Quantum Key West Yacht Races

     I was fortunate enough to be the guest of Mount Gay Rum aboard America 2, a 106 foot long replica of the original America's Cup Racing yacht to spend the day off of Key West enjoying the Quantum Key West yacht races.  We couldn't have been given a better day to enjoy the ride and the great races.  Blue skies, relatively calm seas, and a perfect wind, life doesn't get much better.  This is the way that I enjoy my sailing.  A beautiful day of just cruising around the waters of Key West and watching the sailboat races.

Transpac 52 Class Racing Sailboats

Florida House and Senate Bills Would Ease Restrictions on Craft Distillers

     Two weeks after a Florida Senate bill on craft distilleries was introduced, Rep. Cyndi Stevenson of St. Johns County filed a companion bill in the House, HB 141.  The goal of the two bills is to ease the restrictions on small distillers of spirits in the state.   Stevenson filed her bill at the end of December after state Sen. Greg Steube of Sarasota filed SB 166 earlier in the month.

 

     According to a release from Stevenson's office, the House bill would allow: A reduction in the annual license fee for craft distilleries.   Removal of individual container limits on sales in on-site gift shops or a local sales room.  Finally, an increase in the annual production limit allowed for qualification as a craft distillery from 75,000 gallons to 250,000 gallons.

     "This bill frees craft distilleries from unnecessary regulations and allows them to continue to grow," Stevenson said in a release. "Already we see the potential of craft distilleries in Florida's economy. They not only create good jobs, but also support Florida's farmers and invigorate historic districts. I look forward to working with Senator Steube on this bill."

     State law has changed several times in recent years in regard to craft distilleries.   A change first allowed customers to buy two bottles of liquor per year from a distillery, and then the law was further amended to allow customers to purchase two bottles per brand per year.   That means visitors to the Distillery can now buy two bottles each of the company's spirit brands. 

     HB 141 will give more freedom to Florida's craft distilleries, greater consumer choice and enable the growth of the industry.  The result will mean more jobs that will support manufacturing, agriculture and tourism, three of our state's leading industries. 

Mount Gay Day at the 30th Anniversary Quantum Key West Sailing Regatta

     2017 was 30th anniversary for the Quantum Key West regatta, the seas overall were good and the winds were with in a range that made for some really good sailing.  The races were close and the boat numbers were good.  There was some top notch talent that were on hand to make the races close and exciting through out the week.  I was lucky enough to be a guest of the Mount Gay people on the America 2, a replica of the original America's cup boat.  It is a 106 foot boat that rocketed along in Wednesday's winds between 6 and 19 knots.  It was a great vantage point from which to watch the races.  I'd like to thank the Mount Gay people for having me out on the boat and to the crew of the America 2 for making the cruise absolutely wonderful.

     Mount Gay Day,  Day 3 of the 30th anniversary Quantum Key West Race Week  saw a softening of the breeze on the racecourse and a corresponding shakeup on the scoreboard in some classes.  After a windy and wavy start to the regatta today’s conditions were far more manageable. Depending on the racecourse the wind ranged anywhere from a high of 10 to 13 knots before dying away to 7 to 9 knots by the third race in the afternoon. The sea state, while calmer than the first two days was still lumpy.

     The Mount Gay Rum Boat of the Day was awarded to J.D. Hill’s of Houston, TX sailing Second Star, a J/122 boat.   Competing in his first Quantum Key West Race Week, Hill’s crew won the first two races and finished tied for 2nd in the third. Second Star leads the ORC Class with 13.5 points and holds a 6-point lead over Alex Sastre’s (Coconut Grove, FL) High Noise (Italia Yachts 9.98m).

     The low point boat of the day in the class, however, was Austin and Gwen Fragomen’s  of Newport, RI  Interlodge V.   The newest boat in the class from the Botin design group, Interlodge V posted scores of 1-1-8 and holds fifth place overall with 39 points.  "We had a great day on the water," said Interlodge tactician Andy Horton (Shelburne, VT) "In the first race we led all the way around. In the second we led, got overtaken on the run, but then retook the lead for the win. It was probably our best race yet in the new boat. In the third race we got caught in a little inside-out shift that dropped us to 8th and we couldn't dig out of that. But we're in the hunt and happy for that."

