The Rum War Continues

     Diageo has released a response to the allegations made by Distileria Serralles in the breach of contract lawsuit filed in Federal Court in Puerto Rico and is seeking a jury trial.   

     Diageo has issued a statement to The Associated Press last Thursday saying “the company has honored all agreements with Serralles and that it properly exited from the supply contract in Puerto Rico.”

     "Any assertions to the contrary are baseless," the company said. "Once all relevant facts are disclosed, it will be clear that this case is without merit and Diageo acted appropriately."

Diageo St. Croix Distillery

     The battle over the cover over revenues appears to be infecting much of the Caribbean rum industry in many ways.   There is the " unfair advantage" that the U.S. Virgin Island and Puerto Rico have in the form of lower cost of production of the rums sold to the United States, but there seems to be a bit of greed starting to show it's ugly head as the "civil war"heats up.   The Distileria Serralles employees felt like their jobs were being stolen by the USVI when the senate was considering the deal and appeared in St. Thomas to protest.   The switch from using rum made in Ponce, Puerto Rico to the use of rum made in Diageo's own plant in St. Croix is very much at the center of this lawsuit.  

     This controversy goes all the way back to 2008 when the announcement of the deal with the USVI was first struck.    Diageo has also agreed to sell all rums made in the St. Croix plant to the United States for the next 30 years.  I really don't see any resolution to the problems that have all risen out of the use of the "Cover over tax rebate" money given to both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for rum produced in their territory and sold to the United States.   The United States Congress enacted legislation in 1999 that said for every "proof gallon" of rum that was produced in the U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico and sold to the United States mainland, of the $13.50 in excise tax collected, $13.25 will be returned to the territory where the rum is produced.   Known as the "rum coverover", much of this revenue is returned to the producer of the rum as part of an incentive to get the producers to continue producing their rum in the territory.

  

 

    

Fall Cocktail from the Rum Lab

   
   There are a number of ways to enjoy the fall of the year with cocktails.   This is a nice little one that was developed in the Rum Lab during the past year or so.    I guess that the popularity of the daiquiri these days is growing with leaps and bounds, these are wonderful cocktails that  you might want to try soon.

Tropical Daiquiri

·         1 oz. Spiced Rum

·         1 oz. Banana Rum

·         1 oz. Pomegranate Liqueur

·         ¾ oz. Lime Juice

·         ½ oz. Cane Syrup or Agave Nectar

Place all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled.   Strain into a Martini glass and float a lime wheel on top.

Festival of Speed and Barbancourt Rhum

Epic Hotel       Downtown Miami

The 2012 Festival of Speed arrives at the Epic Hotel this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.   The guests will be in a fantasyland of luxury as they explore the fabulous displays of exotic cars, motorcycles, watercraft, and luxury lifestyle products.    The guests will be treated to smooth jazz on the air as they are treated to culinary delights along with unique cocktails and fine wines as they pass through this oasis of luxury.

     I will be behind the Barbancourt Bar creating very special cocktails for you all during the event.  Stop by and enjoy the ultra premium cocktails that were created in the Rum Lab specifically for this event.  

     The Festival of Speed runs from Friday, October 12 through Sunday, October 15 at the Epic Hotel.     Friday the "Cocktails Under the Stars" at the Epic Hotel from 8:00pm until 11:00pm.    Saturday and Sunday the "Yacht Hop & Motorsports Collection" at the Epic Hotel from 11:00am until 5:00pm.  If you don't have your tickets yet, they are available on line at http://festivalsofspeed.com/miami/ then click on Tickets.

     If you are in the Miami area this weekend, this is a really exciting event that you will want to attend and one that will be memorable for a long time.   ;o)

Historic Old Havana Sights

Map of Old Havana by Google Earth

   Old Havana is one of the more beautiful cities that I have seen.   It's majestic buildings, and the time warp to 1959, is something you won't ever understand unless you visit her.   You just can not appreciate the beauty and all of the really great historic places without walking the streets of Old Havana.   There are just so many places that you must see to appreciate, more than my 5 days would allow.    I'm not just talking about the bars that I have already covered, but the historic landmarks that define the city.    There are museums of all types throughout the city. There are fireman's museums, revolution museums, rum museums, and that is just the tip of the iceberg.   

