Fijian Spiced Rum Marama Launched

     Spanish exporter Beveland Distillers has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Marama Spiced Fijian Rum.   Beveland Distillers has launched Marama Spiced Fijian Rum.   Marama is a ‘light rum’, the new expression is a product of made from sugarcane grown in the Fiji Islands.   This is great to see, being that sugarcane has its origins in the area of the Fiji Islands.   Distilled in continuous distillation column stills, before being mixed with water originating from the volcanic substrates of the islands., This water is further purified in reverse osmosis systems to ensure the purity.

     The rum is aged in American oak barrels, blending a selection of rums that are aged between three and five years.   During the production process extracts from exotic plants and fruits native to the island are added, to impart notes of spice, vanilla and citrus.

     On the nose, the expression is “slightly sweet with notes of vanilla, coconut and walnuts”.   There is a spicy citrus and ginger notes on the palate with “a feeling of warmth and zest in the throat” on the finish.  There have been some vanilla rums that have appeared from the Fiji Islands, but this sounds like the real deal for those that enjoy the spiced rums.

Read More at https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2017/03/fijian-spiced-rum-marama-makes-its-debut/

Goodby Mooreesville and I'm Home in Key West

     It was a long trip down, but I've made it and i'm unpacked and showered and ready for Karaoke at the Hurricane Hole tonight.

     There is a reason that I live in Key West, and I was reminded of it as I drove down US 1 yesterday.

Penny Blue Releases First VSOP Rum

     Penny Blue has launched its first VSOP aged rum through the Indian Ocean Rum Company, a joint venture between Berry Bros & Rudd and Medine Distillery.   Created from single estate sugar cane, the liquid has been matured in ex-Cognac (75%), Bourbon (15%) and whisky (10%) barrels before being blended by master distiller, Jean-Francois Koenig, and Berry Bros. & Rudd’s spirit buyer, Doug McIvor.

     “In adherence to the Penny Blue signature style, the VSOP is effortlessly smooth with orange peel notes on the palate,” said Maxime Sauzier, marketing manager at the Mauritius-based Medine Distillery.   “To preserve the heart of the rum it is non-chill filtered and natural in color. Finished with a hand dipped wax seal of the Estate, we believe the VSOP is a true expression of its terroir.”

     The suggested serve for the expression is “sipping on its own, or as an accessible base for great rum cocktails”.   The release joins existing Penny Blue XO and Single Cask bottlings.   Bottled at 40% abv, Penny Blue VSOP is now available to buy online and in store through Berry Bros & Rudd, at the RRP of about $32.00 

Look Out Key West I'm Coming Home

     Down to the Nitty Gritty here in Mooresville.  Cleaners were he last night and the place really. looks awesome.  It reminds me of when we finished building it and how it looked back in 1990.  What a wonderful group of ladies, the four of them hit the house running and within between two and three hours, the place went from a dusty dirty place to a show house.  They brought to life all of the work that we have put into the place in the past six weeks of refurb.

   The dock is finished and I've burn up all of the old one and the other debris that Duke Power left when they cut down a couple of "danger trees" on the back forty.  I am always amazed how fire can reduce a mountain of debris to a pile of dust and ashes in a very short time.  The ability to burn here in Iredell County saves a lot of money having to haul off all of that debris to a landfill.

     As of now, if I get the last little bit of stuff done today, I'm out of here and coming home to Key West at dark thirty Wednesday morning.  If all goes right I might even make it to Karaoke at the Hurricane Hole with Gary Woods and the gang.  It has been a long road, but the light is shining bright at the end of the tunnel.  Install the fixtures on the newly painted tub, touch up a few places around the house and recheck everything.  Barring any problems I'll be on the road south about 4 am on Wednesday.

New Loco Nut from Captain Morgan

       Captain Morgan has just introduced a new shot category expression.   Stemming from the launch of Captain Morgan Cannon Blast, the rum company is shaking up the shots category again this spring with Captain Morgan Loco Nut as an explosively delicious coconut shot. 

     Captain Morgan Loco Nut is a summer-inspired shot that blends Caribbean rum and spices with seasonal flavors, including real coconut liqueur. Best enjoyed as a chilled shot, Loco Nut can also be served in any number of delicious cocktail recipes. 

     Packaged in a round shaped bottle identical to Cannon Blast, LocoNut boasts the appearance of a coconut that gives off the sweet aroma of coconut when you scratch the bottle.   Loco Nut (40 proof, 20% ABV) has a suggested retail price of $14.99 for a 750 ml bottle.