     In the 52 Super Series Harm Müller Speers’ Platoon from Germany temporarily dropped out of the lead after placing 10th in Race 5, but then rebounded with a 2-5 in Races 6 and 7 to stand tied for the lead with Alberto and Pablo Roemmers’s (Buenos Aires, ARG) Azzurra, each with 31 points. Third place is held by Ergin Imre’s Provezza IX of Turkey with 32 points.

You can read more about the rest of the racing at https://keywestraceweek.com/2017-press-releases/253-race-week-reels-off-3-races 

2017 Taste of Cayman

Taste of Cayman

     The Taste of Cayman Food & Drink Festival is the Tourism Association’s biggest fundraiser. It began in the late ‘80s when a small number of restaurants from the Cayman Islands Restaurant Association met in a field to compete in a Chili Cook-Off. The event has grown to attract thousands, with more than 45 restaurants, bars and vendors participating. There are some new features this year, including a VIP area.

Seven Fathoms Cayman Rum Challenge

     Things are being shaken up at this year’s Seven Fathoms Cayman Rum Challenge at the 29th annual Taste of Cayman Food & Drink Festival. For the first time, international competitors are going to be a part of the event.  Three U.S. mixologists who each won preliminary rounds in New York, Chicago and Miami will compete against some of Cayman’s finest in the Seven Fathoms Cayman Rum Challenge at Taste of Cayman on Jan. 28 as a part of the Festival Green, Camana Bay.   The winner will be crowned Seven Fathoms Mixologist of the Year. This year marks the first time international contestants that wone preliminary rounds will compete against local mixologists.  The three preliminary winners are Sabrina Kudic of Chicago, Benny Hernandez of Miami, and Selma Slabiak of New York.

How Do I get Tickets

     For more information, contact tasteofcayman@cita.org or call 623-6700. Tickets can be bought online here. General admission tickets are $40 in advance; $50 at the gate; kids ages 5-13 are $20; and VIP tickets are $150, which includes entry to the VIP hospitality lounge, 25 food and drink tickets, one experience voucher, welcome drinks and canapes, express entry and a private cash bar.

Read more at https://www.caymancompass.com/2017/01/12/shaking-up-taste-of-caymans-mixology-competition/

Key West Police Question August Busch IV In Gun-Related Quarrel

August Busch IV

     Just think International news coming out of Key West, Florida.    August A. Busch IV, who was questioned by police Thursday after he pulled a gun during a confrontation at the Bank of America Office in Key West, FL.    No arrests were made, no charges were filed and no one was injured, according to the Key West Police Department report.   The incident occurred about 11 a.m. on the lot of a Bank of America branch, when a man in a pickup truck became angry with Busch for parking in a manner that blocked access to a bank door.  

    

     A witness to the confrontation said that while Busch walked to an ATM, the pickup driver got out of his vehicle, became confrontational by yelling at Busch and walked toward him.   The witness said Busch pulled out a handgun, but kept it pointed at the ground.   Busch, 52, was cooperative with the responding officer, he readily admitted to having a gun and then presented the officer with a valid driver's license and concealed-carry permit.   The former head of Anheuser-Busch Cos., who ran the brewing giant from 2006 until it was bought out two years later, has had several high-profile dealings with police in his high-profile past.

     Fortunately, this incident was nipped in the bud before it got out of hand.   Cooler heads finally prevailed before the incident turned violent.

2017 Miami Rum Festival

      The Miami Rum Renaissance Festival has established a dedicated presence for Rums to spotlight the emergence of this spirit category and delivers a unique learning experience for festival participants.   While many of these rum products have widespread distribution across the United States, and the international markets, some are local and regional brands are not well known to the growing population of rum enthusiasts and collectors here and abroad.  The Miami Rum Festival is a place to learn more about the Rum Category from the people that make and promote it. You can experience rum at its best, April 22 and 23 at the 2017 Miami Rum Renaissance Festival, at the DoubleTree Miami Airport Convention Center.