Presidential Palace

    The museum of the revolution, the former Presidential Palace,  houses statues of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos along with their guns and caps.  The Presidential Palace has Neo-Classical elements and was designed Cuban architect Carlos Maruri and Belgian architect Paul Belau.  The was  decorated by Tiffany and Company of New York.   Completed in 1926 and remained the Presidential Palace until 1959.   There are also displays of Batista's Gold phone and many other items that relate to both the revolution from Spain and the Revolutionary War of the 1950's.  In the annex behind the museum is "Granma" the boat that was used to transport Fidel Castro and 81 fighters of the Cuban Revolution from Mexico to overthrow Fulgencio Batista in 1956.

     There is also an eternal flame as a memorial to the fallen soldiers of the revolution at the annex.   You will also find a Hawker Sea Fury, an SU 100 Tank, a The engine from a Lockheed U-2 Spy plane shot down during the Cuban Missile Crisis and many other very interesting relics from the military. 







Revolution Park

     Other points of interest around Old Havana include the National Museum of the Arts, The Grand Theater of Havana, Revolution Park (Central Park).   All around Central Park are some of the finest hotels in the city.  Hotel Telagrafo; the one we stayed in, Hotel NH Parque Central; one of the most beautiful ones with it's grand stair case coming down into the lobby, Hotel Inglaterra; boasting some of the most fabulous painted murals and ceramic tiles throughout.












     El Capitolio, the was inaugurated on May 20,1929.     After a referendum of it was named "El Capitolio"and became the home of the Cuban Legislature.   This is another of the "Neo-Classical" buildings the Cuban government favored at the time.     The building is currently closed to the public, and is being "restored", but there are no real signs of work being done on the vacant building.

El Capitolio

     There is a view of the Havana skyline from the roof of the Hotel Inglaterra the includes the Grand Theater and El Capitolio.   It is not a bad place to sit and enjoy a fine daiquiri as well.    All in all this is a most beautiful city, one that many of the buildings are in need of repair, but her historic splendor is still very much in tact and the first thing that gets your attention when you wander through her streets.   ;o)

 

Soaring with the Eagles

The Golden Knights have the skill to soar with the eagles and bring the sky to life.

The Caribbean Rum War Becomes a "Civil War"

     The Caribbean War over the lucrative excise tax "cover over" revenues has become a "civil war" between St. Croix and Puerto Rico.     It seems that Destileria Serralles, Inc. has filed suit against Diageo for breach of contract relating to an agreement to purchase 1 million gallons of rum that would insure against shortfalls at the new St. Croix plant during the start-up years.     The rum was to be sold exclusively to the US insuring Puerto Rico and in turn Destileria Serralles would receive the excise tax "cover over revenues from the sale.   Serralles would pass on a portion of their "cover over revenues" to Diageo in the form of price concessions for the rum.

     Serralles charges that Diageo has only purchased less than 100,000 gallons of the million originally contracted for, and has accused Diageo of planning to sell the rum produced in Puerto Rico to Europe, depriving Puerto Rico of the "cover over revenues".

     Diageo in a statement issued to the Associated Press stating,

“the company has honored all agreements with Serralles and that it properly exited from the supply contract in Puerto Rico.”

 

     "Any assertions to the contrary are baseless," the company said. "Once all relevant facts are disclosed, it will be clear that this case is without merit and Diageo acted appropriately."

 

     By federal law, nearly all monies generated from the sale of rums produced in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to the United States goes to the treasuries of thoise territories.   There is a share of the revenue that also goes to the producer of the rum as a business incentive to produce the rum in that territory.  This has been the source of problems between the islands of the rest of the Caribbean and the U. S. territories that has created a riff between the rum producing islands.

 

     Serralles is asking for a jury trial and that Diageo be ordered to purchase the remaining gallons of rum and sell it in the U.S. exclusively.   ;o) 

 

Bacardi Sells Bacardi Tower and Museum Buildings

     Bacardi USA has sold the the "Jewel Box" and the eight story tower located at 2100 Biscayne Blvd.    The "Tower" was designed by Engique Guterrez and built in 1963; and the "Jewel Box" by Ignacia Carrera-Jiustiz in 1975.   The two buildings were sold to the National Young Arts Foundation, an organization that finds and encourages your artists from 15 years old and older; then assists them through the complex stages of their educational and professional development.     These buildings will be converted into the first national headquarters for National Young Arts Foundation.

