Red Hook; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.

     Red Hook is a little port town on the Southeast corner of St. Thomas.    It is the jumping off point for the ferry to St. Johns and the British Virgin Islands.    This little port is where we first arrive to after landing at the St. Thomas Airport and drive through Charlotte Amalie to the Eastern side of the island.    Once we master the art of driving on the left had side of the road the trip is very scenic as we wind up and down the mountain to the East side of St. Thomas.   

     Once we reach Red Hook, it is time for us to finally let our hair down and relax.   There are many great venues for this all within easy walking distance of the marina.     Our first stop is Molly Malone's for a bite to eat and a cocktail, the seats on the water's edge are wonderful as we watch the boats coming and going while we eat and have a cocktail.

     Next we wander up to the top deck and the Island Time Pub for some more serious cocktails and a view that Takes your eye all the way to St. Johns.   The locals start arriving at the pub and the party is getting underway as we order our second round of cocktails.


Hitting all of the Marina side pubs and bars behind us, it was time to focus our attention to the other side of the street and a well known watering hole known as "Duffy's Love Shack".     This is another crazy pub that brings a mass of people to Red Hook for fun and great spirits.     Outlandish cocktails and food, this is a highlight of any one's visit to Red Hook.   The Tiki Bar atmosphere is one of great fun and frolic as you relax and let the place happen around you. 

    

     Red Hook is the "local" dominated area of St. Thomas and the place to go to get away from the crowds of Havensight  and Charlotte Amalie.    This is the fun side of the island and a place to be among the locals and meet new and fun people from just about everywhere.   Do be stuck in the crowds, grab a safari and tell them to take you to Red Hook and let your self go for a really fun afternoon and evening.

    

Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum

     There is a new addition to the Captain Morgan line of rums out there in the market place today.    This is a different rum from the other Captain Morgan Spiced Rum in that it's a full 94.6 proof and aged in double charred blackened oak.    This was a pleasant surprise to have another spiced rum that is good enough to sip.       The bottle has a white with black lettering label that really jumps off the shelf at you and says you need to try me.    

     This has the spiced characteristics that Captain Morgan drinkers have become use to, but this rum has a completely different blend.    I pick up more clove flavor and a swagger that previous rums haven't expressed.     This new "Black" has a naval rum boldness and body that reminds me of the pot still naval rums of "Smith & Cross".      It takes on the "whiskey" flavor profiles, then spices it up giving you a very unique experience.     This is a complex flavor profile that I am have a hard time separating into the components, but I really do like what is happening on my palate,    I am surprised for the third time in the past year or so with the introduction of premium spiced rums.     You can enjoy this new "Captain" on the rocks, neat or in a cocktail. 

     I did run a mini Rum Lab with the Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum, I tried a few cocktail ideas and found it very easy to work with.    It mixes well with all the usual suspects like coke, sprite, ginger ale, and ginger beer.     It also mixes well with several liqueurs and fruit juices as well.    Here is one that I found to be very enjoyable.

Captain's Joy

• 1 1/2 oz. Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum
• 3/4 oz. Amaretto
• 1 oz. Sprite

Place all ingredients except the sprite in a shaker with ice, and shake until chilled.   Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice and top up with sprite.    Garnish with Mint and a lime wheel.

     Take a bottle home with you and give it a try you won't be disappointed.   Try it the way you like whiskey, and experiment with it as a mixer, either way you will find it a good go to rum that is very versatile.   ;o)

Sunset Key Living

Living Large on Sunset Key, some people have all the luck.   ;o)

Prohibition and Key West's Economy

     Beside the obvious speakeasies and rumrunners of the period, a lot of other interesting events happened during this period.    It was prohibition that really gave Key West's economy a boost that it really needed at the time.    Wrecking was gone because of maritime law change and the cigar trade had moved to Tampa.    The Navy had limited their personnel from many of the downtown bars and clubs, so business was fading.     Prohibition profits were a definite shot in the arm for Key West's economy.

