)
Lime Wedge

Mix all the ingredients in a "Collins glass" and garnish with the lime wedge.

No matter what you call it or how you mix it, this is one of the true classic cocktails and a great "go to" cocktail for anyone wanting a refreshing drink. ;o)

Revisiting of the Bacardi Cocktail

2011-12-29T05:22:00.000-08:00

The Bacardi Cocktail/Daiquiri

The "Bacardi Cocktail" like the "Dark and Stormy" is a proprietary cocktail. Like the "Dark and Stormy", the "Bacardi Cocktail" spent some time in the courtroom. In 1936 the Bacardi Company brought before the courts several bar owners that were substituting another rum in their "Bacardi Cocktails". The American version of the "Bacardi Cocktail" had grenadine, but the original did not, and this was a big part of the discussion in the courtroom as to the proprietary nature of the recipe. Bacardi was really only interested in one thing with it's actions and that was that a b"Bacardi Cocktail" was to be made with Bacardi Rum. Bacardi received an affirmative ruling from the New York Supreme Court stating that "Bacardi Cocktails must be made with Bacardi Rum".

The earliest written records of the "Bacardi Cocktail" go back to 1917 in Hugo Ensslin's "Recipes for Mixed Drinks". In Ensslin's book, the recipe is the early Cuban version of the cocktail was basically the same as the Daiquiri.

The Earliest Recipe

1 drink Bacardi Rum
Juice of 1/2 lime
2 dashes Gum Syrup

(Simple syrup with gum arabic added to smooth and emulsify)
Shake well in a mixing glass with cracked ice, strain and serve.

Bacardi put out a booklet in 1930 called "BACARDI Algunos De Sus Muchos Usos" a name that roughly translated means "Bacardi some of it's many uses". In this book there is a change in the recipe for the "Bacardi Cocktail".

The more accepted Version

Juice of half a lime
1/2 teaspoon of granulated sugar
1 1/2 oz Bacardi White

Mix thoroughly, then shake well in cracked ice. May be served strained or unstrained. Important Do Not alter the order of the ingredients.
This is the real change that separated the Daiquiri from the cocktail when it could be served unstrained.

In America a "red" version of the Bacardi Cocktail was originated in New York, this one containing grenadine.
The Red Version

1 1/2 oz Bacardi White Rum
the juice of 1/2 lime
1 bar spoon of Grenadine Syrup

Shake all ingredients in a mixing glass and strain into a cocktail glass.

Whether you serve the cocktail as a daiquiri, a cocktail, or unstrained over cracked ice, this is a delicious cocktail that stands alone as one of the very early classic cocktails of the world. It also makes sense that a "Bacardi Cocktail/Daiquiri" be made with Bacardi Rum seeing how it bears the name of the rum. Whether you like red or original just get out and enjoy this wonderful cocktail. ;o)

Revisiting KeyZombie

2011-12-28T04:48:00.000-08:00

Bahama Bob's KeyZombie

Made in the tradition of Don the Beachcomber's time honored recipe with a little KeyZ twist to it.

1 oz Siesta White Rum
1 oz Myer's Dark Rum
1/2 oz Plantation Barbados 151 Rum
1/2 oz J.D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum
2 drops of Aguardiente Anisette Rum
1/2 oz Pomegranate Liqueur
2 drops Angostura Bitters
1 1/2 oz Pineapple Juice
1 1/2 oz White Grapefruit Juice
Juice of 1/2 Lime
Splash of Barrett's Ginger Beer

Combine all of the ingredients except the ginger beer in a shaker with ice cubes and shake thoroughly and strain into a tall glass filled half full with crushed ice. Add Barrett's Ginger Beer to taste and garnish with a orange slice. Enjoy this taste of the Tiki Era.

This is one of the fun cocktails that we have played with in the Rum Lab to expand the scope of some of the old classic cocktails to take advantage of the modern flavors, liqueurs, and rums. ;o)

Pina Colada Revisited

2011-12-27T05:12:00.000-08:00

Where in the World did the Pina Colada Come From?

El Pirata Cofresi

The Pina Colada has been a part of beach and tropical cocktail fair for as long as I can remember, but it really isn't that old of a cocktail. There seem to be several theories as to who really created the Pina Colada. The oldest story goes back to the 1800's and the pirate Roberto Cofresi also known as El Pirata Coefresi, he was said to have served his men cocktails that were a mix of white rum, coconut milk, and pineapple. The unfortunate part of the story is that when he died in 1825 the recipe died with him and is unverified.

Plaque at the Barrachina in San Juan

There is the theory that the Spaniard Ramon Portas Mingot, who worked is some of the finest bars in Buenos Aires, and a writer of cocktail books, had met Chef Pepe Barrachina on a trip to South America. Pepe hired Ramon to be the head bartender in his San Juan Restaurant Barrachina. It is said that his experimentation yielded the "Pina Colada" in 1963.

The Caribe Hilton Beachcomber Bar

The most believable of the theories was that on August 15, 1954, a man named Ramon "Monchito" Marrero introduced the Pina Colada at the Beachcomber Bar at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan. The Caribe Hilton was the moist famous hotel of the day and often hosted many of the high rollers and the star studded Hollywood clientele of the day. The hotel encouraged Ramon to experiment with many different ingredients to create the new Caribe Hilton signature drink. It too Ramon three months of blending, shaking and mixing ingredients to create the first Pina Colada. The story in verified by the fact that it uses cream of coconut, which was pioneered by "Coco Lopez" in 1954 by Ramon Lopez Irizarry at the University of Puerto Rico.