Beautiful View From My Land Deck

     Another week has gone by.  North Carolina is actually warming up and the skies have gotten really pretty reflecting off of the lake in the afternoon.   I'm hopefully getting on the road for the Keys on Thursday.  Things are nearly completed as far as the house goes and I'm now starting on the dock repairs.  Getting close, and this time I should not have to come back up to finish anything.

We Might be Able to Buy our Liquor in the Grocery Store Soon in Florida

     This is tough trying to keep up with the blog will I'm working from dawn til night time on the house.  I am trying though.

     The liquor wall is closer to coming down in Florida, The senate narrowly passed a proposal

nicknamed the 'Whiskey and Wheaties Bill' (SB 106) allowing grocery stores, big box retailers and other stores to sell liquor in the same space as other products was approved by the Florida Senate in a 21-17 vote on Thursday.  Currently, liquor must be sold in a side store which is separated by a wall.

     Sen. Anitere Flores, the Miami Republican who was the bill's sponsor, said it eliminates an antiquated provision that's been around since Prohibition.  "We still believe this law from December of 1934 is appropriate in a time when I can pull out my smart phone and order alcohol and have it delivered it to me? You're talking about a wall between two forms of the same product," added Sen. Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican.

     Sen. Daphne Campbell said she voted no because it might make liquor more accessible to teenagers.   "High school kids are going to go on breaks for lunch and be able to buy alcohol. They could die while driving back to school or be arrested for DUI," said Campbell, a Miami Democrat.

    According to the Distilled Spirits Council, Florida would become the 28th state to allow the sale of liquor alongside wine and beer. The measure must still be approved by the House, where an identical bill has reached the floor.

     I can't believe that Florida is finally moving into the 21st century allowing us buy our spirits in the same store as our groceries.  Yes!!!!!

Read More at https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/florida/articles/2017-03-23/whiskey-and-wheaties-bill-narrowly-passes-florida-senate 

Things Moving Forward in Mooresville

The Bar is Open

     Here it is  Friday already, things up here in Mooresville are moving along very well.  The bathrooms are going back together, new range and microwave is installed.  All and all, things are progressing very well.   The final steps going on all around the house, slow detail work that just takes time.  There is no way around it if you want the results to be good and the place salable.

     The bar is back in place and the we got to sit down and tip a little bit of rum on Tuesday night.  Marta and I had a couple of well deserved rum cocktails.  It brought back good memories of the times in there when we lived her eleven years ago.

The Living Room

     Dock work is the only major issue left ahead of me.  I get started on that hopefully by Monday.   If all goes well and the weather works in my favor this will be don on Tuesday and I can burn the last of the debris Wednesday. Spend Thursday putting the final touches on things and head home on Friday.

     I'm really looking forward to completing the project and getting it on the market.  Key West warmth is something that I'm really missing.  I'm just ready to be back to my life on the boat and in Key West.

Friday is National Cocktail Day

     National Cocktail Day is observed on Friday, March 24th, 2017.    It has been observed annually on March 24th since 2014.   If an ice-cold cocktail sounds good to you right about now, go grab your cocktail shaker.  

  

     Cocktails are drinks typically comprised of alcoholic beverages mixed with other tasty ingredients.  

Whether you enjoy one before, during or after dinner, with a few of your favorite friends or during a romantic evening with that special someone, today's cocktails are available in all sorts of refreshing and tasty flavors.  

     This annual holiday, created by cocktail enthusiast Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, not only celebrates the ginormous variety of cocktails, but also encourages folks to create their own original concoction and share it with others. 

     The first mention of a cocktail was in The Balance and Colombian Repository on Tuesday May 13, 1803 from Hudson, New York.  From this beginning, people have taken the concept and run with it until today when cocktail is the preferred way to enjoy an alcoholic beverage.  From the classic to the creative, National Cocktail Day is the perfect day to kick back and unwind with a favorite cocktail or two. Whether you prefer yours shaken or stirred, on the rocks or frozen, why not celebrate with one or two of the following cocktail recipes?   And as always, please drink responsibly.

Bahama Bob's Hot Grog Rum Time

     Working on the house again up here in the cold town of Mooresville, North Carolina.   As we Finished up the day working down next to the lake fixing up the dock, I felt like a nice hot rum drink would be in order for the evening to take the chill off of the body.

