Rum Renaissance is off to the Mai-Kai

All of us got on the bus at about 4:00 pm yesterday and headed for Fort Lauderdale and the world famous Mai-Kai Restaurant.    This is a gang of rum judges headed for a Zombie judging and tasting and a Polynesian dinner show, so you can imagine the excitement from this group of weary travelers.  

     Upon arriving at the Mai-Kai we were whisked to the show room where we were treated to the seminar by Jeff "Beachbum" Berry.     Jeff is a very interesting talker on the subject of Don the Beachcomber and the Zombie cocktail. ( a subject that I will pursue on a later date).   Jeff took us through the history and the secrecy that Don the Beachcomber  had to go to in order to preserve his magical cocktail.     Jeff also made three of the "original" recipe zombies that he had recovered from former Don the Beachcomber bartenders families and passed them around through the group of Rum XP's.     Jeff's knowledge of the recipes and the thinking of Donn Beach, this very inciteful mixologist kept our attention for the entire seminar.



The Winning Zombie



Don Q's Zombie Team



     Next came the real fun, the Zombie judging.     There were 6 different zombie makers there from all over the Caribbean and all were very skilled in the craft of zombie mixology.     This was the start of the evenings degradation as we continued to sample the zombies  over and over again to be sure of which one was really the best.     Remembering that these drinks were floated with 151 rum and contained a fair amount of rum any way.     Fortunately we all survived and were able to proceed on to a fine dinner and the Mai-Kai's incredible Polynesian  Show.

 

     The dinner a much needed break from the Zombie tasting that had gone on for a couple of hours.     The chef's at the Mai-Kai  provided us with a fabulous dinner that we enjoyed as the show come on.     We were taken on a tour of the pacific and South Seas Islands in dance by a very talented troupe of performers.    The dancers and the musicians kept us glued to the stage for the entire show.     Very much the highlight of the evening, this is a show you need to see if you are in the Fort Lauderdale area.     Don't forget the stop into the bar under the waterfalls and see the lovely Polynesian bartenders there as well.

     The cocktail menu is a trip to the South pacific unto itself and the lovely bartenders can not only mix you a fabulous cocktail, they are a pleasure to look at as well.     

     Today, we are off to a Bermuda Triangle party  that has great potential for being another exciting evening.     ;o)

Today it all Begins in Miami

     In an hour or so I'll be jumping into the car for the 3 hour journey to Miami for the Rum Renaissance Festival that starts today.     I've been waiting and waiting for the start of it, and today it is finally here.     Mike Streeter and myself that make up the Key West contingent to the event will be sharing a ride to save on gas and parking fees.   

     Today is the Zombie Jamboree with Jeff Berry at the Mai Kai in Fort Lauderdale.    Later is the Mai Kai Polynesian Show and dinner.   Both of these events will be very interesting and fun tonight.   This is going to be a great kick-off to the week.

     I'll be reporting daily as to what has happened during the previous day both with pictures and stories.     Keep up with all the happenings as this week unfolds in Miami.     I'm planning to be introducing you to new rums and some interviews with some of the more interesting people that6 are around this great event.     Keep your eyes on the blog, and I'll fill you in.  ;o)

Mother Ocean's Trees of Character

These are the trees that lived on the land and mother ocean performed her artistry on them for our enjoyment.    These trees are like a good rum, they really have a character all their own.  

Rumstyler's Biggest Party is Next Week, and I Really Can't Wait!!!!!!!!!!

Monday about noon time I hop into the car and leave the "rock" for a week at the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival.      This is the event of the year, with rum judging, parties, meetings with rum producers, and of course rum tasting events.     This week is a rumstyler's dream week and I'll be in the center of it.    

     I'll be writing a daily log of what has been going on with pictures and stories from the festival.    If you can't make it to Miami for the festival then follow the happenings on my Rumstyler's Blog.     Just look at the pictures from last year and see how much fun that everyone is having and make sure your smiling face is in the stories of this years event.

   

Making Plans for the Maimi Rum Renaissance Festival

     The 25th is next Monday and time for all good rumstylers to be heading to the festival in Miami.     I'll be there all week long meeting with the rum ambassadors from all over the world there to promote their unique rums and spirits.

     In addition to the booths of this years group of distillers, there are seminars, tastings, and many other special events happening all week long.     The date is getting close, so you need to get your plans made now or you will miss the world series of rum next week.

