Fantasy Fest Starts Saturday with Goombay in Key West

    
      That zany time of year has arrived again here in Key West.   The annual week of craziness starts Saturday and runs through the following Saturday night where it culminates with the parade.   This years theme "A-Conch-Alypse" based on the end of the Mayan calender in December.  Like every year this promises to be another fun filled week with enough parties and events to wear out the most seasoned partier.   Get the complete schedule at http://www.fantasyfest.com/schedule.cfm .

   This is always a fun filled time of costumes and bazaar events to keep your head spinning from sun up until sun up.   If you haven't got your rooms reserved and your costumes made for the week long happening, then now is the time to get it done before you can't find one here in Key West.

  

What ever you do don't miss the 2012 edition of Fantasy Fest in Key West.

St. Nicolas Abbey Distillery Strikes Gold in UK

     The St. Nicolas Abbey Distillery in Barbados offers unique rums to its guests that visit the Abbey each year.    There will soon be a new unaged white rum being added to the inventory.
  
    The new white rum made its debut with a big bang at the UK Rumfest in London.   St Nicolas Abbey's new unaged white rum won the Boutique Rumfest Award of Best White Rum.   In addition, St. Nicolas Abbey won the Golden Rum Barrel for "Distillery of the Year" in addition.   All in all a very productive visit for the Warren Family in London.

     Larry Warren and his family have done an outstanding job of restoring the Abbey and over the past few years I have enjoyed visiting them and seeing the progress that they have made on the project of bringing St. Nicolas Abbey back to life and making it a great destination for visitors to Barbados.

Bodegas 1492: A New Ultra Premium Rum

     Itwas brought to me as a surprise from a yacht broker, but what a pleasant surprise it was.   1492 Ron Anejo Golden Age a relatively new rum produced in Panama initially and currently being made in the Dominican Republic by the Bodegas 1492 Corporation.   The rum is the product of the "lush paradise where the sugar cane, the base and fundamental element of the Caribbean Rum is produced".    It was the history of rum and the romanticism of the discovery of the Caribbean and its unique atmosphere and tropical climate that drove Bodegas 1492 to produce their fine rums.

    

     "Through our Rum Experts, Bodegas 1492, Corp., presents its wide line of rums aged in the most diverse displays, from 4 to 21 year aged, to satisfy the most select and refined palates of those who seek body, superb balance with a very intense profiles and woody bouquet in a good rum, which through the years of aging, dedication and knowledge, our technicians have developed with the best and most selected alcohols of the Caribbean, to place our product on top of the finest rums of the world."

     "To enhance our products, we have selected for our displays of 18 an 21 years aged, the prestigious company of the Czech Republic, Moser, with whom Bodegas 1492, Corp, has an exclusive contract for the manufacture of handmade bottles."

1492 Anejo Golden Rum is an amber colored rum of exquisite aroma and a palate that seems to have a woody, well balance, complex, and long lasting flavor.  The finish is smooth and warm with no bite at all.  Simply stated a very wonderful tasting viscous rum.    ;o) 

Serralles USA Makes Big Steps in US Market

     Distileria Serralles, Inc. and Death's Door Spirits LLC have agreed to a long term contract co-operating the US distribution and marketing.     "In a joint statement, aspects of their products and practices.  Destilería Serrallés, Inc. and Death’s Door Spirits, LLC have inked a long-term, co-operating U.S. distribution and marketing agreement. This alliance brings together two “brand-first” companies that are at the forefront of “craft & quality”

   This merger brings Serralles USA ( The American distribution arn of Distileria Serralles) a world class rum distributor the new markets of craft gins, vodka, and whiskey into their sales arsenal.      This move is to broaden the footprint  of Serralles USA in all 50 states and provide new venues for its sales.     On the other side of the merger Death's Door Spirits will gain  for its portfolio a national distribution system in which to sell their products.     This looks like a win win situation for all involved.   

     “We are extremely pleased to have Death’s Door Spirits as a strategic partner. As a successful small, upstart company, Death’s Door Spirits has shown that strong passion and clear voice are welcome in the spirits industry. We look forward to setting a new standard of 'brand-building' in the spirits industry. Furthermore, we believe the strategic partnership with Death’s Door Spirits is crucial to sustaining the momentum our company has as an emerging industry leader,” says John Eason, Vice President & National Sales Manager at Serrallés USA.