      I immediately thought about the warmth of Pusser’s Gunpowder Proof Rum with it’s 109 proof strength would be perfect to make a warming cocktail.  Grog is always good, but with a little bit of fooling around with the recipe it would be a perfect cold night warmer.

Bahama Bob’s Grog Mix

For 1 drink

• 1/3 Cup of Water
• 1/3 Cup of Demerara Sugar
• 1 Tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice

Place water and sugar into a pan and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to about 120 degrees and stir for about 3 minutes at a very slow boil.   Pour the hot mix into the coffee cup and continue with the drink making

Bahama Bob’s Hot Grog Drink

• 2 oz. Pusser’s Gunpowder Proof Rum
• ½ oz. Lime Juice
• ¼ oz. Lemon Juice
• ½ Cup Bahama Bob’s Grog Mix
• Top up with Steaming Hot Water

Place all ingredients in the coffee cup stir and serve.

The 2017 Miami Rum Renaissance Festival is Less Than a Month Away

     If you haven’t gotten your tickets for the 2017 Miami Rum Renaissance Festival on April 22nd and  23rd, it is probably a good idea to do so soon.  They sell quickly and they are not available at the door, so get on line and get your tickets now.  Get your tickets at http://www.miamirumfest.com/tickets/ . 

     This year’s event features events for the Rum Enthusiasts, people in the trade, and those just interested in learning about rum with the Celebrity Seminars.  This is an e vent that has something for people in all phases of the rum world.  Don’t miss the VIP Tasting Bar for a chance to try some of the rarest rums anywhere.  Meet with the people that produce the rums you love and get to know about others as well.  Below is a full schedule of events for the weekend.

	Saturday, April 22	Sunday, April 23
1pm	·         Grand Tasting ·         Trade Expo ·         VIP Tasting Bar ·         American Rum Portfolio ·         Seminars	·         Grand Tasting ·         Trade Expo ·         VIP Tasting Bar ·         American Rum Portfolio ·         Seminars
2pm
3pm
4pm
5pm
6pm	Rum Fest Closes	Rum Fest Closes

Grand Tasting Event tickets include rum samples. The only exception is the rare and limited editions rums on display in the VIP Tasting Bar, which are available for a small fee per sample. Food is Available for sale at the venue.

It’s a rum-theme lifestyle show. In addition to sampling fine rums from every corner of the world, you’ll discover a treasure trove of cool island fashions, arts and crafts, tiki collectables, travel opportunities and more.

Seminars and lectures are included, presented by a veritable who’s who list of experts from the rum manufacturing, distilling and blending world, offering interactive lectures and master classes.

     Put these dates on your calendar and get your tickets so you won’t be one of those that finds themselves wishing they had gone.  I’ll see you there both days.

Bahama Bob's Back On the Road Again

     Off to Mooresville, North Carolina again this morning.  Another week and a half  worth of work left to get the house on the market.  This trip I'm lucky enough to have the company of my lovely wife, Marta going up there.

View from Living Room

     Looking forward to getting the last of the projects completed and putting the place on the market.  My Realtor tells me that the market is good now and it is a perfect time to get it on the market and sold.   I feel like I'm on one of those refurbishing shows on TV, my friend Mike Cole is telling us what has to be done to make it ready to sell, so we've been on it for nearly a month now and I'm looking forward to having the project done on this trip.

    Dock work, bathroom vanity replacement, little projects finished up, and getting the cleaners in there to put the finishing touch on everything as I pack the car up for my return to the Keys in about a week and a half.

     I really excited how the place has progressed into today's styles and looking forward to seeing how the potential buyers react to the place.  

Hemingway and His Beloved Fishing Yacht "Pilar"

     I visited the soon to be opened Hemingway Rum Company Distillery in Key West on Thursday, and seeing all of the Hemingway memorabilia, reminded me of seeing some very old pictures of Pilar and the boat itself while I was in Cuba.   Visiting Cohimar and San Francisco de Paula gave me an opportunity to see Pilar and all of the places that Hemingway spent time on his beloved fishing boat.

Alcohol Nutrition and Ingredients Labeling: Can the Alcoholic Beverage Industry Rise to the Challenge?

     Momentum for nutrition and ingredients labeling on alcoholic beverages has been increasing for some time now.   On Monday (March 13) the European Commission released its long-awaited report on nutritional and ingredients labeling for alcoholic beverages. It did not insist on mandatory labeling,

but instead challenged the industry to come up with a harmonized self-regulatory proposal on providing information on ingredients and nutrition on all alcoholic beverages within a year.