     Rum from Cuba and whiskey from the Bahamas and the British Isles mad many Key West businessmen wealthy during the era, but the interesting part was how several smart entrepreneurs set up transportation for the wealthy to travel to Havana, Nassau, and other open countries for the purpose of party and booze.     Aeromarine Airline (Pan American Airlines), a Key West based operation became known as the "Highball Express" because it was known for taking "dry" wealthy Americans to "Wet" islands of the Caribbean during the prohibition years.

     Several charter boat operations would travel the 90 miles to Havana for the same purpose.    Joe Russell (Sloppy Joe) and Earnest Hemingway would often make the crossing to fish and hit the bars of Havana.   Many of these adventures were inspiration for some of Hemingway's books like "Islands in the Stream" and "The Old Man and the Sea".     May of these trips were made on Joe Russel's boat the Anita and others made on Hemingway's Pilar named after his wife.

As you can see, the days of Prohibition were colorful and gave people a chance to use their ingenuity for profit in many many ways.   Still one of the most colorful eras of our history, Prohibition provide us with much more that gangsters and pirates.     ;o)

Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva

The taste of a fine brandy on the palate and the warmth of a Grand Marnier at the finish, makes this one of the classic premium quality rums in my collection.    This Venezuela produced rum will grab your attention from the first sniff.    The aroma of orange peel, molasses, oak and cinnamon will draw you in to your first sip.    The brandy like taste of aged oak is very elegant and enjoyable to the palate.    The big warm finish leaves you recalling the experience of the entire flow from aroma to palate to finish.

     The premium rum is double distilled in copper pot stills by experienced artisans of the distillation arts.     Blended with the expertise of the master blender, these rums provide you with a very unique experience of character, body, and delicate aromas.     You will not likely forget this exquisite "Antique Rum" and will be going back to it again and again.     This is a complex 12 year old rum that has earned the respect of rum lovers throughout the world and will surely dance on your palate as well.     ;o)

Rum Renaissance Festival 2012 Getting Close

     The 2012 edition of the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival is just over two weeks away.   If you haven't gotten your tickets yet you need to soon.  Your tickets can be purchased on line at http://rumrenaissance.com/Tickets.html .     This event is a great time for all involved and an opportunity to develop your rum knowledge as well as enjoy the fine rums that are being displayed and available for tasting.     This is an annual event and one that has no rival in the United States.     It brings together the very large and the small batch rum producers from all over the world to talk, drink, and enjoy the rums from all over this planet.

     The event is being held at the Deauville Beach Resort on Miami Beach, perfect place and atmosphere for rum lovers and producers to get together and enjoy their favorite spirit.   Don't miss this opportunity to taste and enlighten your horizons about the wonderful world of rum.   By the way there are a great number of beautiful spokes persons there to serve you these fine rums and tell you all about their attributes.   ;o)

Boca Chica Channel: Birds and Birds

     Yesterday afternoon, I hopped into my dinghy looking for something interesting to go out and photograph.     It was a bit windy and choppy on the water, so I found this little mangrove key in the middle of Boca Chica Channel that gave me a photo opportunity that I have rarely ever come across.    I was as usual photographing some of the birds that were headed back to their "base" on little island when an eagle (F-16 fighter jet) came over my head and made a tight high banked turn to final and landed on it's "base".    

     This gave me an idea for a pictorial and story of how this little channel in home to all types of birds and their "bases".     I find the resemblance of the birds to the planes in the way they arrive and approach their "bases".    They arrive in packs and split off making a high bank turn to get lined up for the landing in a very similar manner.   The interesting part was how they seemed to be doing this right around where I was sitting in the dinghy at anchor.   Sometimes you just get lucky and drop your anchoring the correct place.

     As the afternoon went on, I found myself amazed by the number of birds that had made this little mangrove key their home and how it was just off of the end of the runway for Key West NAS.    The two "bases" provided me with a great afternoon of "bird" watching.    Three pelicans approached their "base"in the mangroves split apart from the flock, made some steep turns, and perched on the mangrove branches.     Right behind came a pair of "raptors" (F22's) approaching Key West NAS  in the same manner.    It is always interesting to me how man mimics nature in so many things that he does.