     I'll be there all week long and writing daily about the goings on and sending pictures of all of the fun we are having here for those who won't be able to attend this years event.     Lets all try to be there if at all possible, but if you can't keep up with the goings on here on my blog every day.      Remember this event runs all week long and ends Sunday May 1st.       ;o)

Celebration at the Rum Bar in Key West




Anne Parina in her new Art Car

 

     Anne Parina the owner of the Speakeasy Inn and Rum Bar show how lucky she really is over the weekend.     She won the Postage Stamp Art Car in the raffle she bought 1 ticket for.     The raffle was to benefit the Key West Arts and Historical Society and all of the work they do here in Key West preserving the fine historic sites we enjoy.     I'm really happy for Anne and even happier for the Arts and Historical Society in completing another successful event to keep their projects moving ahead.

      The car features actual art works by 18 local and international artists in the form of postage stamps.   I guess the best way to show off the car is in pictures so lets skip all the verbage and get to the photos.  

 

And this is only part of the 20 stamps on the car.

Bahama Bob's Rumstyles: Cruising the Mud Keys off Key West

Bahama Bob's Rumstyles: Cruising the Mud Keys off Key West: "The Mud Keys are one of those areas around Key West that just put you in a place that is pure Nirvana. This little maze of mangroves and..."

Cruising the Mud Keys off Key West

The Mud Keys are one of those areas around Key West that just put you in a place that is pure Nirvana.     This little maze of mangroves and waterways will captivate you as you cruise at no wake speed through it.     The whole area is surrounded by sandbars that turn into beaches at low tide and home for rays, barracudas, and sharks at high tide.     as you navigate the mangrove lined waterways, it becomes noticeable to you that you have reached a part of the world that was just put here for your enjoyment.     This natural habitat for fish, birds, and a few raccoons that seem to be willing to share their home with you as you idle through.
    

     Once on one of the sugar fine sand beaches that are hidden in the midst of the mangroves and waterways, you can wander in the shallow sand bottom waters and watch the little fish as they scurry along the bottom.     The cleanliness of the beach and the footprints in the sand make you feel like you just discovered  a new world that is all there for your exploration.     You can spend the entire day there without any effort and it is amazing to me that the day can disappear so quickly as you spot one new thing after another.    You know others have been their before you, but the pride of those who were shows by the way they left the place feeling untouched because they took their trash with them and maybe even cleaned up some other's as well.     This is why I can enjoy it as much as I do and try to follow in the footsteps of those who passed through this Key before me and clean up as I wander.

     I guess it is time for me to be heading back to reality in Key West, what ever reality really is down here.    I now see the Key West rising out of the ocean as I approach and see the end of my little adventure to Mud Key coming to an end.      I think what makes me feel so at home here in Key West is the ability to do so many things with in a hour or so  of the marina.    This was a very fine day even though the winds had the water white capping at about 2 to 3 feet on the way out and back, in the Mud Keys where it is protected from the wind, it was like glass and made for a perfect cruise.     ;o)

   

Ron Cartavio XO: Soon at the Rum Bar

     The Rum Bar is proud to be adding Ron Cartavio XO and Solera to the 200 plus rums already at the Rum Bar.     Cartavio XO is one of those wonderful sweet rums that has a very complex array of flavors that make it stand out in any crowd.      Cartavio earned a Gold Award in the RumXP International Competition last year at the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival.    

     Cartavio XO is the proud product of Master blender Federico Shulz, and created to celebrate 80 years of rum production in Peru by Destilerias Unidas.     This proud brand first appeared in 1929 and was the country's first rum produced in abundance.     In the mid 1990's Cartavio was privatized allowing the new owners to begin to improve the quality and the reputation of their products.     The Cartavio Distillery is located in the small town of Cartavio near Trujillo, and surrounded by a river valley boasting thousands of acres of sugar cane.

     Cartavio XO is a solera of rums varying in age from 30 years to the youngest being 10 years.     These have been rested in a variety of oak barrels plus sherry and bourbon casks to attain this profile of excellence.     The Cartavio distillery uses a unusual continuous distillation system, a rather simple process that allows for less loss of the spirit to the waste area and a cleaner distillation. 

     This is a darker amber rum that is clear as the waters off of Abaco.     The nose is of caramelized molasses and spice with a touch of flowers, nuts, and tobacco.     While initially a bit sweet upon first taste it drys as it passes through the palate and finishes in a long and spicy dry, with a tingling sweetness on the lips.     Much of the flavors remind me of dried sweet fruits, with hints of vanilla, banana, and buttery nuts. 