I know that I pretty much follow the original recipe, but instead of white rum, I substitute a "spiced rum" and top the drink with fresh ground nutmeg. These are some ideas that were introduced to me as I visited different islands in the Caribbean. Bahama Bob's pina colada does owe it roots to Ramon "Monchito" Marrero and his

The Bushwacker: A Virgin Island Cocktail Delight

2011-12-26T06:27:00.000-08:00

Revisiting the Bushwacker

This is a great frozen cocktail with it's origins in St. Thomas, but no one seems to know what bar was the originator. This is a very decadent cocktail with some resemblance to a Pina Colada or a Mudslide. There is a bar called "Sandshakers" in Pensacola, Florida that claims to be the home of the original Bushwacker, but they admit that the recipe came to them in 1975 when the then owner visited Sapphire Beach on the eastern side of St. Thomas and there he tasted the Bushwacker and brought it back to try out on his customers at "Sandshakers".

My first introduction to the Bushwacker was at "Flip Flops" the pool bar at Sapphire Beach Resort. The drink immediately got my attention, but it is one of those cocktails that you don't want to drink too many of because they are so rich and filling.

The recipe is a clean and simple one, but there are several variations of it that I have seen in my travels including some of my own.

Bushwacker Recipe

Cream of Coconut
Dark Rum
Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
Dark Creme de Cocoa
Milk or Half and Half

All of the ingredient are put in the blender with ice and blended until smooth. I like to put a swirl of chocolate syrup on the sides of the glass before pouring the ingredients into the glass. I also top it with fresh ground nutmeg, an orange slice and a cherry. These are optional, but add a nice little appearance thing that the customers like. You can float the Bushwacker with a dark rum like Myer's or even the Kraken, another viable option.

No matter how you make it it's a great cocktail that you and your friends can enjoy. ;o)

The Rum Runner Revisited

2011-12-25T04:15:00.000-08:00

The Rum Runner a Cocktail from the Keys

The Rum Runner was created in the late 1950's at the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar in Islamorada, Florida. The story is that the bar had an excess of blackberry and Banana Liqueurs that needed to be sold before a new shipment of liquor could be brought in, so the Rum Runner was a blend of excess liquor the bar needed to get rid of, and the result is a very popular tropical drink that was named for the real rum runners that inhabited the Keys during the prohibition era.

The recipe calls for one ounce of light rum, dark rum, blackberry brandy, banana liqueur, orange juice, pineapple Juice, and a splash of grenadine. All the ingredients placed is a shaker with ice, shaken and poured into a highball glass and garnished with an orange slice. This sweet and fruity cocktail has been a best seller of the tropics and is usually found in some version or another all over the Caribbean and wherever you find a good tropical bar.

The next time you are traveling through Islamorada, stop by the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar and experience the original Rum Runner for yourself. ;o)

The Daiquiri Revisited

2011-12-24T04:46:00.000-08:00

Here we go a gain with another famous cocktail that has a very unusual origin. They say that an American, Jennings Cox invented the cocktail as a result of running out of gin when he was entertaining American guests in the late 1800's in Cuba. He also happened to be an engineer at the Spanish American Iron Company mine located in the Village of Daiquiri. Any guesses where the name came from? This was pretty much a local drink until a navy Admiral Lucius W. Johnson ( Medical Officer) tried his cocktail in 1909, and he introduced it to the Army and Navy Club in Washington D.C. The spread of the cocktail increased rapidly throughout the next couple of decades. Like all stories over the origin of a cocktail there is some dispute as to weather he had some assistance from another Cuban engineer named Pagliuchi, or if the drink was an existing Cuban speciality.

Jennings original recipe was just the beginning of a string of recipes most more complex in nature, in the daiquiri family.

Jennings Cox's Original Recipe

1.3 oz. light dry Cuban rum (Bacardi according to the stories)
.7 oz lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar
4 crushed ice cubes

Mix the ingredients in a shaker and serve.

There are many other versions of the daiquiri that have arisen including the soda shoppe slurpee stuff sometimes found in speed bars today. However there are still a few good bartenders that know the meaning of a good daiquiri. One of the other really good daiquiri's in the one that was made for Ernest Hemingway at the El Florida in Havana.
Hemingway's Daiquiri

2 oz. White Rum
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
1/2 oz Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Liqueur

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice add all the ingredients and shake till thoroughly chilled and strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lime.

The basic recipe of a daiquiri is 1 strong , 1 sweet, and one sour, these are the directions of the early days of Cuban cocktail mixing, but things got more serious as to the ratios with time. Today the Daiquiri has shown a resurgence in America especially in the South Florida area. Should you be in Key West stop by the Rum Bar for some Daiquiri lore and some creative "Keys Daiquiri's". ;o)

What is this Solera Rum Aging Process

2011-12-23T04:41:00.000-08:00

This is a re post of this article.

Here is the Solera System at Valera Hermano

The "Solera System" is most prevalent among the Spanish speaking rum producers. This method allows the quick removal of rough edges from the rum than does the single barrel methods. The rum in the bottom tier is the Solera, or the eldest of the rum. All of the rows above are the criadera or the younger rums in the system. The entire stock of the rums in the Solera system is aged at an over proof level and then cut to the proper strength when bottled. It is estimated on average that rum spends 6 years in the solera system, but because the "mother rum" never leaves the system, the age is really difficult to assess.