     All in all, this was a great way to spend an afternoon.    The little flask of rum, and bird watching took on a whole new meaning as I sat in Boca Chica Channel in the fabulous Florida Keys.   I have to keep pinching myself to see if what I am doing is real or "just Memorex".     I did enjoy the day and it was time to cruise back to the marina, hope the waters have calmed down for the return trip.     ;o)

     

Pango Keys Cocktail

Here it is for all of you to enjoy, how to make this favorite from last Friday's Barbancourt Pango Tasting at the Rum Bar in Key West's favorite cocktail, the Pango Keys Cocktail.   See the video in the Rum Connection blog of how we create this fine cocktail.   http://rumconnection.com/uncategorized/pango-keys-cocktail/.     This was a fun event for all of us and looking forward to the next event where we can combine the use of the Rum Lab with a Rhum Tasting to create custom cocktails for another enjoyable event.   

   Thanks for all the help from the people at Rhum Barbancourt to make this program possible.    ;o)

Barbancourt and Pango Tasting a Big Success

     The Rum Bar at the Speakeasy Inn in Key West hosted a very successful tasting that showcased Barbancourt Three Star and Pango Rums on Friday afternoon.      The rums were the highlight in a series of newly developed cocktail designed specifically for these rums and the tasting.     Our guests were able to taste and enjoy these wonderful rums in fine quality cocktails in a warm and fun filled atmosphere.

    The top selling cocktail of the day was the "Pango Keys Cocktail", closely followed by the "Barbancourt Surprise".     All five of the cocktails were very well received and helped introduce the group to the unique tastes of Barbancourt Pango and Three Star rums.

  

Barbancourt Surprise

·          1 ½ oz. Rhum Barbancourt 3 Star

·          ¾ oz. Rhum Barbancourt Pango

·          ¾ oz. Cream of Coconut

·          ¾ oz. Pomegranate Liqueur

·          ¾ oz. Lime Juice

·          1 oz. Pineapple Juice

·         Dash of Bitters

Pango Keys Cocktail          

·          1 ½ oz. Rhum Barbancourt 3 Star

·          ¾ oz. Rhum Barbancourt Pango

·          ¾ oz. Falernum

·          ½ oz. Lime Juice

·          ½ oz. Grapefruit Juice

·          Few Drops of Agave Nectar

     Try these fine cocktails at home, but remember it is the Barbancourt Rums that really make them work.    They are really great tasting cocktails that are relatively simple to make in your home bar.   ;o)

Demolition Key: New Life Abounds

     From the disaster that was Hurricane Wilma in October, 2005, new life is abounding.  Howerver there is still the stark reminder of the past and it's woes.   ;o)

Florida Manatees and Their Recovery

Female Manatee and her Calf

     The Florida Manatee has been on the endangered species list for years, but one of the highest counts of the manatee happened in January of 2010.    At that time there were approximately 5076 of the mammals counted by aerial survey.     Changing weather and manatee behavior are problems for the people that are trying to determine the exact population of these unique mammals.   Though they have few natural enemies, cold temperatures, hurricanes, and red tide poisoning are their greatest threats.     Though these wonderful creatures normally will live for several decades, they seem to be most threatened by the collision with water craft.

     Conservation efforts to protect include manatee area speed zones and the protection of the sea grass areas.     There is also a program of sea grass restoration under way in several areas in Florida that will help the specie survive.     Pollution of the water that kills the vegetation that the manatee's depend on is another factor that controls the population.

Ain't Love Grand

     A couple of weeks ago while having lunch at the Hurricane Hole Marina, a pair of Florida Manatee's appeared in the middle of the boat basin.    The pair were snuggling and cooing, obviously in love, in the shallow warm water of the basin.    It seems that an adult manatee female will have one calf approximately every three years.   This is a factor in the growth of the population too.