     The two buildings covering 3.3 acres on Biscayne Blvd. have served as Bacardi's headquarters and museum until the opening of the new "America's Headquarters" in Coral Gables in 2009.  After the move, the Biscayne Blvd. campus was only used on rare occasions.


     Facundo Bacardi, a fifth generation family member and Bacardi Chairman, was quoted; 

"If we ever had to let go of these buildings, all of us at Bacardi knew we wanted to ensure they would continue to be shared with the South Florida community. The heritage and significance of these buildings will be with Bacardi forever."    "We were looking for somebody to extend the legacy of the property and how much it means to us," he told the Florida newspaper. "I don't think we could've come up with a better partner."

 

 

     Frank Gehry has been commissioned as the design master for the iconic Bacardi campus.   The plan calls for the preservation of the two buildings exterior and creating a multidisciplinary arts complex that include a park with the latest video projection equipment and arts programming.

     "As much as our remarkable young artists need space to work, to learn and to present their achievements, they also need surroundings that inspire them," said Young Arts founder Lin Arison. "This campus is a place that can make their spirits soar and their ambitions a reality."

 

This is a great use for the dormant campus that will makes sure that this icon is going to be able to survive the future, but be of a great value to the community and the nation.   ;o)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Havana Club's New "Selecion de Maestros" Rum

     It really doesn't matter which club you visit in Havana, the one club that is always there is "Havana Club" rum.    This is a legendary rum that has been the subject of court battles over the trademark for the United States, and the "holy grail" of rum for most American rum officiants.    With the Cuban embargo it has become nearly impossible to get here within the borders of the United States.

     One of the real pleasures of the trip to Cuba last month was that I was able to attend a seminar put on by Havana Club to introduce their new rum "Havana Club Seleccion de Maestros".   This is the replacement for the "Barrel Proof" that was so popular among the rum people..   

"The Maestros Roneros and I are proud of Selección de Maestros, as we dedicate a lot of time and energy to ensure that it is exceptional in its taste and flavor."

 

Don José Navarro, Primer Maestro Ronero.

 

     The rum maestro said it best, this is a masterpiece of ultra premium rum making.   The appearance of warm amber tones with a red glow draws you into the bottle immediately.    Light notes of pecan and spice with notes of wood on the nose as you approach  the glass.   A full well rounded flavor, a complexity of cocoa, coffee, tobacco, and other spices blossoms to carry you to the finish.  The tasting is completed by the smoke and spice with subtle hints of candied fruits in a remarkably smooth and long lasting finish.

 

     This is one of those very special sipping  rums that needs to be enjoyed in a very relaxed atmosphere with nothing but time to spend enjoying "Seleccion de Maestros".

In Cuba, Time Stopped in 1959

  

     The most asked question I get from my recent trip to Havana, is are the cars really that old and in that good of shape?     Yes they are.    The part that amazes me is the way that the Cuban people are able to keep updating the cars to keep them going with so few parts .  

     There is everything from Fiat 500's to heavy Duty Ford trucks running up and down the streets all day long.    There are some more modern Korean and Russian vehicles, but the majority of the cars are from the mid 40's through the 1959.   I did see a 1960 Ford Thunderbird though.

    

   

   I have to take my hats off to the Cuban people for keeping these old relics in very good condition and their ingenuity to do so.     There are many of these older models with diesel motors, many with disc brakes, and some with heavy duty truck components driving the chassis.      The sheet metal work is incredible and they seem to be able to create replacement pieces for any of the body parts that need repairing.

      I really enjoyed the trip back in time to Havana and to have been able to see this fin city and the surrounding country sides and how well they have been preserved.   Like I’ve said so many times before, it is a sight that you can hear about and see pictures of many many times, but until you see it, you just have to experience it to understand.     Just enjoy the pictures and make it happen for yourself when you can.   ;o)   

Canned Cocktails?

     As a mixologist, I've got to wonder about all of these "canned cocktails" that are showing up on the market.    I recently attended a trade show in Miami and another one in Key West and two of these new forms of spirits were being promoted.    In Miami it was a new Libre, a new "Rum and Coke" and in Key West it was a "Dark and Stormy".

