2013 Miami Rum Renaissance: Day 6

     Today's big event was the Grand Tasting.   This is where the public come in and gets the opportunity to converse with all of the rum makers and the chance to sample many of the rums being shown at the festival.     This is always a crowd pleasing event for the visitors attending.  Many of these rums presented here at the show are not available here in the United States at this time, the distilleries are looking to see the reaction of their customers toward  ther products.   This is part of the picture for the distillers in the evaluation to see if it is worth the cost and trouble to bring it to the United States.   Just one of the things that must be done is packaging the rum in 750ml bottles rather than the 700 ml the rest of the world allows.   There are several other things as well, but the bottle is a major hurdle that has to be cleared.

    This morning's brunch was with Tanduay Asian Rums, made in the Philippines.  Tanduay Rum is a 160 years old rum maker and the second largest producer of rum in the world.    Made from molasses that comes from their own Victorias Milling Company in the Philippines.   The flavor profile is generated through blending a 5 column process rum aged up to five years into a silky, smooth and complex rum.   The rums are aged in oak barrels of several varieties to create this range and depth of the flavors.   There are over 100,000 barrels of Tanduay aging at this time guaranteeing a consistent supply of these fine aged rums.   Tanduay says it best when that say "A merger of experience and intelligence".   This pretty well sums up the approach taken when createing  these fine rums.

    Many of the people that have been a part of the event are on the rooftop of The Gale Hotel partying with the folks from Appleton Estate Rum.  This guy is plum tuckered out and in my room writing this blog before turning in for the night.  This boy is hit the wall and I am done with the parties for this trip.    I'm sure glad that this Rum Festival only happens once a year, I would not be able to survive many more of them.  ;o)

2013 RumXP Competition Results

       The Judging is over and the results have been tallied, now the final results published.  This is are results from three days of blind tasting by some 32 judges.  The large number of judges helps equal out the differences that the individual palates have.  By having a large input you get a more valid results.

White 

Best In Class:

• Papa's Pilar Blonde

 

   Gold Medals:

• Plantation 3 Star
• Wicked Dolphin
• Guarijo Blanco
• Diplomatico Blanco 

Aged

 

Best In Class:

• Plantation Original Dark

 

    Gold Medals:

• DonQ Anejo
• Occumare Anejo
• Diplomatico Reserva
• English Harbour 5 

Special Cask

 

Best In Class:

• Dos Maderas 5+5

 

    Gold Medals:

 

• Plantation Guatamela
• Plantation Jamaica 2000
• Plantation Grenada 2003 

Agricole

 

Best In Class:

• R. St Barth 

Overproof

 

Best In Class:

• Plantation Overproof

 

Gold Medal:

• Rum Fire 

Flavored

 

Best In Class:

• Debonaire Coffee

 

   Gold Medals:

• Debonaire Honey
• Izapa Chocolate
• Santa Teresa Orange 

Spiced

 

Best In Class:

• Blackbeard Spiced

 

    Gold Medals:

• Shellback Spiced
• Blackheart
• Bacardi Oakheart

 

Black

 

Best In Class:

Izapa Negro

 

Gold

 

Best In Class:

• Tanduay Gold

 

    Gold Medals:

• Veroes
• Guarijo Dorado
• Wild Geese Gold 

Cachaca

 

Best In Class:

• Novo Fogo Clear

 

    Gold Medals:

• Novo Fogo Barreled
• Poesia 

Old

Best In Class:

• Centenario 20

 

    Gold Medals:

• Barcelo Imperial,
• Atlantico Private Cask,
• Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva,
• Occumare Grand Reserve 

Premium

 

Best In Class:

• Barcelo Imperial Anniversario 30

 

    Gold Medals:

• Mt. Gay 1703
• Debonaire 21
• Dictador XO Perpetual

These are you winners for 2013, and the ones with the bragging right until next year's festival.  Thanks to all of the entrants, it has been a pleasure to a part of the judging panel and it was a really fine group of rums presented for evaluation.   ;o)

2013 Miami Rum Renaissance: Day 5

    Yesterday started the Grand Tastings in the main arena.   This is a special day where members of the trade get the opportunity to converse with the people that bring you all of the fine rums from all over the world and to taste so many of these fine spirits and find their new favorite. 