     “This opportunity has tremendous upside for both parties,” explained Brian Ellison, President and CEO of Death’s Door Spirits. “As Death’s Door Spirits has grown, we have always looked for greater avenue to tell our story to a larger audience. I feel the values and vision that both the Serrallés family and John Eason’s team holds matches closely with our core values: commitment to quality, focus on all aspects of the production process from ground to glass, and vigilance toward sustainability.” 

     Both companies will remain as separate operations.   Death's Door Spirits National Sales Manager John Kinder and Serralles USA Vice President and National Sales Manager John Eason will be working side by side to make this program successful.

   

     In another note Serrales Has added Greg Ellison as the Director of National Off- Premise Chains and Steve Jurbala as the new South Central Regional Sales Manager.   The move was made to help the Serralles USA to expand the name and reach more customers fulfilling the goal of "reaching every customer".

Festival of Speed: Saturday

  Today is the final day for the 2012 Miami Festival of Speed at the Epic Hotel.   The collection of luxury yachts, super sports cars, custom motorcycles, and luxury lifestyle displays is all available to you in one place today.   Take the time to board one or more of the luxury yachts and see how comfortable you can feel on the water.  The living quarters of a luxury condominium all afloat.     You can get the chance to feel the thrill and comfort of living on the water in luxury.

     When your thirst says I need something refreshing, stop by the Rhum Barbancourt tent and have one of our crafts cocktails and relax in the tent.





     How about a gold Lamborghini, a couple of James Bond cars, Bugatti, and custom build super sports cars, and a group of beautiful models everywhere. 

    The Festival of Speed opens today at 11:00 am and runs until 5:00 pm.   Tickets are available online at www.festivalofspeed.com/miami and click "tickets".

Festival of Speed: "Cocktails Under the Stars"

   The 2012 Festival of Speed is under way at the Epic Hotel in Downtown Miami.    The Barbancourt booth is my home for for the event.  Got a chance to see my friend Darrell Gwynn and meet many new friends last night at the "Cocktails under the Stars"   The Rhum Barbancourt and Magellan Gin cocktails created in the Rum Lab were very well received by the attendees under the stars for the Festival of Speed.

    The displays of cars, yachts, watercraft, motorcycles, and luxury lifestyle products make this event a very special one.     If it's James Bond that excites you, his movie Aston Martin is on display along with Ferrari, Maserati, Lotus, Porsche, and many other marques of super sports cars are on display.

    The displays are set up in a walk through style that allow you to experience the displays in an up close and personal manner.    Today the Festival of Speed opens at the 11:00 am and you can wander through the displays until 5:00 pm.   Then do it again on Sunday during the same hours.

     You can also stop by and visit me at the Rhum Barbancourt booth and sample one of the fine rhums from Rhum Barbancourt or one of the Rum Lab cocktails featuring Magellin Iris Flavored Gin that I'll be making just for you on the spot.    Hope to see you there.   ;o)

Meet the "Down Beach" Cocktail

Meet the "Down Beach" Cocktail, this one was created especially for Rhum Barbancourt and North American Beverage to introduce you to the blending of two great products.    Both the Rhum Barbancourt Three Star and the Mocha Colada Cappuccino have qualities that bring out the best in the other's products.

     This is one of those cocktails that was an instant hit in the Rum Lab and with the other guests that I have introduced it to since.

     Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I will be serving this unique cocktail in the Rhum Barbancourt tent during the  Festival of Speed event at the Epic Hotel.   The Epic Hotel is located at 270 Biscayne Blvd. in Downtown Miami.    If you are in the area, this is a great event if you love exotic cars, watercraft, motorcycles and luxury lifestyle products.    I am honored to be a part of the event and introduce you to the "Down Beach" and three other original cocktails from the Rhum Barbancourt tent.


     Tickets are available online at http://festivalsofspeed.com/miami/ then click on tickets.

See you at the Festival of Speed at the Epic Hotel Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, or maybe all three.  ;o)

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)