      These very special mammals deserve our efforts to preserve the population and a few extra minutes of our time while operating a watercraft in the areas where they feed and live.    I for one would like to have future generations get the opportunity to see these marvelous creatures like I've had the opportunity to.    To see a pristine Florida Manatee and her calf is a pleasure and a sign that people at least in the Keys seem to care about them as well.   ;o)

Pango and Barbancourt Three Star Rum at the Rum Bar Today

     Today is the Day to stop by the Rum Bar in Key West to sample some of the fine Pango and Barbancourt Three Star rums.    We have a special promotional menu with five really tasty premium cocktails that were developed in the Rum Lab just for this tasting.    The event will run from 1pm this afternoon until 5pm, and feature these fine cocktails for only $5.00.    Don't miss the opportunity to try and learn more about all of the fine Barbancourt Rums.

Pango Keys Cocktail

·          1 ½ oz. Rhum Barbancourt 3 Star

·          ¾ oz. Rhum Barbancourt Pango

·          ¾ oz. Falernum

·          ½ oz. Lime Juice

·          ½ oz. Grapefruit Juice

·          Few Drops of Agave Nectar

Haitian Sweet Tart

·          1 oz. Rhum Barbancourt 3 Star

·          1 oz. Rhum Barbancourt Pango

·          1 oz. Coconut Rum

·          ½ oz. Falernum

·          1oz. Sour Mix

·          1 ½ oz. Barrett’s Ginger Beer

Bahama Bob's Root Juice to Become Bark Juice

    Bahama Bob's Root Juice is about to be filled for the last time next month and replaced with Bahama Bob's Bark Juice.    This is a new and different combination of barks that I have collected from all over the Caribbean Islands over the past few years.    This one is currently soaking in a honey and white wine blend that will later be discarded and the the barks will be put into the 151 Rum for a couple of weeks before they can be tasted and introduced for public consumption.     This one has big shoes to fill following in the shadow of the success of Bahama Bob's Root Juice.
     I keep getting asked where did this idea come from.    I first got the idea at a bar called Fungi's on Water Bay on St. Thomas.     Throughout the world they have some version of the practice of infusing liquor with herbs, barks, roots, and almost anything else that is available through out the world.     In the Dominican Republic they have Mama Juana fro instance and many others throughoiut hte Caribbean.     As you can see, this on is filled with twigs and branches and stuff that I have no idea what it is.    This was a concern for me when making the original root juice.     I bought some cinnamon and agave from a vendor in St. Thomas, then when I got back to Key West, I went to the local grocery store and found the rest of the ingredients I needed.    This method has worked very well because there have been over 43 gallons of rum go through the roots in the past 27 months and the flavors are still going strong.

     The time has come to let the success of the root juice to give way to a new idea and introduce Bahama Bob's Bark Juice.    We are going to refill the root juice bottle and seal it when the change over occurs just after the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival in late April.     The original root juice may be auctioned off at one of the appropriate charity auctions, but we are not sure yet.    Keep your eyes open at the Rum Bar Key West where you will be able to sample the new Bahama Bob's Bark Juice soon.   ;o)

Barbancourt Rhum Tasting at the Rum Bar Key West This Friday

Big Rum Tasting at the Rum Bar on Friday, March 23rd from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM.     Come on by and try any one of the five new premium cocktails all made wit Rhum Barbancourt Three Star and Rhum Barbancourt Pango for only $5.00.

Haitian Surprise

·          1 oz. Rhum Barbancourt Pango

·          1 ½ oz. Rhum Barbancourt 3 Star

·          ¾ oz. Triple Sec

·          1 oz. Grapefruit Juice

·          1 ½ oz. Pineapple Juice

·          ½ oz. Cane Syrup (Simple Sugar Syrup)

·          2 Dashes of Bitters

Barbancourt Mai Tai

·          1 ½ oz. Rhum Barbancourt 3 Star

·          ¾ oz. Rhum Barbancourt Pango

·          ¾ oz. Falernum

·          ½ oz. Orgeat Syrup

·          ¾ oz. Orange Juice

·          1 oz. Pineapple Juice

·          Dash of Bitters

     This is a premium event and one that you just don't want to miss if you are anywhere near Key West on Friday afternoon.    Look for the Pango flags and come on in to join the fun.    I'll be behind the bar mixing all five of the cocktails that were developed at the Rum Lab especially for this tasting.     The Rum Bar Key West, on Duval Street Friday from 1pm until 5pm, see all of you there.     ;o)

KW Rum About to Make an Appearance Soon

Key West Rum Company is about to introduce their new line of rums created with the Florida Keys laid-back attitude in mind..    This initial offering of a Gold and White Rum will be available in the Keys very soon.