The "Standard Drinks"

    But does what works for a glass of wine work for a pint of beer? And what about a shot of spirits? Could this prove to be more than a pint-sized challenge?   The key questions now will include what the reference point should be per serve, or by a set volume?  The other question is which way is the best way to communicate such information to consumers?  

     The funny thing is that this question was answered some number of years ago, when the “Standard Drink” was created.  This idea provides the customer with the same amount of alcohol no matter if you are drinking beer or 151 proof spirits.  The system says that 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. wine or 1 ½ oz. of 80 proof spirits all have the same amount of pure alcohol.  The calories should be based on what people are being served, that way they can understand the number of calories per “standard drink”.   Consumers are increasingly conscious of health and wellness and what they are eating and drinking.    Health and wellness trend is relevant for the alcoholic beverage industry as well as the food industry.    'Skinny cocktails' and low alcohol beers are seeing increased interest. To many consumers, calorie counts are just as important in the evening as they are during the day.  

Spirit vs Wine Lsaaabel

Combining all alcoholic beverages to the same volume seems like a straight-forward logic is potentially problematic, people don’t receive the different alcoholic beverages in a set amount and presenting dietary information is a set volume would do nothing but confuse the public.   Calories per serve for instance, based on Dietary Guidelines, the calorie count for each drink-equivalent is: A 1.5 oz. of distilled spirits (40 percent alcohol) is 98 calories, 12 oz. regular beer (5 percent alcohol) is about 150 calories and 5 oz. drink of wine (12 percent alcohol) is about 120 calories.  This is how Americans receive their beverages and I feel like this is the basis for which the nutrition labels need to present the data.

    There are valid arguments for both sides of the question, but when it is all said and done, in food they present the information in calories etc. per serving and at least here in America, that is what we are used to and why should the presentation change for the alcoholic beverage industry.

Read More at http://www.beveragedaily.com/Regulation-Safety/Alcohol-nutrition-ingredients-labels-industry-challenge

The New Aging Experiments are Progressing Well

3 Liter Barrel

     My latest rum aging experiments are about 6 weeks along now and there has been some interesting things happening.  The two barrels are a 3 liter barrel, light toasted barrel with Chianti soaked barrel cubes and the Rhine wine soaked Cubes in an unchared 6 liter barrel, both have been filled with a high wine at about 80% ABV approximately 6 weeks ago.

Chianti Wine Expression

     The Chianti chip expression is taking on a definite red color and the Chianti flavors are coming through.  Remembering that this is a "virgin" barrel and really working on the rum quickly.  The Chianti is a strong fruity wine that is quite dry and is adding a very interesting flavor to the high wine.   This is going to be a very red rum that will have definite notes of the Chianti.

     I feel that because this is a small, virgin barrel, it will mature the

Rhine Wine Expression

rum much faster that the larger barrel that is seeing raw rum for the third time.   Both barrels are working in very advantageous environments of warm weather and aboard the boar so the liquid is in nearly constant motion  as the sea and other boats passing are rocking the barrels.   The warmth, small barrels and the agitation have the affect of speeding the aging process significantly.

6 Liter Barrel

     The larger barrel which was last used in the fall of last year, is responding slower than it did in the heat of the summer, but it is showing some good color and the flavors are starting to emerge as well.  The white Rhine wine soaked cubes offer more flavor than color,  The last batch was very rewarding as far as color and flavor go, but after ten weeks in the barrel began to be come a bit oakey at barrel proof, but when reduced to 45% ABV, the flavor and color were quite good.  This time, with the cooler weather and the third time the barrel has been use, I feel like it will take more time to reach the flavor and color that I am looking for.

    Follow with me and I'll keep you up to day as the maturation of this rum continues and how each of them are progressing.

Havana Club Releases 2017 Expression of Tributo

Havana Club has Released a Second Expression of Tributo 

a sipping rum made from the distillery’s aged reserves, shining a light on the aguardiente in the blend.

