Bermuda Triangle Party by night and a day on the Beach

Marino's Bar in Arcata California circa 1968

     Yesterday was the recovery day from the Zombie Jamboree, but an early breakfast and a little time spent in front of the computer had me ready for day 2 of the rum festival.     An old friend from college sent me a note about how things really haven't changed much from the college days of the lat e 60's to today.     He commented how the Mai-Kai Apartments were between the TKE house and Marino's Bar where we often spent our spare time drinking zombies.      It is good to have friends that have the old pictures to share of those fun days.     Thanks Pete for the picture and the reminder.   

     Most of yesterday was spent walking the sandy Miami Beach and lazing around in the sun, something I'm very unfamiliar with, but still enjoy.     It was a pleasure to walk in the soft white sand and see all the activities that are taking place along Miami Beach.     The people tanning and just enjoying the sunshine, the surfers and the kite surfers, all make up the fun atmosphere of the beach.     It is real easy to loose yourself walking in the sand of Miami Beach.

The "Artic Wolf" in full pool fashion

     Hanging out at the pool after a walk on the beach with several of my fellow rummies was an enjoyable  time also.      The "Artic Wolf" showed his Miami Beach fashion statement, and the rest of us just were happy laying around and sipping a nice rum or two.     A little dip in the pool and a few more rums to sip and the day just slipped away and it was time to attend the evening event.

     The Bermuda Triangle Party was the event of the evening and a friendly competition between bartenders to show off their skills and create a cocktail the had to have Barrett's Ginger Beer and a Fee Brothers Flavored Syrup.     The entries were very taste, and the Miami bartenders showed well as the created their own personal masterpieces.     A few cocktails later and after a series of interesting conversations it was up to my room and a good night's sleep.

     Today starts the judging and really getting into the meat of the event.     This is the part I'm really looking forward to and can't wait to get started.    ;o)

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)