Re-educating Rum Consumers About What Importance Age Carries in the Final Product

“Consumers need to be re-educated about the significance of age statements associated with rum and understand the importance of maturation better, a distiller has stated.”

Bacardi UK brand ambassador Metinee Kongsrivilai

     Bacardi UK brand ambassador Metinee Kongsrivilai explaining the distillation process of Bacardi rums, A London Cocktail Week seminar called ‘Does age matter, an exploration with the expert’, hosted by Bacardi UK brand ambassador, Metinee Kongsrivilai, in association with Abhishek Banik, former teaching assistant of the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling and distiller of Ogilvy Spirits, Banik stated that “maturation is what’s important, not ageing”.

     The hour-long presentation delved into the importance of age statements for rum, its involvement in the character of the product and other factors that contribute to the flavor, taste and appearance of the spirit.

     “If you age it for too long you get too much of the wood,” Banik said. “People focus on the number of years something has been aged, but maturation is what’s important, not ageing.

     “The whisky industry has already realized it and there are definitely parallels to be drawn across the both categories, but I think the rum industry has got a job making people aware that age does not equal quality.”

Defining quality

     Both Kongsrivilai and Banik stressed that Bacardi’s focus was not on age as each product is blended to a specific flavor profile, not time frame.

     Bacardi 8 is the only Bacardi rum to carry a number, which represents the youngest rum in the blend rather than the oldest because the “oldest rum varies as we blend to a specific flavor profile,” explained Kongsrivilai.

     “Consumers are more curious and more picky to understand about quality,” Kongsrivilai added. “They are definitely interested but they have not reached that stage where they really understand that age doesn’t define a product’s quality.”

Read More at   http://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2014/10/rum-age-statements-do-not-matter/?article-source=newsletter&source=276&date=2014-10-10

     I have always found that believing in age statements doesn’t buy you  quality in most rums that I have been associated with.  I have found some very young rums to have better flavor profiles that many of the ones with older age statements.  In fact, I have found very few rums that boast age statements over 2o years that have impressed my palate.

     I tend to agree that the blending of several aged rums with different barrel histories has overall been more impressive to my palate that those with all of the wines being of the same age.  Different woods and what the barrel was used to age prior to the rum seems to have more influence on the flavor of the finished product that does how long it has been in the barrel.  ;o)

New Study Indicates We Drink More on Days We Excercise

     A new Northwestern Medicine® study finds that on days when people exercise more -- typically Thursdays to Sundays -- they drink more alcohol, too. This is the only study to use smartphone technology and a daily diary approach for self-reporting physical activity and alcohol use. “Monday through Wednesday people batten down the hatches and they cut back on alcohol consumption,” said David E. Conroy, lead author of the study. “But once that ‘social weekend’ kicks off on Thursdays, physical activity increases and so does alcohol consumption.”

     Previous studies have found that the more active among us are also the larger lushes. But this study didn't exactly confirm that. Instead, the stronger link occurred between exercise days and the number of drained glasses, with beer being the most popular post-workout alcoholic beverage. Both physical activity and alcohol intake increased Thursdays through Sundays. Even after the researchers controlled for the fact that people have more alcohol-related social events on the weekend, that many prefer to drink primarily on weekends, and that drinking patterns often differ by season, the association still stuck.

Read More at http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2014/09/we-drink-more-alcohol-on-gym-days.html


     I think about some of my exercise days and find that I really haven't paid attention to how much I have drank or if I drank at all on exercise days.   I know that because of my "Weight Watchers" diet, I drink pretty much the same amount when I do drink.   This is a very interesting concept, because I do know that when I do exercise, I don't consciously not drink.  I guess I'll have to pay attention to this and see what my tendencies really are, and you might too.  I would be interested in see what you do.  ;o) 

White Bay: Just Easy Going Relaxation

 

White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands  One of the most beautiful places in the world.  The powder soft white sands and the boats at anchor enjoying the scenic joining of the land and the sea and the one of the coolest beach bars in the world.

 

Ian Burrell and RumFest Set New Guinness Record

Over 350 rum fans have collectively broken the Guinness World Record for the largest rum tasting as part of the eighth annual RumFest held in London yesterday.

