What is up for the Tropical Bar Scene in 2014?

    As a bartender, I have noticed that the quality and uniqueness of the cocktails is still one of the things of interest to the customers, but more and more, they seem to be looking for a quality product that is consistent and tastes good.   The days of the slam it together and make sure that is pink and has some rum in it are truly gone. 

    This year I'm looking for people that are interested in a better quality cocktail and to experience the honest spirits and shed the past days of sugared and "fake" spirits.   The "Real McCoy" to quote a slogan from the days of Prohibition is what the customer is looking for today.  My sales of high end rums is soaring and the clientele wants to be educated about these quality spirits as well.

     I'm finding that I need to know a lot about each of the fine rums that we dispense and know a lot about the people that make them.   I tend to follow the master blenders that have impressed me in the past and those that continue to stay away from the artificially flavored and colored  spirits.   Today we have such a variety of great honest spirits to enjoy that it really becomes unnecessary to even get involved with much else.  This is a great thing in my eyes, because I get to share many of my favorite rums and rum makers with so many new clientele.

     This is going to be a great year in the rum business, and one that I hope is just the start of a new era of appreciation of fine spirits and moving away from the artificial and into the real.

I'm Feeling Lucky Today

     This day almost has three strikes against it, but I feel lucky today and headed out any way.  It is a full moon, freezing cold (by Key West Standards), just a great day to stay home and pull the blankets back over my head.

     The sun did rise in a beautiful way and I'm feeling all right, perfect to poke my nose out and challenge the day.   I'm actually feeling very lucky, I could be in a place just a few miles north of here where it is actually cold and not just cold to those of us that are use to the 70's,

     I walked down the dock at dark thirty this morning to meet the full moon, and about a half hour later the sun rose, then the day got even better.   I could actually feel the warmth of the sun just after it rose.   The day will keep getting better and better as the day goes on.

     The real good news is that the cold front is nearly past and we will be back in the 70's tomorrow.  Hurrah, shorts and t-shirts again.  Today was the first time in two years that I had to put on long pants for the weather.  It really sucks, long pants, socks and real shoes.  I left the northern regions to avoid this and sure enough I got handed a reminder today, just as a reality check, but a reminder none the less.   Oh well I'll make it through and back to the sunshine and the 70's tomorrow.  ;o)

Simple Three Item Cocktail!

     One thing that I always hear these days from the home mixologists is "I need a good three item cocktail".  Here is an idea for one that might surprise you and won't break the budget either.   I was fooling around yesterday with some Brugal Blanco extra dry white rum and found this to be a tasty and very simple cocktail.  Either of the liqueurs will work fine, and cranberry cocktail will be a touch sweeter than the cranberry juice.  Tailor it to your taste.


The Tree Item Cocktail

• 1 1/2 oz. Brugal Extra Dry White Rum
• 1 1/2 oz. Peach Schnaps or Apricot Brandy
• Top Up with Cranberry Juice or Cocktail

Place all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake until chilled.  Strain into a Martini Glass and garnish with an orange zest.

     It has some of the notes of a cosmo, but it is uniquely scrumptious.   Try one of these, they are simple and tasty.   ;o)

Rum in 2014: Where are we Going?

     With the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival just around the corner April 25^th thru 27^th , the rum category’s health in 2014 is an important subject to the rum lovers of America.    There has been a growth in the category for the pas number of years, but the category has taken an important step in the past couple of years.  There is a shift from bulk rum to ages ultra-premium rums.     Both are a part of the total picture, but the higher end sipping rums are the focus for the category today.

     There has been a trend toward the release of more and more of these very special rums in the past three or so years.  The Introduction in 2010 of Abuelo Centuria, in 2012, Brugal’s Papa Andres, Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Rum, in 2013, Bacardi’s Facundo Rums and 2013 Don Pancho Fernandez’s Origenes are all extremely fine rums that will rival the fine cognacs and top Scotches.

     “Despite global rum volumes falling 0.4% in 2012 (IWSR), this premiumisation is expected to contribute to the category’s modestly projected 17% volume growth by 2016, to 1.7bn liters (Euromonitor). Rum volumes in Asia will jump by 30% by that time, although local brands will continue to dominate.”