     The rum and coke was in the experimental stage and there were a couple of versions of the product that were being tested.   To be perfectly fair on that cocktail, I am not much of a fan of anything and coke, but it wasn't bad.   Tico's "Libre" has real potential for being a viable product for the tailgaters, beach goers, boaters, etc.    I don't see any of these replacing beer in a bar where the real fresh made cocktail can be produced quickly enough.     These are products of convenience and ones for those who prefer a cocktail over a beer in the recreational scene.

     The "Dark and Stormy", on the other hand is probably the closest to the real mixed cocktail.   It is made by Gosling the trademark owner of the "Dark and Stormy" cocktail.   The rum and the ginger beer are both made by Gosling and the mixture is not a bad one at all.

    I think that the success or failure of these canned cocktails lies in the quality of the cocktail out of the can and the real need for the convenience of them.    America is an open the can and enjoy culture, especially when it comes to things they like when they are out and about.   Camping, picnics, and ball games are perfect placesfor these products.  Really it is an option other than beer any place where you might have to settle for a beer when you really want a cocktail away from home.    I'm really interested in seeing how these new canned cocktails do in the next year or so on the market.   ;o)

Monday Monday

   Monday, a day off one that I usually fill with some type of work or another.   Today it is back to working on the book.    Ive got most of the hard part done, but today it is mixing cocktails and photographing them.    This sounds easy, but I have 60 or so to make and photograph.     Placing  the cocktail in the proper environment and then getting the lighting just right, ya simple stuff.     Really the hard part is the mixing and having the studio part ready so I can just drop the cocktail in and shoot it before the ice starts to melt and it looses that really fresh look.

     The best part is when I am done, I can't let these really tasty cocktails go to waste, so I guess I'll just have to consume them.   It is really not a great idea to feed them to the fish.    I really will have to feed several to someone other than myself, or nothing will be accomplished today.    50 or sixty cocktails, I don't think that I'll be standing for even a quarter of them.    Hemingway use to claim that he would have 14 to 16 daiquiris at the El Floridita, and he was a much heavier consumer that me.

     Monday, Monday, I digress, today it is order, write, mix, photograph.    I guess that has it covered.   I really can't procrastinate this project any longer.     Maybe just an hour please.    OK OK, I headed to the Rum Lab and get it done.   ;o)

Sunday Morning Moon

 

An eerie morning as the full moon begins to set.

 

 

The Bacardi Building Havana

Bacardi Building on Avenida de Belgica

   The most predominant building in Old Havana is the Bacardi Building or Edifico Bacardi as it is called in Havana.  This is probably on of the best examples of Art Deco architecture anywhere.   The exterior and the interior of this magnificent building is really hard to describe.   The detail of the finish work is nothing short of spectacular.   it is truly a monument to the Bacardi empire of the 30's.



Architect's Office in the Building

     Designed by architects Esteban Rodriguez Castells, Rafael Fernandez Ruenes, and Jose Menendez, it is the largest and arguably the most impressive structure in Old Havana.   Architect Esteban Rodriguez Castells originally won the competition for the construction of the building with a neo-renaissance design, but later revised the design to an Art Deco style after visiting the 1925 industrial modern art exposition in Paris.   The 12 story building  was completed in 1930.

Entry on the ground floor

     The lavish decorations of the facade are constructed of Bavarian Granite with inlaid brass embellishments including  an art deco stylized version of the Havana coat of arms.   The upper building is faced with glazed terracotta reliefs with patterns of flowers, and female nudes created by Maxwell Parrish.  The blue mirrors, stucco reliefs; brushed and polished brass; mural paintings; mahogany and cedar paneling; stained and etched glass; gold leaf and rose colored, pale green and black inlaid marble from Germany, Sweden, Norway, Italy, France, Belgium, and Hungary all make up the sumptuous interior details of the Edificio Bacardi.  The lamps and the other fittings throughout the building are classic examples of the Art Deco style

     The upper tower is crowned with a three dimensional statue of the famous Bacardi Bat.   This is a real appropriate crown for the building that stood for everything rum when it was constructed. 