 

     Some 353 rum fans collectively helped set a new record for the World’s Largest Rum Tasting.

     Global rum ambassador and RumFest founder Ian Burrell led a tasting of six rums at London’s ILEC, with figures from each distillery in attendance to present their product.

     “Rum is about history and that’s what we all achieved today,.” Burrell said. “It was a true honor to be joined by such esteemed representatives of the category and to enjoy such a special evening with so many rum lovers.”

     Joining Burrell in leading the tasting were Xavier Herrera from Diplomatico; John Eason from DonQ; Asbel Morales Lorenzo from Havana Club; George Freegard from Pusser’s; John Georges from Angostura; and Joy Spence from Appleton Estate.

Read More at http://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2014/10/new-record-set-for-worlds-largest-rum-tasting/?article-source=newsletter&source=276&date=2014-10-10

Rum Sour, a New Twist on and Old Cocktail

     Time for a very simple new cocktail for the evenings.    This is a somewhat tart cocktail that is refreshing and flavorful to spend an evening on the patio or the aft deck of the boat with.  Give it a try, you will enjoy it.


Bahama Bob’s Rum Sour 

·         2 ounces Zafra Rum

·         1 oz. Dry Curacao

·         3 oz. Sour Mix

·         ½ oz. Lime Juice

 

Place all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled.  Strain into a 12oz, glass filled with ice and garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry.

El Dorado Single Barrel Rum on the Way to The Rum Bar in Key West

      Several months of trying to get this wonderful rum to the Rum Bar in Key West, I have received notice that it will be Arriving in time for Fantasy Fest here in Key West.  

    Since meeting with the team from El Dorado Rums at the Miami Rum Festival last April, I've been trying to get this fine rum into the Keys.   IWS has been able to bring it to the Rum Bar by next week.

     According to the people at El Dorado, there are two versions of the Single Barrel series, ICBU and EHP.  We will be receiving the ICBU Single Barrel at first and hopefully later, the EHP.  

     People how have tasted this rum tell me that it is one of the very special ones available today. 

 “…The oak is strong, but the sweetness of the brown sugar spices balances the sharpness of the oak and citrus zests.  There is no bitter aftertaste to spoil the experience.  As well, flavours of caramel, toffee, and vanilla all lie in moderation under the oak spice as does a slightly charred nuttiness, and flavours of toasted coconut….”

I am looking forward to tasting this fine rum and passing on my evaluations next week after I receive the bottle,

Fox News Announces the 5 of the World's Most Dangerous Cocktails

October 07, 2014 

     The typical cocktails are usually made up of a base spirit, a few mixers, and perhaps a garnish or two to top things off.  But then there are some daring cocktails made with such a noxious combo of booze and other ingredients that they're down right dangerous.   These drinks aren't for the faint of heart-- or liver. 

1. The Hurl Hurl 

This cocktail may look sweet and innocent in a chilled cocktail glass, but after taking a sip you'll soon realize that this drink is almost entirely made up of alcohol. One part each of Amaretto, cranberry juice, crème de banane, Malibu rum, melon liqueur, peach schnapps, raspberry liqueur, Southern Comfort and triple sec are combined in a shaker filled with ice, then strained into a cocktail glass or poured over ice. This drink can be served as an actual drink, or as a fairly aggressive shot. 

2. The Zombie 

The Zombie

Known as one of the most potent drinks out there, The Zombie not only has a high alcohol content, it has an even higher sugar content, making it even more dangerous.  Pineapple juice, orange juice, apricot brandy, sugar, light rum, dark rum and lime juice are all blended together, while Bacardi 151 floats on top.  

3. The Vaportini 

The Vaportini is considered dangerous, not so much for what's in it, but how you drink it. To down this cocktail, spirits are heated to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, then inhaled through a straw, resulting in a much more intense high than that of a regularly sipped drink. Supporters say the alcoholic vapor enters the bloodstream quickly through the lungs, and bypasses the stomach and liver, so users avoid a traditional hangover and calories.  But health experts warn that alcohol vapor is potent and studies still need to be on alcoholic vapor on the brain.  Some lawmakers are considering banning the vapor-making devices.   