     The American Rum Portfolio

    

     This portion of the event showcases the best American Rums at the venue and attracts the largest concentration of rum experts, professionals, consumers and press, establishing  greater awareness and appreciation for these emerging spirits.   There are distilleries now producing rum in the United States that are growing at an incredible rate, igniting what can only be described as a new American Rum Revolution.    “From Alabama to Wyoming, from California to Maine, from Florida to Washington, we’re reaching out to American Rum Producers at a time when the craft rum distilling movement is burgeoning, flourishing and expanding greatly.”

Miami Rum Festival Trade Expo

     International Trade Exposition for Rum, a trade-only industry exhibition that brings rum producers and spirits industry product manufacturers together with importers, distributors, retailers, buyers, brokers and spirits industry trade media.  This is an invitation to members of the spirits and beverage trade to visit the International Trade Exposition for Rum, running concurrently with the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival.   This is an opportunity for professionals to sample, savor and evaluate wide-ranging brands from every rum region of the world.   Guests can engage with representatives of exhibiting brands who are eager to share their knowledge and discuss opportunities to secure and expand distribution of their brands.   The business of rum happens here, Thousands of rum producers, importers, distributors, retailers, food and beverage managers, buyers, brokers, consultants and members of the spirit press will gather in Miami for this international Rum Expo.

 “From the great sipping rums to the essential ingredients for creating fine cocktails, it’s important for professionals to know their rums and discover new expressions that may bring value to their business,” said Robert Burr. “We’re investing in the trade by traveling to the furthest reaches of the globe to bring the largest selection of rums together in one room.”

Rum Festival Schedule

Saturday, April 22 and 23 from 1 pm until 6 pm

• Grand Tasting
• Trade Expo
• VIP Tasting Bar
• American Rum Portfolio
• Seminars
• Show closed each day at 6 pm

Tickets

You can get your tickets at the show either on line or by telephone.  Remember that there will be no tickets sold at the door, so make sure that you get your tickets in advance of arriving to the festival The tickets can be secured at http://www.miamirumfest.com/tickets/ or by phoning 877-855-3378.

Two-For-One Ticket Discount Code

     For our loyal rum friends and family, here's a 2-for-1 discount code you can use to purchase Weekend VIP tickets online for a limited time.
Enjoy the Rum Fest Grand Tasting events all weekend and bring a friend along — for free — to share the experience.

Two-For-One Discount Code: MRF17VIP241

Diplomatico Introduces Planas and Mantuano

     Diplomático Planas is still made the same way as the original Reserve Blanco, aged for six years, charcoal filtered, 50/50 pot and column still with one key difference, the abv has been upped from 40% to 47%.  ‘Now it’s very much a premium sipping rum, said Speciality Brands  Jon Lister.   It boasts a chewy texture, with great fruit character up front, some cappuccino flavors in the mid palate and a nutty, long finish.  Lister suggests mixing it as a rum Martini with Gancia Bianco, which he filters through milk powder, then adds 2.5ml of palo cortado sherry.

     Diplomático Mantuano is taking the place of the Reserva, and production has changed a bit: the rum is still predominantly eight years old and 40% abv, but the new variant is comprised of 40/60 pot to column still, as opposed to the previous 50/50 split.   Mantuano boasts a distinct caramel flavor, with some hints of stone fruit and vanilla, and a long, drying finish.   This has the flavor that will make it a great premium cocktail base.   ‘The changes have been brought in to give the rum more mixing capability, to move it away from the Reserva Exclusiva and to bring out the dry, tropical notes, rather than being the poor man’s Reserva Exclusiva.  It has got a tiki element to it, but it’s still a moody sipping rum, only it’s much more versatile.’

The bottles of the two new expressions are similar in shape to the Reserva Exclusiva, bringing the three rums in line with each other.

The Keys are Bright and Beautiful for 2017

    The Florida Keys are blessed with so many beautiful days and afternoon every year and it looks as though this year will be no different.  I had the opportunity to cruise my favorite quiet place in the Keys this week and the afternoon was not disappointing.  I hope you enjoy my afternoon between the bridges at Bahia Honda State Park.