Refilling the top of the la criadera

How does the system work? As you can see from the picture, the barrels are stacked on their sides in a pyramid like structure that makes up the solera system. At the end of a cycle about 50% of the rum is taken out of the solera (bottom row for bottling) and the rum from the next row up is transferred down to the solera filling the void created when the rum was removed for bottling. Because only half of the rum was removed from the solera, the "mother rum" left behind and the rum transferred down from the criadera blend together and the characteristics of the "mother rum" are quickly transferred to the younger rum and the maturity is attained much quicker that if the rum was aged from scratch in a single barrel. This process is continued all the way to the top of the criadera where new product is added and the cycle begins again.

The solera system represents several years of rum production and is a valuable asset of the company. This is why you see several parallel soleras systems sitting side by side in the bodega. There are many years of aging involved in making great rum, and the solera is a great way to shorten the actual aging of the rums and allowing the rum producer to get the rum to market sooner. Because some of the "mother rum" never leaves the solera, the actual age of the rum can not be published, but the effeciency of the system leaves no doubt that the rum is on a par with rums that have spent much more time in single barrels.

Barrel Proof sitting on the "Solera"

"La Crianza" or the nursery of the "Mother Rum" is where the majority of the aging or toning of the rum takes place as the rum is moved down the system til it finally reaches the bottom row and is allowed to rest with the "mother rum" before removal for bottling. Sipping a barrel proof of the mother rum in a solera is an opportunity that should never be missed. Even at the over proof levels, this rum has a flavor that is almost impossible to describe.

Though some rum experts have described the Solera method of aging rum as "cheating", it does shorten the time necessary to mature the rum and the product is still on a par with many of the older single barrel aged rums. With today's economy, the rum producers need to bring their products to the market sooner, and the solera system allow this without compromising the taste of the rum. ;o)

Angostura: 2011 Rum Grand Master

2011-12-22T05:19:00.000-08:00

Angostura Distilleries has been awarded the 2011 Rum Grand Master in the London award ceremony. The Spirit Master Series is one of the most respected blind tasting competition in the world of rum. The panel is a group of industry experts and trade professionals lead by Dominic Roskrow, editor of The Spirit Business, that are tasked with the job of individually tasting and scoring each entry on their merits. The collation of the blind tasting scores combined with customer feed back are the determining factors in this competition. of the competition.

Angostura in addition to the Grand Master status for the brand, individual awards for their rums in the three categories was impressive.

White Rum

Angostura Caribbean Reserva - Gold

Gold Rum up to 7 Years Old

Angostura Caribbean Rum 7 Year - Mater
Angostura Caribbean Rum 5 Year - Gold

Premium Rum

Angostura 1824 - Master
Angostura 1919 - Gold

This is big for the Trinidad and Tabago distillery and the growth in the fast expanding world market of rum. The House of Angostura has been granted "Royal Warrants of Appointment to the royal households of Great Britain, Prussia, Spain and Sweden as suppliers of Angostura Aromatic Bitters in the past, and seems to be following in this great tradition with it rums. These are much sought after rums that go back to the days of World War I when the Angostura 1919 was shared by the Trinidad troops with their allies in the trenches of France.

Take some time to enjoy one of these super premium rums made by the 2011 Grand Master, Angostura Trinidad & Tobago Caribbean Rum. ;o)

I'm Back!!!

2011-12-21T05:24:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the short vacation from the keyboard. I've been on the road to West Plam Beack to pick up a replacement dinghy. It seem that the air escaped from my old one and it wasn't real useful any more. We had a great run up on Sunday night, picked up the boat on Monday morning and were home again by 1:30 in the afternoon.

This is just the Hurricane Hole none of these are my boat.

I've spent all my time since then putting the motor, console etc. in the new boat. The really good news is that it transported me to the Hurricane Hole at 5:00 pm intime fopr happy hour. The new boat handles well, and is very comfortable on the water, and by the way it is pretty quick too. It made it to and from the hole with out incident or problem, not a bad maiden voyage.

Back to a normal blog tomorrow, you know rum and stuff like that. ;o)

Sunday Sun-up

2011-12-18T04:34:00.000-08:00

Sunday Mornings are not even for the birds, they are dosing off also. ;o)

Waiting for Season

2011-12-17T04:49:00.000-08:00

This is the slowest week of the year here in Key West, people are home with family and the streets are almost vacant these days. I kind of reminds me of a old Jimmy Buffett song, "When the Coast is Clear". I get to spend some time with myself and see this place for what it really means to me. With the business of the bar, Rum Lab, and the blog I rarely get to spend any time with me to reflect and enjoy what really make me tick. There is something really special about dropping anchor in a secluded bay and just be.

I wonder about myself and why I need to keep so many balls in the air like a circus juggler, but it is what keeps me happy and a live when I have a good direction and a purpose. Every once in a while I need to slow down and relax for a few days to check on myself and make sure this is really who I am. Sunday night we are taking a short road trip to Daytona Beach to look a a new tender for the boat. You'll see a blog tomorrow as usual, but not on Monday. I'm taking a day off while I'm on the road, but I'll be back on Tuesday and back to my life in Key West.