     We will be trying to create some new signature cocktails in the Rum Lab with KW Rum next week.     I am really excited about the possibility of first tasting this new rum and then creating some exciting new cocktails that I'm sure will be even better because we are using KW Rum.

    Key West Rum is made here in Florida and is truly a rum that can wear the name Key West proudly.     It promises to be a great rum for your premium cocktails and even for everyday use.    It comes with a pair of flip-flops on a chain around the neck of every bottle that you will be able to wear proudly showing off your laid-back attitude.   ;o)

St. Patrick's Day Bar Stroll

    This past Saturday the St. Patrick's Day Bar Stroll in Key West brought out hundreds and hundreds of fun loving drinkers and partyers.     The streets of Key West were literally green as all of the strollers passed down Duval Street hitting bar after bar on their way to the Historic Seaport and Schooner's Wharf.     From the front porch of the Rum Bar, you could see the wave of green as it moved North on Duval Street coming from the Southernmost Resort where the stroll begins.

     Though we were not a part of the stroll, the Rum Bar was loaded with revelers and very green with some really fun loving people.    The party was almost overwhelming in our tiny bar, but Anne and I were able to take care of the huge crowd.    We all still had a great fun afternoon interacting with everyone at the bar.    The best part was watching all of the fun the strollers were having as they paraded in and out of the bars on their way down Duval Street.

     This is one of the most fun events of the year, because so many of the locals and tourists are involved in this event that virtually covers Old Town Key West for 6 or more hours.     Once it gets underway, about noon time, the streets and bars of Key West turn green and the zany people of Key West literally let it all hang out as the party up and down the city finishing at the harbor.

     If you missed this years fun, you might want to put it on the calender for next year as you plan for one of the years really fun days.    It was a great one this year and as usual I'm looking forward to next year's already.   ;o)

Drifting with the Tides

There is nothing so peaceful as just drifting with the tides on a beautiful warm day.   ;o)

Looking at Botran Solera 1893

     This is another of the family rum producers that has provided the world with fine rums for over six decades.     One of my favorites is the Botran Solera 1893.     Distilled from first pressing sugar cane grown on the Botran family estate in Southern Guatemala, this solera system aged rum is one of the finest out there.

     The solera system Botran uses combines and blends older and younger rums into a variety of oak whiskey barrels, re-charred oak whiskey barrels, sherry and port barrels.    This allows the distillate to take on the flavors of the barrels in which they are aged.    A portion of the final blend is bottled and the remaining older rum is later blended with younger rum in the future.

     The finished product is a beautiful rosewood colored  fine cane spirit.      On the nose you pick up hints of new leather, fruits and charred wood in the fairly intense aroma.     The palate has the sweetness of honey, clove, pepper, and nutmeg.   This finish is with the richness of coffee, cocoa, and some citrus.     This is a very rich and complex rum that has long lasting qualities both through the entire experience.

     The rums in the blend range from 5 to 18 years and the solera process of aging has really don its job well giving us a well rounded  and elegant rum.     ;o)

Spring Break is Still Going Strong

     This week the spring breakers are still here in full force.   They are out on the beach and having "tons of fun" there during the day and hitting the bars in the afternoon and night time.    These kids never run out of energy, and their metabolism just seems to eat up the alcohol and spit it out, as they never seem to be more that buzzed as they roam up and down Duval Street. 

     Each week we get a really fine group of college students here at the Rum Bar and they are all having a great time releasing the stress and tension of the academic world.      This is one of the great things that I remember about my college days back in the "stone ages", but it wasn't quite as cool as it is today, because I spent the evenings still working back behind the "redwood curtain" in Northern California.  

     Root Juice for all, this is the theme of this week's group, that doesn't change much from week to week as the returnee's come back remembering "Bahama Bob's Root Juice" and still wanting more.    It really surprises me to watch them wince as the swallow this "earthy concoction of rum, herbs, and roots", then come right back a half hour later wanting another one.