     I'm personally looking forward to the arrival of the Cartavio line of rums at The Rum Bar in Key West   later this month.    Pleas come by and sample this fine rum along with our other 200 plus selection of rums.     ;o) 
Read More and Photos at  http://www.rumgallery.com/cartavio-xo.html

Gettin Ready for Miami Rum Renaisance Festival

Today is another of those days where I'm being dragged in too many directions and need to just remind every on that the 25th is coming up soon and to make sure that you have the Rum Renaissance plans made.

     There is a promotion going on for VIP tickets to the event at http://rumconnection.com/    If you haven't entered you really need to.

     This is a super Rumstyler event and one that you really need to attend.     I'll plan on seeing you there.     ;o)

Nothing like Good Friends and Good Rum and the Ocean

 

     

This is how life is really suppose to be lived.     I'm very thankful to be able to live this way and share it with my friends.     ;o)

Saturday April 16, 2011 Jimmy Buffett Day in Florida

Capt. Tony and Jimmy Buffett

    Born on December 25, 1946, just 3 days before I was, James William Buffett, Jr. spent some of his childhood in Mobile and Fairhope, Alabama.     Graduated High School in 1964 and College with a degree in History in 1969     Jimmy Buffett has rocketed to the status of his song, "Beach House on the Moon".    The popularity of his music and tours combined with a keen business sense has made him a mogul of the industry.

Opening of the first Margaritaville Store in Key West

      Jimmy's Key West years were the formative years of the sound sometimes referred to as "Gulf and Western Music".     It is said that Jerry Jeff Walker brought Jimmy to Key West and Captain Tony gave his the stage to play on.     Jimmy began establishing the easy-going beach bum persona which has brought his to the success level he has reached today.     In 1985 he opened his first Margaritaville Store in Key West soon to be followed by a cafe of the same name.    His successes just kept skyrocketing upward and outward from there.   



2010 Free Concert in Gulf Shores



Jimmy's Charity work is very Florida oriented with the founding of the "Same the Manatee Club" in 1981.     More recently he has raised money through concerts to provide relief for victims of storms and oil spills.     Jimmy has done concerts all over the world for the relief of those in need and is one of the biggest fund raisers around because of the following and dedication to his causes by his fans. 

     Today has rightfully been set aside to honor the boy from Alabama who grew to be a giant in Florida and has done so much for so many.     Congratulations to Jimmy Buffett and I'm proud of your accomplishments through the years.     I know that it has been a long and sometimes very hard road to get to where you are, but it is worth it if you believe in what you're doing.     ;o)

Mel Fisher: His Treasures and Trials

     Mel Fisher, rightly called the world's most famous and greatest treasure hunter.     This dreamer and visionary did what few others have ever come close to in any field.     Mel struggled through many years of treasure hunting in the Florida Keys with his slogan, "Today's the Day" his persistence and drive kept him and his crew going til they found the gold.

     Born on August 22, 1922 in Indiana, he attended Purdue University, then became a farmer.     In 1953 her married Delores (Deo) Horton, who became his business partner.     They had four children, three sons and a daughter.      Opened the first dive shop in California, and his wife also a diver set many diving records for women during those early years.

     After years of hardship and personal loss, he and his crew discovered the wreck of the Spanish Galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha on July 20, 1985.      Later the sister ship Santa Margarita and a slave ship, the Henrietta Marie were located..     There was an estimated $450 Million  booty of gold, silver, and artifacts.     After many years personal losses and  battles in court the victory belonged to him and his crew after a U.S. Supreme Court decision in his favor.    There were over 114,000 silver Spanish coins (Known as "Pieces of Eight") and some 40 tons of gold and silver recovered.    This in addition to the artifacts and gems.     The Wreckage of the Atocha lies in a sandy bottom area off the Florida Keys in a mere 22 feet of water and was located just 200 yards from where the anchor was found.

     The most important of these treasures can still be viewed today in Key West at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.     This is also the location of the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society.     There are exhibitions for conservation, education, archaeology, and the Schimmel Archive in addition to the treasure displays.     There is a shop there so you can own a piece of the history as well.      This is another of the don't miss locations in Key West to see between all the rumstylin' bar visits you will not be disappointed at all.    ;o)

Rum Renaissance is Getting Close

     The 25th is the start of 2011 edition of the Miami Rum Renaissance.    It is fast approaching and if you haven't mad arrangements to be there you really should.     This is a rumstyler's Disneyland, and should not be missed.   If you need information it is available on the website, http://www.rumrenaissance.com/.     With over 120 rums being represented Abuelo to Zaya and VIP parties, rum tastings, and more how can you even think about not being there.