4. The Tequila Blue Blazer 

The Tequila Blue Blazer should be made with a fire extinguisher close at hand. This drink is so dangerous because you're essentially juggling flames. In one metal pitcher, 1 oz of Reposado tequila and 2 oz of mezcal are combined.  In a second metal pitcher is 2 oz of boiling water. The tequila pitcher is then lit  using a long lighter, until the alcohol catches on fire. It is then poured into the boiling water pitcher and passed back and forth until thoroughly combined. The flame is then put out by covering the top of the pitcher so no more oxygen can get inside.   Lime juice and a few dashes of bitters are added to complete the drink.  After it cools a bit, it's served it in a brandy-snifter style glass.  But please don't try this at home.  

5. Corpse Reviver #2 

At South Wark, a bar in downtown Philadelphia, the Corpse Reviver #2 is by far one of the deadliest cocktails on the menu. Made with gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, lemon and absinthe, this cocktail is dangerous because of  absinthe qualities that sometime provoke violence in drinkers or makes them black out. While it tastes good enough to drink more than one, proceed with caution, because according to its creator, "four of these [drinks] taken in swift succession will un-revive the corpse again."

 Read More at http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014/10/07/5-world-most-dangerous-cocktails/

Walking in Hemingway’s Footsteps

Ambros Mundos Hotel

This is an article that was printed in the Miami Herald last Saturday.  It makes some very good points about the relations between the US and Cuba, things that are very long over due and it is a time for normalizing of relations between our countries.  I have shared the feelings of walking in Ernest Hemingway's footsteps and enjoying the marvels of Cojimar, Havana, Mundos Ambros, and Finca la Vigía.  The trail that he carved during his days in Cuba is one of fun and serious times, but more importantly a time when there was a lot of mutual sharing between the U.S. and Cuba.

 



John and Patrick Hemingway

 

Walking in Hemingway’s Footsteps

By JOHN HEMINGWAY AND PATRICK HEMINGWAY
www.lawg.org

 

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article2502039.html#storylink=cpy

     Recently, we traveled to Cuba to help celebrate two important anniversaries honoring the legacy of our grandfather, Ernest Hemingway. For five days, with a group of Americans that included marine scientists — under the auspices of the Latin America Working Group of Washington, D.C. — we experienced the hospitality and warmth of the Cuban people as we celebrated our grandfather and had discussions on promoting U.S.-Cuba cooperation to protect the marlin, tuna and other game fish of the Florida Straits that are such an important part of the image that Hemingway’s generations of readers have had and continue to have of the man and of his work.

Hemingway's Beloved  Pilar

     Of the two anniversaries, the first was a celebration of Ernest’s arrival in Cuba 80 years ago aboard his beloved fishing boat, the Pilar, after a trip across the Gulf Stream from Key West to Havana. The other anniversary is of our grandfather’s 1954 Nobel Prize in Literature.

     He later donated the gold medal to the people of Cuba, saying, “This award belongs to Cuba, because my works were created and conceived in Cuba, in my village of Cojimar, of which I am a citizen.”

La Terraza in Cojimar

     On our first day, we traveled by boat to Cojimar harbor, cruising down the coast in fishing boats similar to the Pilar from the Hemingway Marina near Havana. More than 100 people greeted and embraced us that morning in an outpouring of love and respect that made us realize just how deeply Ernest felt about being a citizen of Cojimar. We talked with fishermen in their 80s who had known Ernest when they were boys, and we hugged and posed for photos with groups of school children.

     We had lunch at his favorite restaurant, La Terraza, sitting at his favorite table and looking at many photographs of him on the wall.

Finca la Vigia

     A few days later, we helped celebrate the 60th anniversary of our grandfather’s Nobel Prize in Literature, given to him in large part for his enduring tale of a Cuban fisherman’s struggle to capture a giant marlin with just bait and tackle and a tiny skiff, and of his eventual defeat.