     I guess it is all a matter of youth and fun.    Plus it is an inexpensive way to get a buzz going.    Oh to have the energy of the youth again and be able to have all the fun they do, not caring about tomorrow, but just living for the moment and the fun.     I think that is one of the reasons I stay here in Key West is the way it keeps my youth in tact.    Added to how much I enjoy being around all of that energy.   It makes me feel young too.   ;o)

The Bartender's Revenge

    As a bartender there are a million kinds of people that you always run across.     Most of them are really great people and it is really fun to spend some time with them.    Then the party is really on and every one is having fun, but every now and then there is this really rude person that can't wait their turn and must butt in line.    I know that I have seen them and so have most of you.    I'd love to be able to do this just one time.    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iRAw4hU4ZE&sns=fb     I must have played this 6 times and It still puts a smile on my face.    I also guess it is better to live this vicariously instead of actually doing it.

     It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it kills the vibe of the whole bar and puts an end to what was a fun time.     In a small bar like the Rum Bar Vibe is everything and it is like the old adage says "one bad apple ruins the barrel".     I guess I must be very lucky that this doesn't occur very often and to say thanks to the majority of really fine and courteous people that I get to serve every day.     ;o)

When I Think About Rum: I Think About Florida.

Troy Roberts and Tom Clarke Owners of Drum Circle Distilling

     Florida you say?     Yes Florida, it has several distilleries that handle everything from the small batch distillers to a very large operation that bottles and flavors Caribbean Rum.  

     Drum Circle is a small batch distillery that is located in Sarasota.    This little distillery produces the "Siesta Key" line of rums.     There are three different rums that are produced at the distillery, White, Gold, and their newest edition, Spiced Rum.     All of these fine rums are available here in Florida at larger liquor retailers http://www.drumcircledistilling.com/Product/Purchase/local-retailer-list.html.      You owe it to yourself to try these fine Florida rums, you won't be disappointed.

     The other side of the spectrum is the Florida Caribbean Distillers, this is a huge operation located in Auburndale, Florida.    This distillery makes neutral spirits from citrus, cane neutral spirits, brandy< and rum.     They also produce something called "other than standard orange wine" (OTSOW) that is the basis for many liqueurs and cordials.    This huge distillery produces up to 10 million proof gallons per year.     In addition to the bottling services and the rum storage and aging facilities located in Winter Haven, Florida.      Florida also produces Florida Rum that is sells at 188 proof to a variety of bottlers from around the world.

     So as you can see, when I think about rum, I really do have to think about Florida.     I also have to think about the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival coming up next month in Miami Beach.    http://rumrenaissance.com/  Check the website for all of the details and ticket information about this very special event April 16 - 22.  

     Think about rum and you to can now think about Florida, the state that consumes the most rum of any state in America.   ;o)
 

        

Getting Close Enough to Smell the Flowers

     Some days are just a blurr, even here in Key West.   This past week really seemed like that to me, with all of the spring break activity and meeting so many new people all week long, I just kind of zoned out yesterday.   Today is the day that I am going to hit the brakes and take some time to smell the flowers and check out all the cool stuff that is around me.     Today is happening at a snail's pace, because I want it to be that way. 

     I guess that you have to park the car and walk about if you want to see anything.     I was headed to the office this morning and as I was walking along the walkway I noticed these flowers that have just began to bloom.     I took a bit of time and noticed that spring is in the air and it wasn't just a time change that took place yesterday morning.    

     I think that it might be my day to grab the camera and head out on the water to see what spring has got to show me.     It is time for me to visit the small mangrove keys that are located around Key West.     These days of a flask of nice rum and drifting with the currents is the most relaxing place for me.     I guess that it is the best part of living down here in my own little paradise.    I get to spend the time being like a leaf on a stream and just float along and take pictures of what I pass by on my journey.    A sip of rum and a nice breeze with some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere, what a treat.     It really doesn't get much better than this.     Thanks for a couple of days to chill.    ;o)