     I know that I already have my room reserved for the week at the Deauville, and I'm ready to party on.     I hope that many of my friends are going to be able to make it there and maybe I'll meet some new ones at the same time.     No matter how you work it out you need to be there for all or part of the week anyway.    Looking forward to seeing all of you there  and sharing some sugar cane spirits.     ;o)

The Custom House: Key West Landmark



Custom House Today

      Custom House is one of the most prominent buildings as you arrive in Key West harbor by boat.     This incredible red building jumps out at you as you arrive in the area of it from anywhere.     Built in 1891, Custom House is Florida's best example of Romanesque Revival Architecture and is thought to be one of the top 5 most significant buildings in the state.     This building was built by the U.S. Treasury Department to house the Federal Courts, U.S. Customs, Lighthouse Service, and the Post Office.     Thomas Edison was said to have worked here during the era when Key West was Florida's most populous and important seaport.     The Custom House has been the cite of many notable historic events, the most important of which was the inquiry into the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor.   

Custom House during the operational days

     This history of Custom House somewhat follows the history of the economics of Key West.     Built in the era when Key West was the richest per capita city in the United states and declared surplus in the 1930's when the city of Key West was in bankruptcy.     The building after being used by the U.S. Navy as the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico operations headquarters was abandon for nearly twenty years.      In 1993 the State of Florida purchased the building for use as a museum of art and history.




The abandoned Boarded up building

      Today the Building has been restored to it's previous splendor.     The restoration took 9 years at a cost of more than 9 million dollars, but the big red brick building has been brought back to her formal glory.       The building today is administered by the Key West Art and Historical Society, and is being used to house the Key West Museum of Art and History.     Following the path taken by Key West this grand old building has seen the likes of wreckers, pirates, politicians and now artists and the history of Key West to become one of Florida's most important historical buildings.    This is another of the don't miss stops when in Key West.     ;o)

Finally Seeing the Light in Key West

     The schedule has been really hectic for the past month or so, and I'm feeling the energy leaving my body and sleep in the chair instead of getting things done.     So today, I got myself up and started wandering in Old Town Key West looking for something new to write about.       As I left the Southernmost Point and headed down Whitehead Street I saw the spire of the Key West Lighthouse in the distance and  like a beam in the night it gave me an idea.     

     I've told visitor's a thousand times to stop by the lighthouse when you visit Hemingway's House it is right across the street.     Here I've been writing about Hemingway and other historic Key est sites and I've forgotten the lighthouse.



Add caption

      The Key West Lighthouse was built in 1847 to aid the ships that navigated the dangerous reef off of Key West.      Key West residents were getting very rich from the salvage business that booming prior to the installation of the lighthouse.     The original light house was 46 feet tall and had 15 oil lamps and a 15 inch reflector, but it was raised to 86 feet tall in 1894.      The lighthouse was built at it's current location after the original lighthouse was destroyed  by the hurricane of 1846.     Today this is the 15th oldest surviving lighthouse in America.    

     Barbara Mabrity took over as the lighthouse Keeper after her husband died in 1832.     She tended the lamps for 32 years until at age 82 she was fired for making statements against the Union, which controlled the Key West and the Key West Lighthouse during the Civil War.     In 1846 a hurricane destroyed the light station, killing 6 of her children after the family sought shelter in the tower.     The original keeper dwelling was torn down and replaced with the present building.

     The Key West Lighthouse was deactivated in 1969, and turned over to Monroe County.     In 1972 the lighthouse was turned over to the Key West Art and Historical Society, who has added safety features and restored the tower and the turned the Keepers Quarters into a museum.     In 1998 the entire site was nominated for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places as a National Landmark.     This gives the Key West Lighthouse the same status as the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. 

     The Key West Lighthouse is open to the public daily and is so worth the walk up the 88 step spiral staircase to look out at the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you.     The story of Barbara Mabrity and her family and the effect that the lighthouse had on the Key West economy of the day makes this a very special place that shouldn't be overlooked when in Key West.     ;o)

Dry Dock for a Day

Today is another out and about day taking pictures and searching for new Rumstylin' ideas to keep this blog going.     ;o)