     The day started with the Annual Plantation Breakfast by the pool.  This is an annual affair were we have a wonderful French toast breakfast that has rum in the recipe, and rum for your coffee.  All this before tasting the latest creations of the masters from Plantation.   The Breakfast was a very strong success introducing us to rums straight from the casks that will be available to us some time next year or later this year.  These tastings are real treats for the RumXP's because they tell us how the rum world is thinking about where the company is headed in the future.

     Next it was off to the Banyan Room and the opportunity to taste what Brugal was offering for the 2013 season.    Brugal brought an unusual treat for the XP's, Papa Andrea, the rum of the family at Brugal.   This is the best of the best from specially selected casks in the Brugal inventory.   Siglo de Oro, another of the fine spirits made by Brugal is possibly heading to America.  This is great news for those who have had the opportunity to taste this wonderful rum in the past at Duty Free stores, but unavailable in the past here in the states.   There is a lot of other great news from Brugal about the new VX rum , and the new packaging of the rest of the line.   This is going to be a strong and impressive for the Brugal line.

     The Diplomatico US Tournament East and West Coast Finals was next where the were to select the United States entry into the Diplomatico World Tournament.   The entrants got to show their talents before a panel of esteemed international judges seated before them.   The winner received a ticket to Venezuela and the seat in the Finals of the Diplomatico World Tournament.   Congratulations to all of the entrants for their fine offerings and presentations of their original cocktails.

     After the Grand Tasting it was off to the Broken Shaker and the Papa's Pilar VIP Party.   This opportunity to meet with all of the principles behind this truly unique  offering to the Rum World.    It is with great pride that I can say that we at the Rum Bar in Key West were among the first anywhere to be able to offer this fine rum to the public.  

    Today is the Grand Tasting, open to the public (tickets available at the door) and the start of the grand finale of this great festival
for 2013.  All in all a great day filled with very special events that all took their toll on my liver.  The time and wear and tear on the body was well worth the price to be able to sample so many of these fine spirits.

     I will be spending some time again today at the "Ask a Rum Expert" booth, I look forward to answering your rum questions and will have copies of the book available for those who would like to purchase one.   Hopefully I will see many of you there today.   ;o)


  

Facundo Rums Brought to Light

The Facundo Rums

     The new line of rums from the house of Bacardi has finally been introduced.    These are all super premium rums that are an updating of the Bacardi family's favorite rums.      Over the past two years, every time we visited the Bacardi Building for the annual Bacardi Party the RumXP's were invited to the private tasting room to evaluate some new rum expressions.   Unbeknown to us these were the beginnings and part of the development of the new Facundo Rums.

    For all of us that were involved in the process, it is a real honor to be told by Facundo Bacardi that we are all "Fathers of the new line of rum".   The Facundo Rum line offers  four expressions, EO, Eximo, Exquisito, and the Flagship of the group Paraiso XA (Extra Anejo) Rum.   EO "Extra Ordinary" is an aged white rum that is far from ordinary.  Eximo, Exquisito and Paraiso are all dark rums that boast fine lineage and flavor.

      I will do a full evaluation of the line in later blogs when I have the time to sit with each one to be able to tell you all about them.   It would be unfair to these rums to try and do a true evaluation at this time.  I will tell you these are all extremely fine rums and a line that will be available sometime in August.   They will range in price from $30 for the EO to $250 for the Paraiso.   They will be available in many of the better establishments that sell our favorite cane spirits.   I will have them at the Rum Bar in Key West when they do come out for all of us to enjoy.



Facundo Bacardi and Bahama Bob Leonard



     I want to offer a heart felt thanks to Facundo Bacardi, Chairman of the Board of Bacardi Limited for the opportunity to be a part of the development and the introduction of Facundo Rum.  .   This is one experience that I will never forget and will always be proud to have been a part of the team that made all of this happen.   I would also like to say thank you to the Bacardi Team for allowing us to be a part of a wonderful introduction ceremony for a fabulous line of rums.  ;o)

2013 Miami Rum Renaissance: Day 4

Debonaire Line of Rums

     Here we go again, today's Rum Breakfast, is with Deboniare Rums.  Debonaire is another creation of Francisco "Don Pancho" Fernandez.     This is an interesting  line of rums that are of high quality and fabulous flavor.   The start with a 5 year white, a 15 year aged, a 21 year premium, and a pair of flavored rums that can't be beat.  There is a Honey and a Coffee rums that actually use  Honey and Coffee respectively for the flavors tat are macerated into a 15 year old rum.  There are no chemicals or artificial flavors in these rums.   This is a full line of rums that is very impressive and should do very well in the market place.  The rums are already available in some parts of the country and within the next six months will be available in most major U.S. markets.