Thanks to all of you that follow, it makes this adventure fun when I can share it with my friends. ;o)

Walkabout in Key West

2011-12-16T06:05:00.000-08:00

I sometimes forget that I really do live in paradise, taking for granted that Key west is one of the gems of tropical world. Recently I was walking around with my camera shooting some pix for future articles and realized what a great place to live. From the foot of Duval Street to New Town this island provides more interesting things than any place I've ever been.

Returning from two weeks in the Caribbean recently was a real reminder of how warm, friendly, and just plain homey Key West is. The rest of the Caribbean is a great fun place to visit, but Key West is home. This little 1 1/2 by 5 mile island boast more history, colorful people, and bars than anyplace anywhere. The one spot on this earth where land, sea, sun, and moon all get together to showcase all of their finest attributes. In other words it is really a place for me to lay my head down and call home.

I really need to just let a few pictures do the rest of the talking for me. ;o)

Navigating the Sir Francis Drake Channel

2011-12-15T05:47:00.000-08:00

The Sir Francis Drake Channel is the sailing and boating mecca of the British Virgin Islands. It is the primary water artery to all of the British Virgin Islands. The channel can be a bit treacherous if she is riled up, but the usual 15 to 20 knot winds keep the waters a bit choppy and the sail boaters happy. The winter season provides a bit stronger winds, and choppier conditions, but it is all worth the voyage when you arrive at your favorite destination in the BVI.

Our day on the Sir Francis Drake Channel was spent in a Nauti Nymph 29 foot Fountain center console power boat. The Fountain is a perfect boat for the channel, it is long and slender and carves through the waves like butter while still providing a good ride through the 3 plus foot seas. Leaving from Red Hook St. Thomas our first order of business was to go to Soper's Hole on the West end of Tortola and check in with Customs in the BVI. Afterwards it was straight into the Sir Francis Drake and heading for Road Town.

The channel was it's usual choppy self, we navigated through her to Road Town, then continued to the east for Virgin Gorda. Along the way we saw several of the beautiful islands, Norman, Cooper, and Salt to our south as we navigated the North side of the channel along Tortola's shoreline. This rugged semi-arid landscape boasts many beautiful houses on her many cliffs and peaks. The rapidly changing scenery is what I find the most interesting about the channel, deep blue waters, very unusual volcanic out crops near the shores, and the beautiful breaking waves on the shores.

No matter what your destination, the trip up the Sir Francis Drake Channel makes the destination a welcome sight as your arrive from your adventure. In our case it was the Bitter End Yacht Club and Saba Rock in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda. Having the right equipment, the desire, and interest in seeing what she is going to throw at you, the channel is a great adventure that you will always remember. Try it if you have the opportunity, you will never forget the trip, and probably like me never be able to stop talking about it.. ;o)

Atlantico Platino: a Great Mixer

2011-12-14T04:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's Rum Lab gave us a chance to enjoy the warmth, smooth flavors, and mixability of Atlantico Platino. Atlantico Platino combines and plays well with most of the mixes we tried yesterday. There were a couple of things that it did not particularly blend with, like dry vermouth and pineapple juice in combination. Atlantico Platino did combine very well with most of the mixes we tried with it. The warmth and fine taste of the rum came through in all of the cocktails.

The Passionate Platino

1 1/2 oz. Atlantico Platino
1 oz. Passoa Liqueur
1 oz. Banana Liqueur
1/2 oz. Pomegranate Liqueur
3/4 oz. Cream of Coconut
Top-up with Orange Juice

Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake until chilled and pour into a Collins glass and garnish with an orange wheel and a cherry.

The Atlantico Platino came across as a really great up scale white rum for your more sophisticated cocktails, daiquiris, or even rumtinis. I feel that if your tastes require a smoother, more refined tasting white rum, this one could fill the bill. ;o)

Atlantico Platino in the Rum Lab Today

2011-12-13T07:54:00.000-08:00

     Atlantico Platino a new higher end white rum is the subject of the Rum Lab testing today.     This Dominican Republic rum come from a linage of high quality and smooth rums.     It's big brother Atlantico Private Cask is an award winning fine rum and the fact that it was nominated for the Golden Rum Barrel award (New White Rum Category) in London this year indicates that it is also a fine quality rum.

     Today we are going to test the mixability of Atlantico Platino in the Rum Lab and will let you know how the rum fares against the mixers.     It has been the experience that some of these fine rums struggle a bit when mixed, they sometimes clash with what they are mixed with.     This is always a challenge, but worth the time, because when you find what the rum likes the cocktails are absolutely superb.   It is like everything else compatibility is the clue to good cocktails as well as anything else.

     I'll let you know tomorrow how the Rum Lab liked Atlantico Platino.   ;o)

Bolongo Bay in St. Thomas

2011-12-12T06:08:00.000-08:00

Bolongo Bay is an interesting area on the southern side of St. Thomas. It boasts several of the fun spots on the island to eat and party. Located on the beach at Bolongo Bay, Mim's provides an open air patio dining experience that is hard to beat. They specialize in coconut curry lobster, baked stuffed lobster, fresh fish and creative pasta dishes.

We were greeted by Mim DeFreitas and seated promptly in the fabulously romantic seaside patio, the sound of the waves rolling up on the beach and the great lighting just added to the experience. We were served promptly and graciously, making this one of the most memorable dining experiences of our trip to St. Thomas.