     The Old Man and the Sea is a classic of American literature, and we were afforded the rare honor and privilege of seeing and holding the actual Nobel medal, which our Cuban hosts graciously brought to the Finca la

Patrick and John at Hemingway Memorial in Cojimar

Vigía from its usual repository at the sanctuary of La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre outside Santiago de Cuba. Touring our grandfather’s house and lingering over the photographs, books and other personal items collected over a lifetime — which included living in Cuba for more than 20 years — we could easily see just how much he truly was a citizen of this island.

     We hope that our journey to Cuba will begin to address these problems and restore balance to an important and delicate ecosystem that is of vital importance to both the American and Cuban people. We also hope that the cooperative nature of our trip will help demonstrate that better relations between the United States and Cuba are possible, and desirable. We support these changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba: The fundamental right to travel to Cuba without restriction should be restored to U.S. Citizens; Cuba should be removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, which it is not. It’s time to move beyond more than 50 years of antagonism to normalized relations.

Read more here at http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article2502039.html#storylink=cpy

 

The 2014 Haitian Le festival du Rhum Happening November 14th through 17th

 

    The J'Organise's Staff invites the everyone, amateurs and connoisseurs of rum that the first Haitian Rum Festival will be held in Port-au-Prince from 14 to 17 November 2014.

     There will be over fifty rum exhibitors and thousands of visitors attending.  There will be an excellent presentation of the best rum brands and their creators.  The festival will also offer a mini craft fair as part of this unique event.  The event is here in Haiti and will last for three days. Rum beginners, connoisseurs and rum mixologosts as well as chefs will be offering exhibitions of their arts. 

NH Haiti El Rancho Hotel

 

    The festival is organized in partnership with the NH Haiti El Rancho, the host hotel and Saint James Rhum from Martinique, our honored guest.  There will be a prestigious panel of judges composed of worldwide festival producers and rum and spirit experts, 


 

     Alexandre VINGTIER, Editor of RUMPORTER will offer a seminar on the different types of rum .  Training sessions will lead by experts in mixology and rum tasting. Benoit BAIL and Jerome VALLANET, will pass on their knowledge to rum professionals in the bar and restaurant as well as the fans and collectors.  There will be master classes available as well. 

     A welcome cocktail will be offered to participants on November 14th while the 15th and 16th will be devoted to the exhibition and tasting. 

The festival will close on November 17^th with an amazing show. Ceremony for various awards, including Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be presented. The closing day will include artistic performances and a fashion show.

Men are More Likely to “Catch” a Smile from People in Their Social Group After Drinking Alcohol

     I ran across an interesting article in the Washington Post and the Spirits Business the other day about how men are more likely to catch a smile while consuming alcohol.   The study

published in Clinical Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, showed in men, alcohol increases sensitivity to “rewarding” social behaviors such as smiling.

     “This experimental alcohol study, which included a social context, finds the clearest evidence yet of greater alcohol reinforcement for men than women,” said Catharine Fairbairn, psychological scientist and lead researcher of the University of Pittsburgh.

     “Many men report that the majority of their social support and social bonding time occurs within the context of alcohol consumption."

“We wanted to explore the possibility that social alcohol consumption was more rewarding to men than to women – the idea that alcohol might actually ‘lubricate’ social interaction to a greater extent among men.”

     "When there was alcohol around, people "caught" smiles more readily -- but only in all-male groups. In mixed groups and all-female groups, alcohol didn't make smiles any more viral than non-alcoholic and placebo drinks. But sober all-female groups had more contagious smiles than their male counterparts. Men had to raise their blood alcohol level to be as social and friendly as women were while sober."

     According to lead author and University of Pittsburgh PhD candidate Catharine Fairbairn,  the danger here is that most people think of "social drinking" as fairly harmless.   "Excessive drinking in social settings is less likely to raise red flags than habitual drinking alone".   "But because men really do seem to enjoy social situations more as they consume more alcohol, these group settings might be where they develop Dangerous drinking habits."

You can read more at http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2014/09/30/when-men-drink-their-smiles-get-more-contagious/

 

 

 

 

San Francisco Civic Center Bird

     When on the Marin County side of the bay, I saw seagulls, but as I moved inland to the Civic Center area the birdlife changed dramatically.    It was a change from sea eco system bird to one that can survive in the "asphalt jungle" of the city.