     After the Cuban Revolution  and the departure of Bacardi from Cuba, the building became an office building.  The Office of the City Historian of Havana began the restoration of the Edificio Bacardi at the end of the 1990's and it was completed in 2003.   Today there is still some signs of more restoration going on throughout the structure.

     On the mezzanine floor there is an operational bar that clearly has some of the most beautiful wood work that I've seen anywhere.    It was a pleasure to be able to go and stand behind the bar and picture life of the fabulous sumptuous living style within the Bacardi Building.    The ironic part of the whole the bar was that the rum served in the Bacardi Building mezzanine bar was Havana Club.  

    This is a king sized don't miss when you do get the chance to visit Havana and the rest of Cuba, hopefully in the very near future.   ;o)

Saturday Night Full Moon Party at the Hurricane Hole

     This Saturday Night at the Hurricane Hole Bar there is going to be a Full Moon Party from 10:00pm til Midnight.   Loaded with special prices at the bar and great food on a special late night menu.     This is only one of the really fun events that happen regularly at the Hurricane Hole.    Tuesday and Sunday night there is Karaoke with Gary and Debbie, and Friday and Saturday nights you have local musicians to entertain you.   Monday and Friday evenings upstairs there is Texas Hold'em card games with Jeremy as your dealer, really great group of players to make the game fun.

     This is the place that you can find me nearly every evening when I'm in town.   This dockside bar has the vibe of "Old Key West", the waterfront town with all of the local pirates and fishermen hanging around telling their fishing tales and other assorted stories.  I mean where else will you see a beer bottle holder on a cast?   They welcome all visitors and usually keep them coming back  year after year as we party into the evening.   No late night here, the bar and restaurant does close at midnight.   I'd never be able to make it back to work the next morning to write this blog if I stayed even close to midnight.   Temptation is a very bad thing, but once in a while I have been seen there a bit after 9:00 pm.  

     This is the place to book your fishing charter, these guys at the marina will bring you home the catch of the day.   There are virtually every type of charter boat available from flats to deep sea fishing and all of the captains are very knowledgeable of the waters around Key West yielding the big catches.

    Many of the fish plates served by the restaurant are caught the same day and offer a fine dining experience out on the dock enjoying the great food and the nice breezes of the evening.
 

    The bar offers a good selection of beer, wine, and spirits with bartenders that know how to mix a fine cocktail.  A pretty or friendly smile, depending on who is behind the bar at the time is the finishing touch to make you feel at home and welcome at the "Hole".     For me, this is my equivalent to Hemingway's "El Floridita" in Havana.   I arrive and the bartenders know what I drink and it is served up to me by the time I get the dinghy tied up and snag a seat at or near the bar.  

    If your are local or just visiting, don't forget to stop by Saturday Night for the Full Moon Party at 10:00pm til Midnight.   I might see you there, if Saturday at the Rum Bar doesn't wear me out first.   ;o)

Life Returning to "Normal"

    This is the week when it all sets in that I am back to the everyday routine of work and a trip to the Hurricane Hole afterward.    This is a routine that I pretty much follow most days down here in the Keys, but yesterday was a bit of a different one for me.   The days started off pretty "normal" with a visit to the office, writing the blog, answering all of my emails etc.    Then it was back to work at the Rum Bar, still pretty "normal".    The day began to get strange as I sat myself on the scooter.   About three quarters of the way home and a "weird" little cloud dumped a ton of rain on my head.   OK, that really isn't that strange here in the tropics, but it had been sunny all day and most of the way home, the customers had been complaining all day about the heat as they walked into the bar to cool off.   This wasn't the end for the day that I had anticipated.



     Anyway after running down the dock dodging the raindrops, by now I had dawned my foul weather gear, a bit late, but better late than never.   Changed my clothes, a bit more coverage than usual, long sleeve shirt instead of a tank top, cool evening, after the rain and all, jumped into the dinghy to head over to the Hurricane Hole, the sky was blue and the water was calm again.     This was such a day of contrasts as I moved from one part of the day to another.   When the sun started setting I was sitting on my bar stool glancing out over the water I really wasn't all that surprised when the sky and the water started lighting up with reds, oranges, purples and yellows.    This was one of the most beautiful sunsets that I've see here in the keys in some time.    This day has made so many twists and turns as the grains of sand flowed through the hour glass, I really found it very interesting how the completion of the day had kept changing so quickly.    I guess all in all a pretty "normal" day in paradise.  ;o)

Where Did Hemingway's Drink in Havana Part 3

     Papa's favorite watering hole seemed to be the El Floridita with his old friend Constante Ribalaigua, owner and head barman.     Located at the corner of Obispo and Monserrate Streets, the only location since it was opened in 1817 as the "La Pina de Plata" (the Silver Pineapple).     Nearly 100 years later, a number of North American tourists persuaded the owner to change the name to El Florida, but with time it became known as "El Floridita".