After dinner we took a short stroll down the beach to Iggy's where we enjoyed the cocktail mastery of Josh and the great music of Ines and her great band. Partying at Iggy's was a great capper to our great night on Bolongo Bay. What a great night walking the beach, moonlight over the water and great people. Bolongo Bay is a bit hard to find, but just ask any taxi driver to take you there. You will enjoy the time of your life dining and partying on Bolongo Bay. ;o)

Sunday and Rum

2011-12-11T04:38:00.000-08:00

Sunday Rum.

Red Hook: Life Surrounded by Water

2011-12-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

Red Hook is one of St. Thomas's wonderland towns, located on the southeast corner of the island, and full of wonder and surprises. The Marina is the centerpiece of the town with the ferry that takes you to St. John, the restaurants, bars, and shopping, all in one spot. The marina is filled with rental boats, privately owned yachts, live-aboard sail boats, and commercial vessels that haul everything from soup to trucks around the islands and ports.

The colorful cocktail lounges and restaurants provide us with a great overlook of the marina and a view outward to St. John. It is easy to just sit and sip a fine rum and get lost in the moment, and stay for hours. The view and the locals make this a very enjoyable afternoon hangout for the gang of four that just invaded the town. Fellow rumstylers Mike Streeter (Rum Connection.com), Carl Grooms ( Coastlines and Tanlines.com), My wife Marta, and myself, seemed to be drawn to this place every afternoon. Whether it be the Island Time Bar, Duffy's Love Shack, or Molly Malone's, we seemed to manage to get to the docks and have our afternoon cocktails here with out fail.

It really doesn't matter what you enjoy this place is a very relaxing and has a great vibe that makes you want to stay for hours, even though you know you should be heading back to the condo.

Get away from the hustle-bustle of Charlotte Amalie and enjoy the laid back fun of Red Hook, you won't be sorry. Great food, drink, and atmosphere, what more can you ask for? ;o)

Bartender's Appreciation Day

2011-12-09T05:07:00.000-08:00

Lauren at the Hurricane Hole

All of us get to come in contact with a bartender some time, there are those that you always remember and those that you would love to forget. Either way they all provide us with some very refreshing and enjoyable cocktails and good conversation from time to time. Today is the day you get to say thank you for the services they provide you, today is Bartender Appreciation Day.

Paul at the Hurricane Hole

Lauren, Nicole, Paul, and Nick at the Hurricane Hole here in Key West are the ones that take care of me and my friends on a regular basis and I truly do appreciate their service. These are fun people that make the day fun for me whenever I arrive there in the evening.

Think about your bartender today and take the time to say thank you to them for all that they do for you and the fun times they provide you when you go tho their bars. ;o)

City of Toronto: Caribbean Week December 5-10th

2011-12-08T05:14:00.000-08:00

City of Toronto has proclaimed the week of Dec 5th - 10th as Caribbean week, a week of celebration of the Caribbean's many distinctive sounds, sights, food, culture and rums. This is an event that brings representatives from Toronto and the Caribbean together for the purpose of sharing their cultures and promoting mutual tourism and travel.

Rum and Rhythm is the part of the event dedicated to Caribbean Culture One of the major plays in the event is Ed Hamilton of Ministry of Rum. He will share his knowledge of the history and production of the Caribbean's most famous spirit. Trevor Burnett will also be there to share his mixology techniques showcasing the Caribbean cocktails. It is also a chance to experience some of the Caribbean's highly honored rums and enjoy some fine cocktails.

Sorry that I will not be able to attend this event this year, but it looks like one that would be something to look into for the future. If you are able this would be a great experience. ;o)

Great Final Rum Lab for the Book

2011-12-07T05:10:00.000-08:00

     Eight of the 20 or so new cocktails worked out very well.     We had the largest turn out of lab mice ever, and all were very helpful in making the decisions for the final cocktails for the new up coming book.     This was a long afternoon into night, but we did finish up the list and enjoyed a Bahama Bob Zombie to celebrate the finishing of the cocktails for the book.    Special thanks to all who have been involved in the Rum Lab experiments during the past year or so, because without the help we would not have such a great list of rum cocktails to work from.

     Here are a couple of the final recipes that we enjoyed testing yesterday afternoon and evening.

     Nassau Cream

1/2 oz. Nassau Royal
1 oz. Coconut Rum
1 1/2 oz. Amaretto
1 oz. Creme de Cocoa
2 oz. Half and Half

Place all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously, pour into a Collins glass and garnish with fresh ground nutmeg and hard chocolate.

Boaters' Delight

1 oz. White Rum
1/2 oz. Peach Schnapps
1/2 oz. Banana Liqueur
1/2 oz. Banana Rum
2 oz. Pear Juice
2 oz. Pineapple Juice

Place all ingredients is a shaker filled with ice and shake lightly, strain into a pint glass filled with ice. Garnish with a pineapple slice.

