Rumstylin' at the Conch Inn Marsh Harbour

     One of the most friendly islands in the Bahamas is Abaco, with it's many cays and towns.     One of my favorite places to stay there is the Conch Inn in Marsh Harbour.     This warm resort offers the comfort of fine rooms, a complete marina, and of course "Curly Tails Restaurant and Bar".     I've spent many a weekend at the resort with friends that I brought with me as well as those I met there, and they are all very memorable for the fun that we had.    This resort sits on the water that leads to the "Crystal Sea" that takes you to Great Guana , Hopetown, Treasure Cay, Green Turtle Cay and all the rest of the wonderful cays that make up the Abaco's.    

Curly Tails offers a full menu with fabulous seafood  dishes to tempt your pallet, and a great atmosphere as you look out offer the moored sailboats in the harbour.     There is indoor or outdoor dining to choose from, both have great views and great food.     The bar is my favorite, imagine that, having full service and bartenders that mix some of the best island drinks around.   The beautiful gardens and the calm laid back atmosphere makes this one of the centerpieces of the resort.

     The resort has a ferry dock where you can pick-up one of the Aubury Ferry's to take you almost anywhere in the Abaco's right from the resort marina just out back.     They also have a wide selection of rental boats of all sizes and types to fit your needs.   The Moorings has many boats there at the marina as well.     The ship's store is also well stocked with the necessities for a day on the water in the Abaco's.     Whether you bring your boat in or rent, this is a great central location from which to explore the "Crystal Sea" and the outer cays of the Abaco's.

    I've had the privilege to follow the "Barefoot Man's" song and been "Conched Out at the Conch Inn" just a few times, but I always have to smile when I think about my visits to the resort.   ;o)

Rumstylin out with Mike Streeter



Mike at the Cockspur Beach Club in Barbados

      Who's Mike Streeter you ask?     He is a good friend and a Chicago born purveyor of rum and other cane spirits.     This former fund raiser has lived all over the world and visited many other places as an ambassador for cane spirits.     This is a real Rumstyler if there ever was one.     He is some of those people who is never without a friend even in a new environment.   Today he is in semi-retirement having too much fun here in Key West, Florida.



Mike at a "photo opp"

                                                  Mike is the owner of the very successful  http://www.rumconnection.com/  a website that is dedicated to rum and all the events and happenings that bring us closer to those events.     He also publishes a booklet that is circulated around Key West called "Drink Up Key West".     If there is a rum event here in Key West, you can bet that he will be involved in it and the event will be wildly successful.     Mike as a member of Rum XP, a group of rum specialists that travel world-wide in order to promote rum and judge them for rum tasting events, Mike's opinion on cane spirits is widely looked upon and a source of first rate information.




Mike and Mike with the "Green Elvis"

      I recently went out to observe the world of night time Key West with Mike on a "fact finding mission" to discover how people function during a "super moon".     The evening was just a laugh a minute as we arrived by dinghy at Schooner Wharf Bar and then after hanging there for a while, went downtown to Duval Street.     Streeter on Duval Street is an event that you just don't want to miss, we even found Elvis in Green, hiding his face, but getting two thumbs up from Mike anyway.    

     The best thing is no matter what we are involved with it is a fun event and generally very successful, either as a business venture or just plain fun event.     Stop by his web site and get a rumstylin education.   ;o)

Rumstylin with Cockspur Rums

     Cockspur Rum was originally founded by Valdemar Hanschell in 1884.    This Danish descendant came to Barbados via the Virgin Islands, where he had worked in the shipping industry.      After settling in Barbados, he founded a ship chandlery that supplied ropes, sails, salt, fresh fruit, meat, and did you have to guess, rum to visiting ships.     The popularity of the Cockspur Rum grew he first took on a partner and became Hanschell Larson, then as the business grew internationally there was a merger that formed Hanschell Inniss.     This company stills blends and bottles Cockspur today in Barbados.

     Rum's origins reach back to the 1630's when Dutchman Pieter Blower brought the first sugar cane plants from Brazil.     By the 1640's sugar plantations and factories were growing and molasses (the residue of the Sugar process) was being fermented and distilled into a spirit called "Kill Devil".     This was made in simple pot stills that sprang up next to the wind driven sugar mills and helped make the plantation owners wealthy.     By 1650 over 200,000 gallons of this rum was being produced.     "Rum Bullion" was the first recorded use of the word rum as a name for this kill devil, and an unknown visitor to Barbados shortened the name to "Rum" and the rest is history.    