Phil Prichard of Prichard's Distillery

     Lunch was Phil Prichard and Prichard's Distillery as the host.  Phil talked to us about the problem of Rum Standards of Identity, and how it might be a part of the problem of a slower than expected growth of the category.   This was a very interesting presentation and one that has some legitimacy.   I will follow this subject in a future blog at some other time.










     The final two sessions of the judging were completed today
and the winners will be revealed Friday evening at the RumXP Competition Awards Presentation.   The winners of this years competition will be interesting with so many very fine rums presented for evaluation.




    The evening events kicked off with the annual party at the Bacardi Headquarters in Coral Gables.  The
people from Bacardi made us feel at home in their beautiful building and offered us a wonderful evening as usual.   An evening of fine food, rum and easy listening music made for a great experience. 

    Next it was off to The Regent for a party with Casa Brava, another Francisco "Don Pancho" Fernandez creation.   The Cuban atmosphere was perfect for a fine rum that has such a flavor of Havana and the classic Cuban Rums.   ;o)
   

2013 Miami Rum Renaisance: Day 3

     After Breakfast with Don Pancho and the introduction of Origenes Rums, it was off to the judging chambers for another round of tasting in the RumXP Competition.    Today it was Gold Rums, Spiced Rums, Cachaca and Agricole for the first session.   The second session of the day was for White Rums, some 22 were entered in the competition.

Jay Maltby and Lindsey Kops

     Lunch was a treat provided by the folks from "Papa's Pilar Rums".   This was a wonderful presentation by Jay Maltby  on the methods of making the rums and the unique solera blending methods.   He also related some stories that Patrick Hemingway, Ernest's son related to him during the project about the real man.  This is a rum that is all about being the rum that represents the way and boldness of Ernest Hemingway's life.     Brand Manager Lindsey Kops was there to answer all pertinent questions, she also provided us with the rest of the story on Papa's Pilar Rums.

I've already covered how good these rums really are and they are available at the Rum Bar for your sampling today.

Botran Rum Blending Center

   The evening was made up of three stops.  First was Roberto Ramos' Cubaocho in Miami.  The Botran people put together another of their very special VIP Parties.  This year they are introducing their new Botran Vintage White Rum.   There was an opportunity to become a master blender and produce our own rum.  Something that was really fun to do.   The meal and the hand rolled cigars were very nice and as usual, the Botran Party was the hit of the evening. 

    The evening was completed by a visit to the Miami Club Party at Gramp's in Wynwood and the Pink Pigeon event at the Wood Tavern also in Wynwood.  All in all a very fun and busy day and a lot of stories for future blogs.  ;o)

Don Pancho's Origene Rums Unveiled

Olli, Don Pancho, and Carlos

   Wednesday was started off with a breakfast meeting with Francisco "Don Pancho" Fernandez and his brand new Don Pancho's "Origenes" line  of exquisite rums.  Don Pancho and his partners Carlos Esquivel G. and Olli Hietalahti are responsible for many very high quality rums in the past years.   Along with the Don Pancho's Origenes lines of rums, the have produced the Ron de Jeremy Rums, Bohemio, Zahfra, Panama Red, and many many more.  Omelette's and Don Pancho Rum, this is my idea of a great breakfast. 

     "Origenes Rums" are Don Pancho's very own rums, these are very much in the true Cuban tradition of how rum should be made.   The rums will be available in an 18 year old version and a 30 year old version.   These are rums that Don Pancho bought many years ago for this project and has had them stored away aging in order to produce his "masterpiece rums".   Both of these rums will absolutely take your palate to a state of ecstasy as you let this absolutely wonderful rum pass through your mouth.