     There have been a large number of new rums introduced that are all in the sipping rum category, Diplomatico Vintage 2000, The Real McCoy Rums,  Brugal’s  Siglo de Oro,  Debonaire line , to name a few.  I’m getting indications that the trend is going to continue in 2014.  The idea of vintage rums is taking hold and the movement to more “honest rums” that really spend time in the barrels, instead of being artificially colored and flavored.

     I’m really looking forward to this year’s Miami Rum Renaissance Festival in April and the opportunity to see so many of my rum producing friends again and all of those who enjoy the spirits of the cane as well.   It is my goal to keep the category moving forward and introducing more and more people to the virtues of the fine rums.  ;o)
    

St Lucia through the Windshield

     St Lucia is another of the Caribbeans beautiful mountainous islands.   The thick jungle vegetation and all of the fruit plantations make this a very pretty and colorful island.  Heading up the mountain out of Castries, the capitol of St. Lucia, you begin to see the terrain change from city to rural fairly quickly.   Once over the mountain, the view of the lush valley is breath taking.    I find these islands with their beautiful mountains and valleys  very nice.


    
     There are bananas, and spices and a variety of other items planted on the island and at the edge of the valley is the St. Lucia Distillers, makers of Chairman's Reserve Rums.
   

     Moving up and down the mountain there are a variety of colorful views of the bays that are all around the seashores. 

     The creativeness of the people is clear with arts and crafts available all around.  From the cars to the bowls to the hats and even the painted Tiki's, there are things that catch you eye everywhere.

     This is another of the Islands that I really enjoyed driving over and around and one that you need to see, given the opportunity.  ;o)

This is a Morning That is so Worth Seeing

     I stepped off of the boat this morning to an absolute calm that I haven't felt in quite some time.   There was no wind, the sun was just peeking over the corner of the condos across the marina.   All was right with the world as I started my days journey.   The sun had ignited the sky with fire and did a great job of getting my eyes opened.  

     I usually get out of the boat before the sun rises these days, now we are back on standard time for the winter.   To have slept in a bit this morning, which made me feel better to start with and have the sun just hit me and brighten everything up for me just capped the whole experience.


       As I drifted down the docks I noticed how smooth the water was, not even a ripple.  I could see all the way to the bottom and all of the morning sea life that was swimming around down there.   Tarpon, snapper, parrot fish and a whole cast of others.  All of this added to my wonderment as I made my way up to the office and sat down to write.

     I just hope that your day is as wonderful as mine is starting out to be and you get to share some of my peaceful easy feelings that I am happily sharing with you.   ;o)

Sea Oats and Sugar Sand

     With the sunshine back and the temps in the warm zone I tend to let my mind drift to the eastern side of the Bahamas and the Sea Oats, sugar sand, and beautiful clear waters.   So glad to be back in a warm environment again and enjoying the days and evenings outside.   ;o)

El Dorado 25 Year Old Vintage Rum

     From the Diamond Distillery located on the banks of the Demerara River in Guyana come one of the finest El Dorado Rums ever.   The brand new El Dorado 25 Year Old Vintage Rum.

     This rum has a rich brown mahogany hue serious legs that are really alluring to the eye.   The aromas of smoky wood, tobacco, fruits, caramel and spices fill your nose as you take in it's emanations.   On the palate, El Dorado 25 Year Old is sweet initially, followed by spices, fruitiness, with notes of a wine cask present.   There is a lingering finish that changes during the duration from a fruity flavor to spices and notes of oak.

     I am presently working on getting El Dorado 25 Year Old Vintage Rum into the Rum Bar in Key West for your opportunity to enjoy in the near future.  El Dorado 25 Year Old Vintage Rum is one that I'm sure will become a favorite immediately upon your first sips.   ;o)

From a Fort to an Insane Asylum to a Bar

Fort Matthews

     Fort Matthews in Grenada has one of the strangest histories of any place that I have ever been.  It started life as a Fort on the hills overlooking the City of St. Georges, Grenada.   As it began to deteriorate, it became the island's insane asylum and today nestled in the catacombs of the once proud fort is a quaint and comfortable bar.    

     Our visit to the bar was at the end of a long day of traveling around the island visiting rum distilleries, chocolate plantations, national parks, and a whole lot of other interesting places here in Grenada.   As we entered the fort it became clear that this fort was in ruin from many years of deterioration and bombardment.  