Pink Pigeon Launches New Bottle During London Cocktail Week

     The wonderful floral flavors of vanilla will be coming to you in a new bottle in the very near
future.  Pink pigeon is launching their new bottle as part of Cocktail Week in London October 6 - 12.

     “Pink Pigeon has dropped its iconic black bottle in favor of a transparent design.”   “While the London-based drinks retailer and brand owner, Berry Bros. and Rudd described the former matte black Pink Pigeon bottle as “elegant and luxurious”, the group has opted for a new clear design to make the amber hue of the rum more noticeable.”

    Luke Tegner, Brands Marketing Director, Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits, states: “In order to lead the discussion with the trade and consumers on the ever-growing world of spiced rum, we will be conducting Spiced Rum master classes during London Cocktail Week providing insight on the three botanicals which give Pink Pigeon its distinct flavor profile. This gives a perfect opportunity to unveil our clear glass bottle with showcases the rum so well”.

     I'm looking forward to the arrival of the new bottle to make the appearance of the rum visible to the customer and let their eyes draw them in to the beautiful amber mahogany color of the rum as it sits on the shelf.  Eye appeal of the color of the rum is a very important part of the rum's overall appeal.  ;)

    

Old Monk Very Old Vatted XXX Rum

     My visit to California last week for my 50th High School Reunion found me in quite a dilemma, there was virtually no sipping rum at any to the bars or liquor stores that were around the hotel.  At the bar I had a choice of Bacardi, Captain Morgan or Myers.  These are fine for mixing, but I was looking for a sipper.  I walked into a liquor store just down the  street from the hotel and ran across the usual suspects, but off in the corner was a bottle of "Old Monk Very Old Vatted XXX Rum ".  This is a rum that I stock at the Rum Bar, and I remember that it was a good tasting and smooth rum that had been lost in my mind, because it just really wasn't that well known about.  

     I went ahead and bought the bottle and took it back to my room where it became my drink of choice for the remainder of the weekend.   This is a very shippable rum that has notes of sugar cane and then comes the real surprise.  This is an overproof rum with 42.8% ABV making it a bit warm on the palate.  There is a peppery  flavor initially and some fruitiness that leads to the mild burn of the finish.

     It’s a classic 7 year blended dark rum, from the first drop of Old Monk Rum, the sheer aroma of distilled cane sugar grown in lush green fields of India, stirs up the age old legend. Old Monk Rum is a form of the legendary “Som-ras” of India's centuries old scriptures--The Drink of Gods and Lords of India.

     For me I found it to work well over the rocks, but I really enjoyed this rum the best with some sugar free Vita Coco Coconut water and ice.  I found myself sipping this blend most of the evening as I reminisced with my classmates.  The reunion was a memorable event in my life, but the Old Monk Rum did a wonderful job of providing me with a good rum in an almost "rum free" area.

First Visit to Smuggler's Cove.

     When you talk about Rum and Tiki Bars in the United States, there is nothing to compare with Martin Care's Smuggler's Cove in San Francisco.  I finally had the opportunity to stop by his place and I was not disappointed.  Unfortunately Martin had an appointment and was not able to be there, but my first impression of the place was one of awe.   The three story bar from the out side is easy to miss, but once you get inside the door and see all of the decorations and memorabilia you won't ever forget the place.

     The huge selection of rums and the eclectic collection of unique artifacts make the place come alive in the true tiki tradition.  Located on  Gough Street in San Francisco, and very hard to find, the sigh on the door is the only that you see as you drive down the street.  I had to park my rental car and walk down the street and still almost missed it.
   The decorations will draw you back again and again.   Every where you look there is a series of unique and fun decorations that will blow your mind.  The place is located at 350 Gough Street in San Francisco.  This is one of the don't miss places in San Francisco.

     The visit was a very short one, but I was really impressed with the vibe and the decor of this iconic place just a couple of blocks from the Civic Center in San Francisco.   If you get some time to spend in San Francisco, this is a place you don't want to miss.  It is one of the best rum bars in the world as well as a fantastic tiki bar.  Martin Cates is a fellow rum judge and a good friend, so if you have some time to burn in San Francisco, you need to visit Martin's establishment.