     Although not yet available in the United States, they will be soon.   When they become available this is a line of rum that your don't want to miss out on.    Don Pancho has really out done himself this time and has captured the true taste of Cuba with his magnificent rums.  I am looking forward to when I can serve these rums in Key West at the Rum Bar.  ;o)

2013 Miami Rum Renaisssance Festival: Day 2

     After the welcome breakfast it was straight to the judging chambers and right to work evaluating the first 24 rums.   With nearly 150 rums entered in the RumXP Competition this year our work is really cut out for us.  As Martin Cates said "It's like Rum Tasting and the Hurt Locker all in one".   Today we have tasted 45 different rums in two sessions, producing some very nice surprises at the reveal.    Only four more sessions over the next two days.   Today it was a pretty fine group of rums that ranged from about four to twenty-one years in age.   These are generally good tasting rums and a pleasure to evaluate.

    Today's lunch meeting was with Poesia Cachaca.    Poesia means poetry in Spanish, and is a fitting name for this cachaca.    Cachaca's as a rule are very rough  to swallow if you will .  They are unaged sugar cane spirits and tend to be unfriendly toward sipping neat.   Poesia was a real surprise, it had good flavor and was really smooth.   This like so many other cachaca's comes from Brazil and made from Brazilian sugar cane.   Poesia Cachaca will be available here in Florida in early May, and it is on the list of spirits that I am looking forward to seeing on the shelves.   This will make an awesome caipirnha , the smoothness of this cachaca is impossible to beat.

    Tonight the gang is head up to Fort Lauderdale to the Mai Kai for dinner, cocktails and the Polynesian show.
   for me, this is going to be my recovery night.   The Mai Kai is one of those places that takes you back to the height of the Tiki Era in 1960's California.  The shows are out of this world along with the food and the cocktails.  I'm staying home, working on the blogs, watching some TV and most of all sleep.   The rest of the week is rum for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two VIP Parties each night.   I need tonight to prepare for all that is happening ahead. 

Tomorrow morning it is rum with Francisco "Don Pancho" Fernandez and the introduction of his newest rums.  Don Pancho's creations are always very exciting and a pleasure to sample even at breakfast.   I'll fill you in on what he is introducing in tomorrow's blog.  ;o)

2013 Miami Rum Renaissance Festival: Day 1

   I arrived in Miami safe and sound yesterday afternoon and it was right to it.  Meeting of many of the judges and friends in the lobby of the Doubletree, then off to the "Broken Shaker" for the Chilled Magazine and The Perfect Puree of Napa Valley VIP Party.

     This was our first chance to see each other in a year, especially the judges and bartenders from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands.  We were able to sample some very nice beverages made from Perfect Puree and our favorite spirit.  Of course you know that is rum.  




     The welcome party is a really warm and fun event for all of us and as usual is over entirely too soon.   It was back to the hotel for a good night sleep.  It was needed after a day of packing and driving up from the Keys to Miami.

    This morning is a breakfast and right to the first judging session of the event.    Lunch with Poesia Cachaca and back to the judging again for the second session.   Tonight's VIP event is in Fort Lauderdale at the Mai Kai for dinner and a Polynesian show.   It really looks like this is going to be a fun and exciting week here in Miami.   The schedule is very full for all of us RumXP's.   Keep watching, you'll be able to see what we are up to all week long.   ;o)

Headed Off to Miami Rum Renaissance for 2013

     It is finally here, the 2013 edition of Miami Rum Renaissance Festival, time to get seriously back into the world of rum.   This is such a great opportunity to be around and learn more about the rum and the people that make rum really happen.   These are wonderful people that have become my friends over the years and have become very special in my life.   It is also a chance to sample and get to know the new rums and people in the industry.  

    Loading up many copies of my new book, "Bahama Bob's Cocktails and Tales" for those looking for the book.   Don't forget the celebrity seminars, Grand Tasting, and all of the other fun events that are all a part of the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival.

     See everyone in Miami this afternoon!!!!!   ;o)

The Artistry of Mother Nature

   There is no artist in the world that can work so beautifully with her palate than "Mother Nature".  Her tools of wind, sand, water and sunshine create some of the most beautiful sculptures anywhere.