     Today in Barbados at the West Indies Rum Distillery the traditions of Hanschell and his partners the rums are fermented, distilled aged and bottled.     Following that tried and true formulas that make these fine heritage rums what they are is how Cockspur has reclaimed their brand and brought it back to the forefront of fine rums.     Several of the members of Rum XP were granted a tour and visitation to witness how Cockspur  is created.     The continuous fermentation, distilling, blending of both light column distilled and heavier pot distilled spirits, and the aging process that has brought Cockspur back to the market as a fine rum.

     The warm and friendly visitor's center is a great addition and the store provides the opportunity to purchase and sample some of the products that they are so proud of.   The rest of the story is the addition of  Cockspur VSOR to the line up.     This is a very fine rum that is comparable with many of the finest rums on the market.     Cockspur VSOR, Five Star, and Old Gold are the big three in the Cockspur line and available here in the United States.  

     As a member of the Rum XP's and a guest of Cockspur and the West Indies Rum Distillery, I'd like to thank all who were a part of allowing us there for the tour and the tasting of their fine rums.   ;o)

    

    

   

Key West St. Patrick's Day Bar Stroll

     It all started around noon on Saturday and by 4:30 ish most of the revelers were crawling.     This is one of the really fun Key West annual events.     You buy a T-Shirt for $30.00 and that is your ticket to a "high time" on Saturday afternoon.     How popular is this event, well the shirts were sold out by Thursday ( The actual St. Paddy's Day), and scalpers and others were organizing their own crawls.     This is one of the biggest that I've seen in my years here in the Keys.

     The organizers have really done an unbelievable job of promotion and selling of this event this year.     I think that the locals were just ready for a good blow-out afternoon, judging from the number of locals in costume for the stroll.     Everyone was smiling and carrying on, just cutting loose and having a really fun afternoon. 

     The procession went from participating bar to participating bar until they reached the Schooner Wharf Bar and the end of the procession.     That was the start of the real party for some, while others were "finished" when they arrived at the end of the stroll.     They started out at the Southernmost Beach Cafe, then to the Southernmost Tiki Bar, then headed on down Duval Street to Sweet Teas, Cowboy Bill's, Ilona's Garden Cafe, Kelly's Caribbean Bar, The Bull, The Whistle Bar, The Garden of Eden, Rick's Key West, and finally to the Historic Waterfront and the Schooner Wharf Bar.     This doesn't include several of the other stops many of the strollers made at the Rum Bar for instance, as we were completely swamped with "Green People" as they waited to get into Sweet Tea's across the street.   

     The "professionals" were undaunted by the end of the trail and partied on back to Duval Street and joined the "Super Moon" party going on as the moon rose over Key West.     I guess that when you are on vacation and feel the need to party and you don't want to see it end, you just let 'er rip.     That is a part of any good rumstyler's creed, party til you don't feel you can party any more. 

     By the way this sold-out event raised a lot of money for Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys and the Boys & Girls club of Key West.    Rick Dostal, another terrific job of organizing, promoting, and carrying off this your 35th annual St. Patrick's Day Bar Stroll.     ;o)

Super Moon is Past and the World Still Exists.

     I guess that the gloom and doom folks failed again, and the world did not come to an end on the Super Moon.     The thing that did happen was a lot of people got out and partied into the wee hours and really enjoyed themselves here in Key West.       The Mike, Mike, and Bob brigade left the "Mother Ship" in the dinghy and headed for Schooner Wharf to search for the "End of the World" and only found a great time.     Most of the people we ran into were having way too much fun to be worried about the world coming to an end, so we kept searching.   

      The worries of the combination of a St Patrick's Day Bar Stroll and  the "Super Moon" only produced a bunch of revelers that overcame the bad spirits of the "Super Moon" and balanced the universe to have  a gala evening.     I guess in the larger scheme of things the earth does rely on balance and having the two events simultaneously was really a good thing.   