     In 1914, Constante began working at El Floridita as a barman, and in 1917, he became the owner.    Constante is credited with creating the frozen daiquiri, and many other fruit and rum cocktails.   The motto on the refrigerators tells the story "La Cuna del Daiquiri" (The Cradle of the Daiquiri).   The highly prized traditions of the early bartenders are still present today when Alex and his staff prepare the cocktails for you.

     There are a number of very fine daiquiris that are made to the exacting standards of Constante, but few can match the flavor and quality of the "Papa Dobles" or Papa's Double.    This simply means that there is twice the rum and the sugar is left out.  Papa felt that if he drank 14 to 16 of these a night, which he was known to do, he would get sick from all of the sugar.   Papa would sit in the corner virtually every time, and enjoy his daiquiri until it was time to go home.   

     To this day, you can have a cocktail with the statue of Ernest where his favorite seat was located.   His wooden bar stool that he occupied can be seen in his house, Finca de Vigia in the city of San Francisco de Paula.   It was a pleasure for me to be able to sit and share some time with his image over in the corner.   It gives you a feeling that he still might be around somewhere in the building.    His spirit of fun is definitely around.

     I feel like that El Floridita was my personal favorite bar that we attended in Havana, and I can really feel the vibe that drew Papa to the place so regularly as well.    The place has some kind of magic about it, the fun just doesn't ever end while you are there.   

     The group of us went to the grave site of Constante Ribalaigua and mixed up a batch of Hemingway Daiquiris and toasted the genius of Cuba most famous barman.    This was a very moving moment for all of us that were involved.

      This is the last of the series of three article about Hemingway's watering holes in Havana, but the ones that he did frequent were some of the best Havana had to offer.    He hung out in all of the fun places and did a great job of having so many of his famous friends to hang out with him there in Havana.   People like Spencer Tracy, Ava Gardner, Clark Gable, just to mention a few, could be found  in his company almost any time.   These are places that you need to visit if you find yourself in Havana at some future time.    All of them will leave an indelible impression with you.   ;o)

Where Did Hemingway Drink in Havana? Part 2

     La Bodeguita del Medio was Papa's favorite place for Mojitos, and another of the well known restaurant / bars in Old Havana in the 40's and 50's.   La Bodeguita del Medio or Bodega in the Middle, was first opened in 1942 by Angel Martinez.   He sold Cuban products and from time to time would serve dinner at the "Casa Martinez".    By 1949, the food and drinks made it the center of Havana's cultural aficionados.     The bodega had a bohemian charm that attracted writers, poets, choreographers, musicians, and journalists.    Felito Ayon, one of the patrons, often referred to the location as "La Bodeguita del Medio, and on April 26, 1950 the name was adopted and as they say the rest is history.

     Many of the famous regulars at La Bodeguita del Medio were, Nat King Cole, Marlene Dietrich, and of course Ernest Hemingway.    The famous handwritten  acclamation of the La Bodeguita del Medio Mojitos is still on the wall behind the bar today.   

     In September of 1997, a bomb exploded in the Bodeguita del Medio, Hotel Copacabana, Triton Hotel, and the Chateau Miramar Hotel as part of a bombing campaign against tourists.   The tourist were what was fueling the economical recovery for the Castro led government and the opposition was determined to stop it.    Just moments before the blast the bartender was asked to pose with Ernesto Cruz Leon, the Salvadorian mercenary convicted of the bombing.  

     Today La Bodeguita del Medio is in full operation and the place is teeming with tourists and locals as well.   I thoroughly enjoy the port apps and mojito there and was able to writ my name on the wall along with the thousands of others already there.   This is a must see if you ever make Havana.  ;o)