These turned out to be exceptional cocktails in the opinion of the Lab Mice, and ones you might want to try. Now it is time for me to sit down in front of the computer and get to work assembling and finish the writing of the book. Still looking to have it on the shelves in March or April of 2012. ;o)

Just a short note to Remember today is the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Final Rum Lab for the Book

2011-12-06T06:49:00.000-08:00

Today we are having the final Rum Lab for cocktails to put into the book. We are pulling ideas that are a little off the wall, but lets just see what works and what is a big NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

I promise a new recipe in the blog tomorrow. Now it is time to do some recipe idea creation, and get the new ingredients. Talk to You Tomorrow. ;o)

The Boat Bar

2011-12-05T08:54:00.000-08:00

Just sitting here wondering what to write about today, a blank stare out over the gulf mostly, when an idea came into my head. I have one of the better boat bars around, so lets talk about a boat bar. What are the real essentials of a good boat bar? Refrigerator, ice maker, sink and faucet, blender, and a good place to store the spirits, glasses, and shakers. Next the spirits, Rum, 100 or so will suffice, liqueurs, 20 is adequate, plus a good selection of mixers like fruit juices and sodas. Throw in a few bar keep tools and you have the means for a great boat party.

That reminds me that tomorrow is Rum Lab on the boat, better start to think about who is going to be there and what we will be looking at this week. Fortunately I'm getting close to having enough really good recipes to get the book put in to a first draft.

All this talk about a party and a bar is making me thirsty, so I guess it is time to quit talking about the boat bar and wander back down the dock to it and enjoy the rest of my afternoon off. Thanks for stopping by, it's time for you to enjoy your time off as well. Stop by for a cocktail and relax. ;o)

Sunday by the Sea

2011-12-04T04:06:00.000-08:00

Sunday by the Sea is always a very calming and relaxing experience, enjoy. ;o)

Sint. Maartin - St. Martin the Smallest Sea Island Divided by Two Nations

2011-12-03T05:32:00.000-08:00

Phillipsburg, St. Maartin ( Dutch Side) where we disembarked from the cruise ship, and started this adventure. The Dutch side of the island is the more populated side, but the French side is larger in size. The uneven division of the island according to folklore occurred because the French and the Dutch each chose a person to walk from one end of the island and where the two men met would be the dividing line. It looks like the Frenchman was a faster walker. On March 23, 1648 the French and the Dutch struck the Treaty of Concordia, dividing the island permanently. This island of approximately 75,000 people relies on tourism as it's primary resource for income. The Dutch through casino's, beaches, jewelery, and exotic drinks from the native Guavaberry Rum based Liquors. The French side is known for nude beaches, clothes and shopping. Oh and Princess Juliana International Airport where the planes land just over the head of the sun bathers in the beach.

For us it was wandering through the narrow streets and down the beautiful beach just watching and enjoying the scenery. A stop at the Guavaberry Rum Emporium and a tasting of the unusual flavored and aged rums was very enjoyable, but the time walking the town and riding the water taxis really was the fun point for us.

     The bay was filled with interesting vessels including some "America's Cup" sail boats that were available for rides.    The water taxi is a great way to get from the cruise ship port to the town of Phillipsburg, but there are also land taxi's for trips to the French side also.

All in all a quaint little island that offers a lot of opportunity for fun and frolic.    It is said that the night life there is pretty lively, but when traveling by cruise ship, you are underway at 6 pm.     ;o)

Prohibition and "The Pelicans" in the Florida Keys

2011-12-02T06:15:00.000-08:00

Prohibition provided the United States gave us a lot of gangland names that have become synonymous with rum running, crime, and speakeasies. Al Capone, Meyer Lansky, Frank Nitti, and Baby Face Nelson just to name a few. The Keys had the Pelicans, a group of looters who started out plundering the sailing sloops and launches that were anchored off of the southern coast of Key West. They would boast that "no anchor was too large, or no fish hook too small to be carried off once they visited a boat." The owners would return to find their motors and everything else missing.

During Prohibition when the rum runners would drop their cargo in the shallow waters off the keys in the middle of the night until such time that they had it sold, then return for it at that time, The Pelicans, a gang of men named for the flock of birds that frequent the shores in all hours of the day and night, would take their cargo and sell it them selves. The Pelicans did show some honesty in their endeavors though with the rum runners and split the profits 50 - 50. The hidden goods were divided equally between the raiding Pelicans and the smugglers,"they were entitled to that much the pelicans often boasted.

Later on the rum runners, who now had began to fear the Pelicans more than the government officials found new hiding places away from the roving eyes of the Pelicans. Times became hard for the Pelicans after the rum runners were finally able to hide from the Pelicans, members could no longer roll with large bankrolls partying like they were accustom to.

The Pelicans turned to stealing batteries, tires, gasoline, and other automotive accessories to fill their coffers. On a Monday night they hit the waterfront parking lot of the Key West Athletic Club basketball practice stealing tires, rims, batteries, tools and gasoline. They had no respect for the law, they stole the tires off of club manager Judge J. F. Busto's ford as well.

The Pelicans for all of their bad traits did however show some compassion when they spotted a disabled picket boat. They rescued three U.S. Customs agents that had been missing for five days off of Key West. This picturesque gang of beachcombers and alleged rum smugglers remembered the law of the sea and notified the U.S. Coast Guard of their location saving their lives. I guess that it is all a part of life in the prohibition era. ;o)

Funny how the parties on a seclude beach today all seem to end up the same way as they did back then

St. Lucia: Rum and Fun

2011-12-01T05:25:00.000-08:00

The island of St. Lucia is one of the mountainous gems of the Caribbean, nestled between St. Vincent, Barbados and Martinique, this gem will take your breath away as you wind through her twisty mountain roads. From the city of Castries all the way through the country and the banana plantations the eyes have a hard time keeping up with the ever changing scenery.