Ian Burrell, Global Rum Ambassador Looks at Rum for 2017

Ian Burrell

     Ian Burrell, a global rum ambassador friend of mine offers his feelings of where the rum category is headed in 2017.   The rum category this year is at a point where the  consumers will start to question more about what type of rum is in their glass and are they getting real value for money?   “With an increase in true premium rums being launched in 2017 by such producers as Diplomatico, Foursquare,  Appleton and even Bacardi’s acquisition of Santa Teresa’s distribution rights will be the center of conversation  at rum festivals, rum clubs and online.    A shift in how premium rums are being made, marketed and sold is also expected.   Most people in the industry will be focusing on the Bacardi vs Havana Club trademark war in the US.  There will be a few other Cuban rum brands like Santiago de Cuba, Ron Varadero, Ron Caney and Ron Mulata will be getting ready to make their presents on the international stage during 2017.

Peter Holland

     Peter Holland of The Floating Rum Shack, thinks that there are plenty of gains to be made at the top end with a more educated consumer demanding authentically produced rums, with the emphasis on the contents rather than the packaging.  You can expect a greater demand for genuine aged products and the cost of the “juice” will surely go up as well.  There is a risk that the middle ground products will lose out a bit without age statement blends being reduced a bit to compensate for the improvements at the high in.

      “Rum cocktails will also continue to drive the category as bartenders seek to use premium rums in their creations.”   The spiced and flavored end of the market will continue to expand. I’m expecting releases from major players this year, but I’m a bit worried that we’ll have too much ‘Sugar & Spice’ and end up with rum having nothing as far as the “nice image” goes.   “There may be a touch of desire for amazing expressions like cachaça and agricole to hit the market!    “Education is still very much needed throughout the category.”

Santa Teresa Rums Announces a Global Distribution Agreement with Bacardi

     Venezuela's Santa Teresa, one of a dwindling number of successful rum companies , announced a deal with the Bacardi, for global distribution.   Despite a harrowing economic crisis in Venezuela, the rum industry appears to be the only thriving industry.   The deal will grant the family-owned Santa Teresa "a significant market expansion from the existing 34 markets, aiming for double-digit growth for its portfolio of aged rums within the next three years." The company will retain distribution in Venezuela.

     Santa Teresa is one of Venezuela's top rum companies. It was founded in 1796 and began producing rum in 1885.   Over the years the company has done some modernization of its distillery, but still retains its venerable old solera aging bodega.    International sales have risen steadily in recent years - from 160,000 cases in 2014 to 200,000 cases in 2016.   

Santa Teresa Solera Aging Bodega

     After launching its own, small, selection of premium rums, this deal will provide Bacardí with a great selection of upper end rums to the marketplace.   Santa Teresa's rum is Venezuela's oldest rum producer, are distilled and bottled at a sugar-cane estate in the state of Aragua, Venezuela.

Afro Lady Evening Cocktail

     Here is an idea to replace the traditional Rum and Cola, it has some of the sweetness of the Cuba Libre, but you can just sit back and sip on this one and enjoy the taste of the spirits rather than the cola with a little bit of alcohol burn at the end.  The Afro Lady is much better just served chilled and let the marriage of the spirits and the orgeat do the work for you.



Afro Lady Evening Cocktail

• 2 oz. Afrohead Aged Dark Rum or the Afrohead XO
• 1 oz. Orgeat
• 2 Dashes of Fee Bros. Whiskey Barrel Bitters

Place all ingredients into a shaker and shake until thoroughly chilled.  Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with cherry.

Afrohead "Kill Devil" Cocktail

    Today it is known as Rum, but back in the days of the pirates and the sailors of the 1700's, it was called "Kill Devil".  Kill Devil or rum was a commodity and would be traded for salted fish, pork, beef, timber and livestock.   Kill Devil was very much a part of the "Triangle Trade" between the colonies, Africa and Barbados during the era.  Afrohead Rum has sort of of its own triangle trade origin.  The idea of it was born on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, created in Trinidad and being sold here in the United States.  This is a wonderful rum that has such a colorful history and a chance to off you a chance to enjoy a really fun cocktail.