     The fort was built by the French in the era around  1791 and originally along with Fort Fredrick were the "back to back forts that were built to protect the "high grounds" above St. Georges to prevent the British from attacking like the French did to seize the island..  The fort has a colorful history, it began live as a noble fort, but later became a place to house the insane.   In 1983 is was mistakenly bombed by the invading Americans.  Fort Fredrick or Fort George were the active military forts at the time.

     The fort today is finally undergoing some restoration with the help of Clarke's Court Rum.  One of the new features of the fort is a great little cocktail lounge that is located deep into the tunnels of the fort.  Serving cocktails in an atmosphere of an old grotto  with colorful low lights that bring everything to life down there.  It is the perfect place to sit on the rum barrel chairs and sip a Clarke's Court #37 rum.  


    As you walk out of the bar into the tunnels you will see the tiny rooms that the detainees once occupied and look out the windows to the courtyard below.  You get the feeling that you are in a maze in which you may never return, but the pathways is well lighted and you can easily navigate around the tunnels and see the interesting structures.

     If you should find yourself visiting Grenada, you will find the islands very warm and inviting, with so many places to see and things to do. but don't miss the "back to back" forts at the top of the hill overlooking St. Georges.  ;o)

"Hot Toddy" Time!!!

     These past few days down here in the Keys have brought out the need for a new "Hot Toddy".   I gave it some thought yesterday afternoon and came up with this idea for a really flavorful toddy to warm the cockles of your heart and body.

     First it has to be a warm you up from the inside, then it has to be spicy, creamy and exciting.  Here is the idea that I came up with.  See what you think, these cold nights are just perfect for a warm toddy with the Caribbean in its heart.

Bahama Bob’s "Caribbean Hot Toddy"

• 1 oz. Siesta Key Spiced Rum
• 1/2 oz. Brinley Gold Shipwreck Vanilla Rum
• 1/2 oz. Brinley Gold Shipwreck Coffee Rum
• 1/4 oz. Rum Chata
• 2 0z. Hot Water

Place all ingredients in a Cordial Coffee Glass and serve garnished with whipped cream and sprinkle with fresh ground Nutmeg.

     I'll be on the aft deck tonight enjoying one of these, why don't you try it yourself.  ;o)
 

 

 

Debonaire 15 Year Grand Reserve

 

"Don Pancho" Fernandez

    Debonaire Rums are distilled in Panama and blended by Mr. ‘Don Pancho’ Fernandez, Master Blender, born in Cuba in 1938, and former Master Blender for Havana Club and Abuelo.    Currently the master blender at the Las Cabras Distillery in Panama.  This is one of the masters of rum that has provided so much to the industry in his many years as a blender.  His name on Debonaire 's bottle is an indication of the quality you can expect.

 

     Debonaire Rums are the newest addition to Phillip S. Zanghi III’s Cigar business, together with fine rums created by "Don Pancho" Fernandez, the combination is unbeatable.  There are few cigar smokers that would not enjoy this fine rum with their Debonaire Cigar.    This classic Spanish style rum is the perfect partner for the cigars.

 

     There is a golden amber color to the rum, that will draw you in to the glass for your first sensing of the toasty wood, cinnamon and honey aromas.   The rum is a medium bodied rum with a faintly sweet and silkiness that gives way to an oak, spice and fruitiness on the palate.   There is a flavor of vanilla, honey and wood that lingers at the finish.

 

     This is just one of several very distinguished rum available in the Debonaire line of rums, it is a very nicely finished rum that will make for a perfect sipping addition to you rum shelf.  If you are traveling outside of the United States keep an eye out in the Duty Free Shops for this fine rum and bring it home with you.  ;o)

Chilly Morning in Key West

     It was really hard for me to get out of the boat and make my way to the office to write the blog this morning.   The wind has been howling all night and the temperatures are in the low 50's.   I know it sounds like summer for those of you up in the single digit areas, but just like you suffer down here in the summer heat, it doesn't take a really cold temperature mixed with high humidity and wind to send you running for shelter and the warmth of the inside.

     If the repairs continue to work, It will be back to normal in the morning.  ;o)

Daiquiri Season is Upon Us

    The winter is a great time to warm up with a nice Daiquiri in front of the fireplace, or in my case on the aft deck.  This one is slightly different, because it lacks sugar and lime juice, but it really makes up for it in taste,   This idea came to me yesterday evening when I was sitting at the Hurricane Hole watching the 49ers win a very exciting game to move ahead in the playoff picture.  