We Traveled up the mountain and back down the other side on our way to the St. Lucia Distillery, but what we got to see in between was absolutely amazing. They build the twistiest roads I've ever seen, but whatever it takes to get you over the top and down to the beautiful hurricane hole of Marigot Bay.

Marigot Bay is a double bowled bay that provides a natural breakwater for protection from the seas. The mountains that surround the bay give protection from the winds as well. The stop we made just above the bay gave us a vista of the entire bay and it's unique double bowl.

From there it was down to the valley and the banana plantations that fill the valley. This is a different type of farming from the sugar cane plantations that we saw in Barbados, but the Trees are a thing of beauty that seem to fill this valley.

Like so many of these islands, I find it amazing the ever changing beauty as you traverse from city, seashore, forests, and back. I guess that is why I try to cover so much ground when I am in these places. I really don't want to miss anything. ;o)

The Walled City of Old San Juan

2011-11-30T05:10:00.000-08:00

One of the most beautiful historic cities that we visited on our recent Caribbean excursion was the Walled City of San Juan. It's historic buildings and two forts that protected it makes this a city that has your head spinning with every step. Walking the narrow streets and seeing the unique shops, restaurants, and bars took the better part of two days. You cannot begin to see all of the sites even in a short visit. It was fun sharing what we had found with our friends that went out independently in a different direction.

San Cristobal

The two forts that protected the city from all sides are amazing works that are perched on the cliffs always watchful to the sea. El Morro and San Cristobal combined with the walls around the city made this an unpenatratable fortress from the late 1500's.

El Morro

The real beauty of the city is what is within the walls, great shops and great restaurants are all a part of this old historic district. I spent two days riding around the town on the free trolley, just amazed by all the beautiful and interesting places that were there. Lunch on a little patio cafe or sitting on the veranda of a bar sipping a great rum, just walk around and you will find something of interest every where you turn. Don't just spend an hour or so here, plan to have at least 2 days and nights to really get the feel for this great historic place. ;o)

Barbados: Sugar, Rum, Beaches, and Beauty

2011-11-29T05:34:00.000-08:00

The Bajan country side is a thing of beauty, every where you look all you see is historic and beautiful countryside. Let me take you on a visual tour of the Bajan country side that we got to enjoy a couple of weeks ago.

The beaches, the countrysides, and the people of Barbados make this one of the really fun stops of the Rum Cruise. Don't miss this marvelous island in any of your trips to the Caribbean. The history and the way it has been preserved and is being restored makes you fell like you are living in the era of slaves, sugar, and rum. ;o)

"The Spirit of Miami": The Revival of a Family Rum

2011-11-28T07:15:00.000-08:00

    Distileria Caneca, a family business located in the Wynwood neighborhood of Doral, will be offering the first bottles of rum for sale to the public on New Years Day.     Matt Malone found himself looking for a new way of making a living after an auto accident.    He was inspired by his wife's family history of rum making in Puerto Rico for five generations, he decided to try his hand at it.     Matt trained in Puerto Rico, then at Bavarian Brewing Technologies in order to learn the necessary skills to produce a good rum.

     It is said that he pipes samba music into his oak lined vats which rest the rum.     This causes a vibe that speeds the aging process a bit and giving the rum unique aging experience.    The rum is made from molasses that comes from South Florida's sugar industry.     The new rum will be named in December, and released in January for sale to the public.

     I am looking forward to being able to try this new rum and potentially making it available at the Rum Bar here in Key West.     ;o)

The Freedom of Flight

2011-11-27T04:35:00.000-08:00

The ability to just sit on the veranda of your condo overlooking Water Bay and watch the fabulous show of the birds as they fly and dive into the water. I can do this for hours and never get tired of watching them. A nice glass of one of my favorite rums makes this even better. ;o)

The Rum Shops of Barbados

2011-11-26T05:18:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights of our two week rum excursion was a visit to several of the famous Bajan Rum Shops along the western and southern sides of the island. Our taxi driver was gracious enough to put up with the four of us Caribbean crazy people as we imbibed ourselves in the local culture. First of all let’s talk about what a rum shop is. These are similar to our bars, in that they sell spirits by the drink, but what is different is that you can come in with a group of like minded friends, buy a bottle of rum, get glasses with ice and a mix, take them to your table and enjoy them. The “Party of Five”, June, Marta, Mike, Carl, and myself, bounced from rum shop to rum shop all afternoon learning about this Bajan wonder.

It seems these rum shops are everywhere on the island, from neighborhoods, to beach side along the coast. These places seem to be where friends gather to play cards, dominoes, share a bottle of fine rum and just plain talk. For us it was a chance to have another rum crawl, only this time it wasn’t me at the helm and I could participate in the fun. I believe that we visited 9 or so of these rum shops during our afternoon crawl and a couple of very beautiful beaches as well.

This impromptu crawl was one of the highlights of this visit to Barbados. It never ceases to amaze me what new things you can find when you hire a taxi for the day and just have them guide you around their island. Hugh was the perfect cabbie; he listened to what we were looking for and made it happen. I just want to say a heartfelt thank you to Hugh for his effort and putting up with the “Party of Five” all afternoon. By the way, we did make it back to the ship on time. ;o)

Thank You to Hugh!!