Troy Roberts and Drum Circle Distillery

Troy and Tom

     For the past couple of years, I have had the pleasure to know Troy Roberts and his partners, Tom Clark and Ryan Adams, at Drum Circle Distilling Company.    Troy stopped by for a weekend at the Speakeasy Inn and Rum Bar a couple of weeks ago and it was good to be able to catch up with him and all of the progress they are making toward growing their distillery in Sarasota, Florida.   They currently are producing three very nice award winning rums, Siesta Key White, Gold, and one of the best spiced rums anywhere.   This is one of the small batch distilleries that are so popular now, producing high quality unique rums.   Their ability to produce one of a kind rums and experiment with new ideas make these small batch units so interesting.   

Troy and Carl, the Still

     Troy is one of the most intense people I know when it comes to his rum creations.   His interest and drive to make his rum the best makes him very exciting to be around.  From the fermentation, to the distilling, then the aging, every step is meticulously watched over.   This hard work is rewarded by the fine quality of his products.     I was given a chance to visit this very impressive distillery a couple of years ago, and enjoyed being around his awesome place.   I also was given the chance to taste the distillate as it came off of the still and it was impressively smooth even warm and before it had any aging.  

     There are regular tours of the plant, and you can find the schedule for the tours at http://www.drumcircledistilling.com/Company/tours.html    If you are in the area of Sarasota, the plant with all of the very high quality distilling equipment and the hand bottling  and labeling of this true high quality rum. 

Hand Bottling Fixture

     Thanks to Troy for his visit at the Rum Bar and all of his fine rums.    While he was there we came up with an interesting cocktail with Siesta Key Spiced Rum.





Troy's Aperitif 

• 1 oz. Siesta Key Spices Rum
• 1 oz. Rum Chata

Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake until chilled and strain into a rocks glass and sip for dessert.

   There is no limits as what you can do when you put your mind to a product, bring home a bottle of Troy's fine quality rums, you won't be disappointed.  ;o)

Friday of an Exciting Week in Key West

    There have been several exciting things going on down here this week to keep my adrenalin flowing.   There was the arrival of the much anticipated Papa's Pilar Rums, the book is selling well as it finally became available online, then Monday I head off to Miami for the 2013 Miami Rum Renaissance Festival.   The Rum Bar added Cruzan's new Key Lime Rum to the inventory in addition to the Papa's Pilar Dark and Blonde Rums.  All in all a lot of great happenings here in Key West .



    Monday I leave for Miami Convention Center for the 2013 Miami Rum Renaissance Festival.  This is going to be an exciting week of rum and rum people from all over the rum world.  It  is an opportunity to get together with all of the people that make, mix, promote and enjoy rums of the world.   It is always one of the highlights of my year.   There is nothing   but busy for all of us during the week.  There is judging, meetings, tastings and yes, social events, all designed to keep us on the go for this week of exciting happenings.   Don't miss this one, you can get your tickets at http://www.rumrenaissance.com/




   If you haven't stopped by the only bar in Key West to have the Pap's Pilar Rums, today is a good one to drop by and taste these really fine rums.   These solera aged sugar cane spirits offer bold and unique flavor you need to experience.   Don't be a spectator, come by and join the adventure at the Rum Bar this afternoon.




     This has already been a fun and exciting week, your visit will keep it going on, stop on by and say hey.  I'll be there today until 6pm, visit us and try some of the excitement of all the fine rums we have to offer.   Don't forget to pick up your copy of my Bahama Bob's Cocktails and Tales just to the right here on the blog, at the Rum Bar or the Hurricane Hole, here in Key West. This is a must have for your spring and summer cocktail enjoyment.   ;o)
   

Papa's Pilar is Now on the Back Bar at the Rum Bar

Papa's Pilar Dark and Blonde Rums

    The long awaited Papa Pilar Dark and Blonde have reached the shelves of the Rum Bar in Key West yesterday afternoon.   This is a long awaited arrival of a very fine pair of rums that will boad well for the serious rum drinker.    These are bold rums that are not for the spectators, but for those that live their lives through the experience rather than the experiences of others. 

    This is a multi sourced rum that is solera blended and bottled in the tradition of the bold in a WWII style canteen bottles.   Now that it is available don't wait to experience the flavor and boldness of this rum for yourself.   