     Tomorrow I'll cover the St. Patrick's day Bar Stroll with some pictures and stories that I observed from behind the bar yesterday.     It is absolutely amazing what rumstylin on a St. Patricks Day Bar Stroll can discover.    

     The good news is that the world survived and I'll be able to keep inundating you with these stories.     ;o)

    

    

In My World it's All About the Water

 If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this article is already written.    Here in Key West we are a little bit slower in the way we move, but we truly do know how to enjoy our time.    

This was about as laid back and lazy as I know how to be, so enjoy the voyage.     ;o)

"Super Moon", the Rumstyler's Invitation to Howl

     Saturday night we are being treated to a "Super Moon", a full moon isn't enough, we need a "super moon.     What is happening from a scientific view point is the moon is passing closer to the earth than it has in the past 6 years.     Past "super moons have occurred  in 1955, 1974, 1992, and 2005.     There are several predictions that go along with the "super moon", but what comes to my mind is how it will effect the everyday rumstyler out on the town taking part in the St. Patrick's Day Celebrations.      Sure there are the doom mongers that are predicting earthquakes, tsunami's, floods, volcano eruptions, and a host of other "natural disasters".

    I'm more interested in the effect on the human psyche.     How many people are going to be driven to craziness by the pull of they lunar gravity on the human brain?       This is an interesting combination of events, St. Patrick's Day a drinking day, and a "super moon" both merging to provide the human mind to really turn itself inside out and do some really crazy things.     I'm approaching this from a strictly philosophically, in that it is a watch and enjoy Saturday night.     Big full  moons already bring out all the craziness, and you add in the drunken fun of a Key West Bar Stroll and the "normal" Saturday night partying, you have all the makings for a really entertaining night for me to be wandering through town.     I'll be out with camera in hand and looking to record some of the effects of the moon so I'll be able to relate the event to all of you on Monday.

      I wonder if I can get a grant from the government to finance my expedition trough the hoards of crazes in order to study the phenomena and help prepare the hoards for future "super moons".     It wouldn't surprise me if someone hasn't already done this, my only regret is that I didn't think of this sooner.    Come Monday,(someone should write a song) I'll report back to you with all my findings.     Until then just get out and make a spectacle of yourself and have some fun in the "super moon".

       If you squint your eyes it is amazing how the daiquiri looks just like a "super moon"      ;o)

What is this Solera Rum Aging Process



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)

Rumstylin' at the Green Parrot Bar

     The Green Parrot Bar is another of the legendary bars that dot the streets of Key West.     The bar is " the first and last bar on U.S.1 and been around since 1890.     The Green Parrot was listed as a grocery store from 1888 to 1927 in the Key West Directory, and the Brown Derby Bar in 1948.     Later in 1948 Judy Sullivan and established the "Brown Derby Sub Shop and Green Parrot Bar.     and the latest chapter is when Mr. Bean purchased the Bar and ditched the sub shop and the Green Parrot is a stand alone Key West landmark.

     Today the Green Parrot Bar is the music center of Key West.    If it Jazz you like the "Parrot"is the place, whether it is from the legendary jukebox of the live music that brings the place to life on weekends and some weekdays.    The music from the jukebox is mostly blues of a Chicago, Memphis, Texas, or Delta origins, but lately the introduction of some New Orleans funk and added even more depth to the sounds.     With a100 selections on the jukebox offering some of the best  blues music there is.    

     The musicians are an eclectic group, a fact that doesn't shock anyone.     The bottom line is if you like your music jazzy, funky, or bluesy, the Green Parrot Bar is the place you want to be.     The Friday evening "Sound Check" is one of the more popular events that takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening at about 5:30 pm.     There is a "Sunday Jazz Showcase" every Sunday at 1:00 pm  as well.     This grand historic establishment has seen some of the finest musicians and music lovers together making this one warm and fun venue for any rumstyler.     Hope to see you there some evening.     ;o)

  

The Rumstylers Irish Celebration Key West Style

St. Patrick's Day bar crawl in coming this Saturday.     What a combination, spring break, St. Patrick's Day and a Bar Crawl.     This is going to be the drunken event of the year with the already large number of spring breakers in here and add all the Irish influence and you have a drunken brawl in the making.     This event starts at the Southernmost Beach Cafe and ends at Schooner Wharf, winding it's way through most of the Old Town bars.     This event is truly a "Green" event in this politically sensitive time you should get green and party on in the true Irish tradition.    