Antigua: Scooters to Devil's Bridge

2011-11-25T06:13:00.000-08:00

The Island of Antigua has some of the most beautiful scenery in the Caribbean. Our scooter trip to the Northeastern part of the island found us at Devil's Bridge, a part of Indian Town National Park. This place removed any doubt about the splendor that nature has bestowed upon this island. Created by the sea after several centuries of pounding on the soft limestone below the bridge. This natural arch consists of a much harder limestone that is resistant to the sea's erosion that still stands while the softer material below it has been washed away.

Devil's Bridge got it name because of the large number of slaves that worked the nearby estates had thrown themselves into the sea from the bridge. The angry seas along this coast will swallow up and slam them into the cliffs amost anything she that gets caught in her fury. Those who fall have little or no hope of survival. It was said that the Devil would call them to cast themselves into the sea. Thus the name, Devil's Bridge. The draw to the bridge is believed to be strong in order for so many suicides to have occurred.

The area around the bridge is very unique also. This is a wild area of the Indian Town National Park, and has been an environmentally protected since the 1950's. Covered with Acacia Trees, a dry shrub known locally as "Cassie" and Century Plants, this area is also home to numerous bird species and herds of wild donkeys. There is a beautiful meadow right above the Devil's Bridge that is a perfect place for a picnic and watching as the surf pounds the cliffs and the bridge.

If you are on the Island of Antigua, take the time to visit this remote National Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the wild life. This was a great trip, a rest from the busy docks. We did get back to the rum at the end of the day by visiting Antigua Distillery where we enjoyed sampling some fine English Harbour Rums. ;o)

Brugal 1888: Celebrating 120 Years of Rum Making

2011-11-24T04:50:00.000-08:00

     The Dominican Republic's Brugal celebrated 120 years by five generations of the family masterfully making rum with the introduction of Brugal 1888 Rum.     This is a dark amber rum that is for real for the rum lover to enjoy.     This is a definite top shelf rum that boasts smooth sweetness on the palate that quickly turns dry and smokey at the finish.    The flavor of the sherry barrel aging is most prominent in the finish, plus it has notes of scotch and sherry on the nose.     The new rum is artfully aged in first American Oak, then finished European Oak casks that were used to rest sherry.

     For the newbie to sugar cane spirits, who is looking widen their experiences beyond scotch or whiskey, this is a great transition rum that can hold it's weight with many of the single malts.     You can sample this one neat, but a cube of ice in Brugal 1888 like in a good scotch it will open the spirit up and make it even better.

     The Brugal is being distributed by Republic National and is available in most of the better liquor stores.     This is definitely one that you need to try.   ;o)

Frozen Day in the Rum Lab

2011-11-23T05:21:00.000-08:00

The Rum Lab suffered from Thanksgiving preparation yesterday, in that many of the usual mice were unable to attend. We proceeded with the experimentation with an abbreviated staff, but the results were very encouraging.

The big gain of the day was the new Bahama Bob's #4 Syrup. This new syrup was concocted from the ideas developed in #3 Syrup, but with a different group of spices to flavor it. This time the syrup was simmered for about a half hour before allowing it to cool and be bottled. It has a better texture and a very exciting flavor profile attained from simmering the mix. Again the recipe will be in the book for all of the Bahama Bob's Cocktail Syrups.

Frozen drinks was the subject matter for the Rum Lab yesterday. We tried some different frozen cocktails ideas that proved to be very exciting. We tried to work some of the Tiki Style ingredients into some frozen drinks that would yield the usual watered down frozen drinks when a regular cocktail is put into the blender. We found that it took very bold flavors to make a good frozen cocktails that were rather was flavorful from start to finish. This approach eliminated that end of the frozen drink watery slush.

Frozen Tiki

1 oz. Brinley Gold Lime Rum
1 oz. Centenario 7 Year Old Rum
1/2 oz. Plantation Overproof Rum
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
1 oz. Grapefruit Juice
1 oz. Pineapple Juice
1/4 oz. Bahama Bob's #4 Syrup

Place all ingredients in the blender with ice and blend until smooth. Serve in a pint glass and garnish with a sprig of mint and an orange wheel.

This different approach was taken with many different ingredients, and the bold ones were the ones that really worked well. We even took a can of "Libby's Skinny Fruit", a tropical salad, and pureed it into a frozen cocktail using rum, and lime juice. This looked and felt like a smoothie with a little bit of a rum kick to the finish. We found a lot of different ideas that we will pursue next week as the research goes ahead to the next level. ;o)

After Missing Two Weeks: Rum Lab Today!!!

2011-11-22T05:59:00.000-08:00

     Traveling for the past few weeks, I've really missed working in the Rum Lab.     Today we will be back experimenting again.     I'm not real sure what we will be working with at this time, but It will be figured out before 2pm, when the lab mice arrive and we start mixing the new concoctions.     I know that we will be working with another new syrup that I'm cooking up today.   Following the success of Bahama Bob's #3 Syrup's, I have a couple of new ideas for another new syrup.    I'll just have to see how it works out.

     We are having a couple of guest mice from North Carolina in the lab today as well as many of the regulars.      This will make an interesting experiment having outside Key West mice offering up feed back as well as our regulars.

      Thinking of working with the frozen drinks today, this will be a good place to experiment with the syrups as well.     I will have to see what comes out of my head today as 2 pm approachs.        I've been wanting to do this for some time and today is a warm day perfect for frozen drinks.      ;o)