     It was a "bitter sweet" moment for the crowd of Packer and 49er fans that had gathered to watch the game.   After the game I had an idea, to take the sweetness of an 18 year old Flor de Caya Rum then add Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Liqueur to sweeten the tartness inherent to the mixture, add some bitters and there you have it.   It sounded good at the moment, and it came together even better.

Bahama Bob’s Foot Loose Faux Daiquiri

•   2 1/2 oz. Flor de Caya 18 Year Old Rum

•   1 oz. Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
•   2 dashes of Fee Bros. Orange Bitters
•   1 dash Fee Bros. Old Fashion Bitters

Place all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled.  Strain into a chilled Martini Glass and garnish with a long orange zest.

     If you are looking for a more sophisticated cocktail that isn't real sweet, this one just might fill the bill.  

Today is a New Beginning for Rumstyles.

     Three years ago yesterday I started with an idea and this is what you have today.  I have to say that there is no one more surprised with the number of you that read this every day than I am and there is no one more grateful that you do.   I'm planning to continue and have even more fun this year and hopefully there will be new places to see and new events to cover as the year goes on.

Welcome to the new beginning for Bahama Bob's Rumstyles and 2014, a new year of fun and adventure.   Let's start this year with a big splash and do all the fun things that are put in front of us.

I Know it is Snowing at Your House

     Winter has arrived in Key West as well, it is cloudy, misty and grey this morning.   The only thing different is that we are boasting a "balmy 64 degrees" this morning.   I know you don't feel sorry for me.  

     It isn't the temperature, but the total grey out of the day.  It even changes the color of the water to match the gloomy skies.   These are the days down here where I would rather just pull the blankets back over my head and think about the beautiful warm sunny days that are returning tomorrow.  

     I thank goodness that it is a work day where I will be inside and fixing fine cocktails for my friends that are in town and not really see the day itself.  It will be dark when I go home and that is just fine as well, because it is only partly cloudy and in the 80's again tomorrow.  I just know that when waters will be blue and teal again and all will be right with my world.   ;o)

Vintage Cars, Dancing Girls and Fine Rum

     Yesterday was a very busy day at the Rum Bar, but the subject of conversation kept coming up Cuba, fine rum and old cars.    It is funny how that subject keeps coming up again and again at the bar.   It is a shame that you can't just jump aboard a ferry and be there in  4 or so hours from here in Key West.   It could be a day trip just like going to the Dry Tortugas.   The Key West Express comes from Fort Myers is approximately 4 hours everyday and it is 10 miles closer to Havana.    It is really time for this insane embargo if an island that really did less to Americans than Vietnam, USSR, or Germany, but we keep this stupid embargo going on and on for better than 50 years now.

     Anyway, it is the home of many a great many well preserved old cars and some very fine rums.  Did I mention the great 1930's stage shows at the Tropicana?     The culture that has been preserved in this island country is incredible and it is a crime that as Americans, we are missing out on all of these .   In the past, many famous Americans either lived or frequented this island more often than Americans do the Bahamas today.

    The rums of Cuba are also pretty spectacular as well.   I'm not just talking about the Havana Club that just about every rum lover wants, but the other fine rums like Santiago de Cuba, La Occidental, Ron Mulata de Cuba and  Ron Veradero that are available to tantalize your palate.

     I'm looking forward to the next adventure and all the new sights, boats, forts, cars and of course rums that the this world has to offer.   Open your eyes as you travel and given the opportunity to taste the fine rums of Cuba when in any country outside of America.    Don't pass up  any opportunity to experience these rums.  ;o)

On the 15 Year Old Rhum Barbancourt

     It was my pleasure to sip a snifter of Rhum Barbancourt 15 year old Estate Reserve rum the other night as I sat on the aft deck watching the day turning into evening.    This was a perfect evening to enjoy the one of Rhum Barbancourt's finest expressions.  The complex aromas of citrus fruit and spices draw you into this spirit's fruity and spicy flavors that are sparked by cinnamon and pepper on the tongue.  With the last glowing of the sun, you enjoy the long lasting flavors of the returning citrus and spice flavors.  This is a truly fine aged rum made in the purest manor for the palates of the true rum connoisseur.

    This rum is the work of a distillery that has been in Haiti for more than 150 years, Rhum Barbancourt is one of the finest rum companies around.   Today Rhum Barbancourt is being run by the fourth generation of the Gardere family.   Adhering to the high standards of the past the rum is still made with the finest natural ingredients by the traditional family  cognac based process that guarantees the highest quality product possible.    