     Launched last week during the annual Habanos cigar festival in Havana, just 2,500 bottles of Havana Club Tributo 2017 will go on sale around the world.   Crafted by Havana Club’s master blender Asbel Morales, from five hand-selected base rums and a 40-year-old ‘aguardiente’ spirit base matured in old barrels, the aguardiente is at the heart of Tributo 2017.   The result, according to Morales, is “an exceptional rum with a distinctive dry note and an intriguing array of flavors”.  “With only 2,500 bottles being released worldwide, we expect the expression to be popular among global rum and dark spirits connoisseurs who are looking for the next authentic Cuban rum to add to their repertoire,” said Nick Blacknell, international marketing director at Havana Club 

     “Tributo 2017 is a tribute to the talent of Cuban rum makers.   The extensive reserves at the Havana Club distillery provided us with a wealth of luxurious aged rums to experiment with.   “By blending a decades-old aguardiente and our precious rums, we have achieved a new rum experience that is lively and complex, with a remarkable dry taste imparted by the sugar cane character of the aguardiente and a powerful finish,” he said.

     The 40% abv rum has “an amber glow and flavors of chocolate, tobacco and coffee”, and aims to showcase “the richness and variety of styles found within the Cuban rum category”.   Priced at $375.00, each 70cl bottle is numbered and signed by Morales. The racing green on the gift box pays homage to the color of the sugar cane plant.

Bahama Bob's Cucumber Ting Daiquiri

     Cucumber is one of my favorite veggies, I had to come up with a way to add the subtle flavor of the cucumber to a daiquiri.  The daiquiri is one of my favorite cocktails, so placing my favorite veggie into my favorite cocktail.  This turned out to be a nice expression, because the subtle flavor of the cucumber blends well with the Ting, Lime Juice and the Rum.  Just a little bit of sweetener to just make it perfect.

Bahama Bob's Cucumber Ting Daiquiri

• 11/2   oz. Matusalem Platino
• 2 oz. Ting Jamaican Soda
• Juice of ½ Lime
• 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
• Shot Glass filled with Diced Cucumber 

In the bottom of a mixing glass, muddle cucumber and simple syrup. Add rum and lime juice. Shake vigorously with ice to chill. Double strain onto fresh ice in a cocktail glass top up with cold Ting and garnish with a cucumber disc.

Philippe Brechot Steps in as President and CEO at Destileria Serralles

 Félix J Serrallés Jr..

     Don Q Rum Producer Destilería Serrallés has named Philippe Brechot as its new president and CEO.   Félix J Serrallés Jr. has decided to retire after 36 years at the helm of the distillery.   Serrallés Jr, is a fifth-generation member of the family which owns Destilería Serrallés, has led the distiller since 1981.    During his tenure, the company has built its export markets and achieved “sustained growth” for Don Q in the US.   He will continue to serve has chairman of the board of directors.   Philippe Brechot, most recently managing director for Latin America at William Grant & Sons, will succeed Serrallés Jr as president and CEO.   He brings to the role 25 years of international management, distribution and marketing experience, and has previously worked for Diageo and Moët Hennessy.

Philippe Brechot

     “We are fortunate to have found Philippe, a proven executive with ample experience growing premium brands in global markets,”  according to Filex J. Serrallés Jr. “He will be an asset to lead our team as we continue to expand our brand’s footprint throughout the global spirits market.  “We have developed a solid team in the USA and we will continue to focus on growing Don Q in this important market.  I am confident that Philippe’s experience in developing premium brands will create a unique synergy that will strengthen our ongoing efforts in the USA and beyond.”

Roberto J. Serrallés

     Sixth-generation family member Roberto J. Serrallés will continue in his current role as president of Serrallés USA, the company’s US distribution arm.   Destilería Serrallés also confirmed its chief executive officer and executive vice president of Serrallés USA John Eason will continue in his role.

Rum and Karaoke Returns Tomorrow to The Rum Barrel

     Gary Woods Sr. and Bahama Bob Leonard will be returning to the Quarterdeck of the Rum Barrel for another fun day time Karaoke and Rum Lore and Tasting.    Starting at Noon and running to 3:00 pm we will be enjoying the singing of all of you performing on the karaoke stage, and during the breaks, I'll be introducing all of you to some facts and flavors of rum.

     We are looking forward to the second time that we have put this show on, and seeing everyone again.  Gary has some 130,000 songs in his computer for you to choose from, and I promise you I'll have some interesting Pilar Rum stuff for you to learn about and taste.
  This time you will get a chance to visit the light and dark expressions, learn some of the history and how it came about.

     Don't miss out on all of the fun, come on by and enjoy a great selection of rum, great lunch menu and a whole lot of fun.  Come for lunch and sing your heart out on the stage, and learn some great things about the rums and get a taste of what I am talking about.

The Sands and the Reflection of Time

     Sand and water leave such a beautiful sculpture of the last tidal change.  These ripple marks in the sand and the reflection of the sky in the water always awes me and finds me staring and staring at the beauty.