     Several of the Irish Bars Like Finnegan's Wake, Shana Key, and Irish Kevin's are having St. Patrick's Day events on Thursday.     This is a drinkin' mans holiday and a great time to get out on the streets and play in you full Irish regalia.

     Remember the St. Patrick's Day Bar Stroll is a charity event that raises money for the Boys & Girls Club and the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys.    Not only are you getting out to party, but you are supporting a great couple of causes at the same time.     Lets get out and party on Saturday and support these causes.     Remember though in all of the celebration to stay out from behind the wheel if you have been drinking, in Key West this is a serious offense and one you should avoid , a taxi is cheaper than a D.U.I..     ;o)

Barefoot Man Returns to Nipper's





Barefoot Man at Nipper's



The Reef, the Sea Oats and the Beach



     This is one of the wildest and most fun concerts that you will ever attend.     Nipper's Bar and Grill on Great Guana Cay in the Abacos is the perfect setting for a Barefoot Man concert anywhere.     The breath taking view of the Atlantic Ocean beyond the barrier reef as you sit on top of a salt white sand dune sipping a Nipper's Punch.     This place has it all, beach sand dunes, swimming pool, best Pig Roast anywhere, then you throw in the Barefoot man and you got a party that rocks on late into the night and morning.     I've been in attendance for many a party at Nipper's and you really do not want to miss one if you can help it.

     If it is a party you are looking for and you like to eat, dance and drink, this party is all you.     The music of Barefoot keeps you on your feet for hours.     If you are not dancing, drinking or eating, you're not alive.     This annual event has kept many a rumstyler  talking about it for weeks and even years after attending.     I recently got together with several of my friends that were regular attendees at Nipper's for the party and they still talk about what happened and what they don't remember happening even today several years later.

     If you are of the water persuasion, the pool is directly behind the bandstand and you can hang out in and around the pool before, during, and after the party starts.     I guess it's just like the sign says, "Just walkin' up that dirt road puts a big smile on my face".     Even today as I sit at the computer and write about this party I can't help to grin a bit as I think of all the fun and crazy things that happen there every year. 

     Now is the time to make your plans for a rumstylin' extravaganza and a time that you will never forget.     I really hate it that my schedule will not allow me to attend, but you really need to try and make it.     He is playing this year both on April 1st and 2nd, so get your rooms, and passage to Great Guana Cay and "party like you were dieing".

All of us love this place and so will you once you've been there.     ;o)  

Why Do I Love Spring Break So Much?

     I keep asking myself why do I really enjoy spring break so much.      I guess it is because I enjoy watching and being around people who are not afraid of having a good time.     I guess I still like being around really cute young ladies as well.     Nevertheless, it is always my exit from winter and the start of the sunny time of year.     Seeing all of the kids really having fun and putting their school books down and partying hardy is really a good thing for all ages of people.     Several of my friends from the University of Florida stopped by yesterday to share in a few cocktails with me at the Rum Bar yesterday and it reminded me how fun a little "wreckless abandon" is especially if it is just for a few days or so.     This is a "rumstylers nirvana", a place to get away and let all the stress, fatigue, and other constraints vaporize into space and have some fun.

     These kids energize me as I'm buzzing around behind the bar trying to keep up with the drink orders and still be able to carry on something of a conversation with them.     If they aren't talking at light speed, they are texting friends at another venue, or sharing pictures with their friends.     The internet and smart phones are really helping to keep the friends closer than ever even when they in different parts of the city,untry or the world.     The other really fun part of spring break is the wide age spread, young and us old farts and everyone in between all sharing experiences and all having fun together.   

     This is why I live here in Key West, mutual respect and people that can really have fun at the same time.     There is no necessity to trash other people or property, just cut loose and have some fun.      The "single rule" philosophy really works (anything goes, as long as you don't hurt others in the process).     I think is this rule was followed as well in other parts of the world everyone would be having as much fun as we do in Key West.        Thanks to all the kids of Spring  Break 2011, keep up the good work and lets have a little bit of fun.     ;o)