     In the 1960's the "15 Year Old Reserve du Domaine" first saw public sale, and to this day it is one of the finest quality expressions produced by La Societe du Rhum Barbancourt.    There is only a limited quantity of the "Estate Reserve", that was made originally to be shared with the family and friends.  It is available for sale today for people that have a love for fine rums.     The adherence to the methods, ingredients while following the traditional family methods set down by Jean and Thierry Gardere, Rhum Barbancourt is still one of the best rum manufacturers in the world.   ;o)

And Away We Go Again

     The start of a new year is always a fun challenge for me.  I like erasing the old slate and beginning again with new ideas and things that I am interested in doing.  I really don't make resolutions, but use the time to come up with new ideas and better ways to approach what I am already doing.    This time last year it was a newt approach to finishing the book.  This year I'm looking at new ventures and adventures to keep my mind fresh and functioning as well.     I'm excited about the Rum Festival Bahamas coming up in February, of course the Rum Renaissance Festival in Miami in April and Caribbean Rum and Beer Festival in November.  I'm also excited about several planned trips to the islands again this year.   All in all I'm pretty excited in anticipation of all the fun that this year has for me.

     The blog is another thing that has provided me with some wonderful things as well.  You loyal readers that check in every day and keep up with all the wonderful and weird things that pop into my head are greatly appreciated.  I'm planning to continue the daily attack on your minds this year as well.  The blog passed several milestones in 2013 and is looking to continue improving in 2014.

     Key West has brought the year in in it's usual manner with a pirate wench coming down the mast of a schooner ship, a conch shell descending the face of Sloppy Joe's and Sushi and her ruby slipper descending  the front of the Bourbon Street Pub.   All's well in Key West and the party keeps happening for another year.

    It is my hope that your year will be a wonderful and fun one that allows you to keep growing and finding better and more fun ways to live.   Press on and make things happen, the days for talk are gone and it is time to do.  Just get Out and Do this is my motto for 2014.   ;o)

Here's To 2014 Happy New Year

     This year has been a really fun one for me and the Bahama Bob's Rumstyles blog, I've been able to visit and write about so many wonderful places and sample so many fabulous cane spirits.   I'm thankful for a safe and wonderful 2013 and am so looking forward to all the adventures that 2014 has in store for me.  
     Here is to all of you and I hope your 2014 is as wonderful as it can be.   Happy New Year to all.  ;o)

Bahama Rum Festival

     February 21 through the 23 is the first "Festival Rum Bahamas".  Alexandra Maillis-Lynch is the chairperson for this event and has very high expectations for the event.  :" We believe that as a country if is time to stop waiting for things to come to us, we have to create our own destiny.  So far tourism has been pretty general, going after almost a generic tourist.  What we're looking for  now is a specific market because they are the ones that are often more loyal.     They follow product.   The rum festival world is in fact a huge one."    With this premise in mind, the festival is being created to provide a place for the rum manufacturers to show their wares and the rum lovers to enjoy them.  There will be product sampling, rum classes, bartending and cocktail competition, plus the fun of music and food from the Caribbean.



     The Bahamas have for many years been a center for rum.  The beautiful islands just off the coast of the United States are home for many rum companies.   Bacardi has a strong presents in the Bahamas along with John Watling's, Ron Ricardo, and many others.  It is a place with rum history from Prohibition rum running to a rum production mecca for many years.  The islands have a great Caribbean feel for the visitors as well.  The beautiful white sand beaches and the crystal clear water makes for a great break from the winter cold here in the states.

     Today is the day to start to make your plans to be at the festival this year and be a part of the first of it's kind in the Bahamas.    Everyday the list of rum producers is growing and the event promises to be a fun one for those that participate.   Remember that rum not just a spirit it is truly the spirit of the people that enjoy it.  Join the rest of the rum enthusiasts and be at the Festival Rum Bahamas in 2014.  ;o)

The St. Nicholas Abbey Sugar Factory

     On the island of Barbados there is a great old historic sugar plantation called St Nicholas Abbey.  In addition to all of the antiques around the main house, the sugar factory with its steam powered cane crusher and rum factory is a very fascinating experience.  If you make it to Barbados make the time to visit Larry Warren and his family at the St. Nicholas Abbey, it is an experience you won't forget.  ;o).