How Low Will the NTSB Go with Legal Blood Alcohol Limit?

Al.com

By Sarah Longwell

September 15, 2014  

     The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is on a mission to lower the legal drunk driving limit to .05. For a 120 pound woman, that would spell jail time for having just one drink and then driving.    

     Over a decade ago, public safety advocates convinced Congress and state lawmakers that lowering the legal limit from .1 to .08 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC) would save 500-600 lives per year. But lowering the legal limit hasn't been the promised panacea to our nation's drunk driving woes-alcohol related fatalities still account for approximately 1/3 of all traffic deaths, a figure that hasn't budged since .08's passage. 

     There's an obvious reason why the move to .08 didn't have the life-saving impact that advocates hoped it would: most accidents don't happen between .08 and .10. And they certainly don't happen between .05 and .08. Rather, over 70 percent of alcohol-related fatalities are caused by drivers with a BAC limit of .15 or higher. 

     It's these high-BAC drunk drivers we must target with our laws if we want to take a serious bite out of the drunk driving problem. Only 1 percent of traffic fatalities are caused by drivers with BAC levels between .05 and .08, so by what twisted logic does it make sense to focus our efforts on those drivers? 

     The NTSB is the first federal traffic agency to officially endorse a .05 legal limit. The American Medical Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and other public health organizations already support a lower standard. 

     Interestingly, some of the other usual suspects haven't jumped on board. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have decline to endorse the policy. At least for now. 

Read more at http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/09/how_low_will_the_ntsb_go_with.html

     This issue keeps raising its ugly head again and again, but the fact that the lowering of the legal limit from .1 to .08 had no effect on the number of fatal auto accidents what makes them think that lowering it to .05 will have any more effect.  I see this in the same vein as Prohibition they are just going to make social drinkers that have one or two cocktails outlaws and have no effect on the chronic drunks that are the real source of the problem.  ;o)
 

 

San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate

    No trip to the San Francisco Bay area would be complete without a drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and stop at the Vista Point on the Marin County side of the bridge.   Not only do you get an incredible view of the bridge, but you see the entire San Francisco skyline. 

     Alcatraz and Angel Island can be see to the east of the bridge, along with all of the sailboats that are dotting the waters everywhere on the bay.   As you gaze through the incoming afternoon fog, you can see the Bay Bridge, that is quickly being obscured by the afternoon fog as it rolls through the Golden Gate and into the bay.

     On of the most beautiful sights along the waterfront of San Francisco is the Palace of Fine Arts on Lombard Street.  The Gold Dome and the magnificent stucco exterior you can see all the way from Sausalito.


    

High School Revisited 50 Years Later

Gym and Quad Awalt High School, Mountain View, CA

     When you graduate from high school and you move into the world with so many visions of what you are going to do with your life and what you want to experience.  It seldom turns out like you envision it, but other times it turns out better.   I saw myself just like my father going to work 5 days a week in an office or something like it, but a few turns of fate allow me to have a very different life from what I thought I would. 




     Talking with so many of my classmates this
past weekend show me that many of them found themselves in the same situation.  Most of them have gotten themselves into a place that they found out that they really wanted to be, and are like me very happy with their lives.   Many are traveling all over the world and others are happy spending time with grand babies and family.  Either way, most are very happy the way that their lives have turned out.




     My Daddy use to tell me, "
not to let my studies get in the way of my education", something that I didn't understand at the time.
  Today it was following what my gut has told me and becoming educated through my life that has taken me to a very happy place today.   You rarely ever know how things are going to turn out, but if you are afraid to try, you will never go anywhere.   I try to follow the idea, "if it feels go do it" and not be afraid to get out there and enjoy your life.  ;o)

An Interesting View of California from High Above

     After a 6 hour flight to California it was nice to see the old familiar territory as we let down over the south end of San Francisco Bay.   Moffett Field, Mountain View, Los Altos and San Francisco Bay.   This area was my home from 1956 until 1989, and hold a lot of memories of my youth.  Last night was my 50th High School Reunion and has brought back so many memories and a chance to see so many friends from those days.