Pennsylvania Politicians Head to Cuba for a Rum Run to Get Around the 50 Plus Year Cuban Rum Embargo

     I love this idea, It seems that some politicians of Pennsylvania devised an idea using constitutional law to circumvent the embargo of Cuban Rum.  This could be a real boom for the Pennsylvania liquor business is they are the first and only state to have and sell Cuban Rum inside the United States. 

     Pennsylvania legislators flew to Havana last month with a simple idea for getting around the 55-year-old embargo against Cuba: Trade our agricultural products for rum.   Two days in, the plan got even simpler: just buy a boatload of rum for state liquor stores and forget the embargo.  Republican state senate leaders say the 21st Amendment, which ended Prohibition 30 years before the embargo began, gives each state absolute control over alcoholic beverages.

"You can't just suspend the federal constitution," said Sen. Chuck McIlhinney, R-Bucks County and chair of the Senate Law & Justice Committee.   A Pennsylvania play for Cuban Rum would be an extraordinary move at a time when eased Cuban-American relations under President Barack Obama have given way to mostly guesses about President Donald Trump's stance. In the mid-1990s, Mr. Trump put out feelers for an investment in Cuba once the restrictions were eased, but while the Pennsylvanians were away on the island, Mr. Trump announced that he and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, "have very similar views on Cuba.''

     Mr. Rubio has been a vocal critic of Mr. Obama's Cuba policy. Toss in conservative Keystone Republicans venturing into one of the last outposts of socialism - and finding bureaucrats who have their own spin on the art of the deal - and the plot is as thick as Cuban molasses.   If Mr. McIlhinney is right, and Pennsylvania has a winning constitutional argument to bypass the embargo, it's one that might have worked years ago. The Liquor Control Board is consulting its lawyers and planning a strategy that could end with Pennsylvania being the only place to buy Cuban rums - though likely not before a court battle.

     Federal impounding of cases of Cuban rum at the Philadelphia docks until the case is decided in court wouldn't be the worst publicity; that surely would make national news and increase the appetite for the long-taboo spirits. But it's doubtful any ship owner would take that risk. Ships docking at Cuban ports aren't allowed to dock at U.S. ports for six months.

     It seems more likely Pennsylvania would seek a declaratory judgment. A federal judge could issue a legally binding decision before any rum leaves Cuba.   "The Russians are gone,'' he said after five days and four nights in Cuba. "I didn't see any."   If this deal moves on fast-forward, the multi-day talks Pennsylvania state officials had with a tag team of Cuban government operatives in around Havana may come to be seen as one uncommonly quiet revolution.

Read More at http://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2017/03/05/Pennsylvanians-make-a-rum-run-to-Cuba/stories/201703050065

Man Wins the Bet Chugging a Bottle Of Tequila but Loses His Life Winning It

     This is a sad result of power or binge drinking, the body can be shut down with an overdose of alcohol as well as drugs.   With spring break upon us, it is a time to use you head a little be and don’t get involved with this type contests.  I’ve seen these in my days in the fraternity house and other college parties and I’ve seen people end up in the hospital getting their stomach pumped.  Please use your head, I’d hate to see any of you or your friends end up like this.

     A 23-year-old man died after chugging a bottle of tequila during a friendly wager at a Dominican nightclub.   He won $630 but just minutes later he lost his life.   The cause of death was listed as alcohol intoxication by the medical examiner.   The tragic incident happened earlier this week in the city La Romana, in eastern Dominican Republic, and it was all captured on video by a cell phone camera.

     The young man, identified as Kelvin Rafael Mejía, is first seen on his feet drinking the tequila straight from a bottle. When he is done he is handed the cash prize on a bill at a time and a few seconds later he can barely stand anymore and needs to be assisted by two men on each side.    

Shortly after he collapses and never regains consciousness - he was taken to a nearby clinic where he was declared death.   According to El Universal, the events unfolded after Mejia approached a table where a group of clients were betting money on how much tequila they could drink in a single gulp. He asked to join.

The management of the place, the Vacca Lounge, said the nightclub did not have any involvement in the deadly incident.   "The only contests we ever do are dance contests or costume contests, with the award of bottle of champagne or other drink,", according to the Vacca Lounge statement.   The man was a regular patron at the place and had recently become a father.

Read More at http://nypost.com/2017/03/03/man-wins-bet-chugging-bottle-of-tequila-dies-minutes-later/