     I will be working with the Papa's Pilar Blonde in the Rum Lab in two weeks, after the 2013 Miami Rum Renaissance Festival.  This is going to be a fun and exciting experience working with the fine flavor the rum.  Keep an eye out for more about these rums next week during the coverage of the Rum Renaissance Festival.   Don't waste any time trying these ne rums, they are really that good.  ;o)

Bahama Bob's Cocktails and Tales is Now Available On-Line

     The stuff is finally completed and you can order your copy of Bahama Bob's Cocktails and Tales right here on the blog.   

      This is the two year project that started with cocktail development in the Rum Lab and has now come to a conclusion with the book.    This has been a fun and eye opening project.   It is my sincere hope that you enjoy this book and use it for your cocktail enjoyment.   The book is very bar friendly, having vinyl laminated cover and back plus the individual pages are all on glossy heavy cover stock that will last in the bar environment.

   There are some ten classic rum cocktails that the history is explored and there are several recipe interpretations including some of my own offered.  These tales about the cocktails are fun and give you the opportunity to sample them while read about them.

    Next, you will find some 42 of my own cocktails, the best of the Rum Lab experience.  With the help of my Lab Mice, we were able to choose from some 200 cocktail ideas to come up with the "Best of the Rum Lab" cocktails.   The recipes are complete and include recipes for all of the special syrups you will need to make these libations authentically.

     Please take the time to purchase the book right here on line.  The "Buy" button to the right will get you your copy.  ;o)

Key West Airbourn

Dry Tortuga's Lighthouse

     There are several ways to see Key West, but one of the most exhilarating is from the air.   I remember the days when I still lived in North Carolina and we flew down here in our Cessna 210.   Seeing all of the sights around Key West and Flying out to the Dry Tortuga's bring back form memories of the days we traveled by air.   Today we travel by boat around the keys, but there was something very special about being able to see all of Key West and the Keys from above.

    Today there are biplane tours that take you around the island and show you all of the activities on the land and sea.  These tours are available on a daily basis and can be a lot of fun.  There is really something to sit in an open cockpit plane and look over the side and see all that is happening below you.  









Key West Airport in 2001

    
     It is the old days in our own plane when Marta and I would head out to all of the fun places of the Caribbean and the Bahamas that really made the flying so much fun.  Yes I do miss the plane, but the environment here in the keys takes its toll on the aluminum parts of an aircraft and I can't justify the plane any more.  ;o(

Getting a bit of Wanderlust in My Shoes

Great Guana Cay, Abacos. the Bahamas

     I was sitting here this morning getting antsy for some travel again.   I was thinking about some of the places that I have visited in the past couple of years and all it did was make me want to break the bonds of work and this island to see something different for a few days.    The good news is a week from today I head to Miami for the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival, with a week of fun and getting together with a lot of my rum friends.   I know most of you don't feel sorry for me as you sit is the freezing snowy cold of the northern tiers, but I don't like my feet being tied to the ground for too long before I feel the need to get away.

     I think back to Panama, and the canal, the beautiful resorts, the Abuelo Distillery, and of course Panama City.   Flying in by helicopter to the distillery and seeing all of the aging bodegas below us.  All of that rum just waiting for its time to bring happiness to all of us rum enthusiasts.

    The mountains of Venezuela bring me memories of more great rum and the tassels of sugarcane waving in the breezes with the beautiful mountains in the back ground.   All of this just makes me think that I need to see something new again.   

Megan's Bay, St. Thomas

   
     Today I'll just settle to jump on the dinghy and cruise out to one of the mangrove keys and watch the birds,  fish, raccoons and fill the need to get away.   I get these wandering urges every now and then, but I can usually get them out of my system with a cruise to just over the horizon and explore a new key.   I guess that it is an understandable thing if you see the same sights every day, you become itchy to see something new.  It is called spring fever and I'm suffering from a bit of cabin fever as well even in Key West.   We have had a month of more of windy cool days that are not real conducive to head out on the water.  Finally the weather is warming up and the winds are subsiding making this a day to get out again.   Maybe I'm just being spoiled, but I'll get out on the water today and be ready to work through another week at the bar before heading to Miami.   Hope you can escape your winter blues soon and head to your very special  Saint Someplace and regenerate the spirit of fun.   ;o)