Afrohead “Kill Devil” Cocktail  

• 2 oz. Afrohead Aged Dark Rum
• 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes of Fee Brothers Old Fashion Bitters

Place all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice, shake until thoroughly chilled and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.  Garnish with a lemon zest.

Afrohead Rum Tasting at The Rum Bar in Key West

   Bahama Bob Leonard will be having an Afrohead Rum Tasting at the Rum Bar at the Speakeasy Inn in Key West on Thursday January 12, Try some of the Aftohead and the quality cocktails offered at the bar from 4 pm until 6 pm.  This will be a fun opportunity to taste the Afrohead XO and Aged Dark Rums, both are wonderful expressions being  offered for you pleasure.

 

     I will be there to offer you a chance to sample these fine rums and try an Afrohead cocktail that I've created just for the event.  There will also be some fun bling given away at the tasting.   If you have questions about the rum, its history, flavor and anything else about it, I'll be there to answer your questions.

     I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at the Rum Bar.  This is the first time I've been there to do an event since my retirement 14 months ago.  Looking forward to being back behind a bar there and getting together with all of the rum aficionados that make some time to stop by.

Spiced Cookie Daiquiri

     The winter by the fireplace is a perfect place for some nice cookie rum cocktails.  This week lets try a spiced cookie daiquiri.   This can be a really rewarding experience for your palate.  Cookies also make great desserts for after dinner.

Spiced Cookie Daiquiri

• 1 oz. Siesta Key Spiced Rum
• 1 oz. Nassau Royale Liqueur
• 1 oz. White Rum
• 1 oz. Light Cream
• ½ oz. of Bahama Bob’s  Cartavio Black Honey Syrup

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice, shake and strain into a cocktail glass.  Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Bahama Bob's Cartavio Black Honey Syrup

• 2/3 cup Cartavio Black Rum
• 1/2 cup Pure Clover Honey
• 1 tsp. Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1/8 tsp. Ground Nutmeg

Place all ingredients into a pan and heat at 275 degrees until it begins to biol.  Make sure that you are stirring all of the time.  Reduce the temperature to 125 and keep stirring for another 5 minutes.  Allow to cool until it reaches a temperature that won't burn you to the touch and put into a dispenser.  Store in a refrigerator until needed.

Key West's First Winter Storm of 2017

     Well it finally happened, winter's first storm for 2017.  With winds over 30 miles per hour and temperatures dropping to 58 degrees, I guess that we can call it winter.   The winds had the boat rocking all afternoon and all night as well as the cold front passed through.   I know it isn't the snow tha those of you in the northern tiers have, but when your wardrobe is shorts and t shirts, this is a "solid freeze" for us.

How Can I Become More Knowledgeable About Rum?

     This is a question that a lot of bartenders and customers shave asked me over the years.  This is a tough question for many people who like rum and want to be better educated about them.   This is what I spent most of my career as a barman doing for people that would come through the door.   Today this is a more difficult job because I don’t have the tools or the “podium” to speak from every day.  

     Today I have to rely on tastings for specific brands to put the message across, but I can only do this one brand at a time.  What I am doing now is putting together a twice monthly program where I can talk rum with people that are interested.  I am planning a twice monthly event that combines two of my favorite things, rum and karaoke.   This is in the final stages of planning, and will begin in the middle of February. 

     The plan is to have three or four different rums of different origins and types to teach the differences of type of distillation, aging, blending and what additives do to the final product.  These programs will be at no cost to the customers and will be open to all locals and tourists in Key West.  I have to say that I am excited about the possibilities this program will be able to offer those people interested in rum who are visiting or living in the Florida Keys. 

     Watch the blog for more as things get finalized and we start to advertise the times and dates for the events.

Where is Rum Headed in 2017

     With forecasts volume sales gains of 0.7% for 2016, values are actually likely to show a decrease of 0.1%.   For distillers and marketers that are trying build the category’s value, the data does point out an improving picture.   There are value gains, though low do indicate that the category is moving in the right direction.  Predicted growth for 2017 is expected to be at 0.4%, compared with 0.9% in value terms.

     Consumers have a taste for rum, but they there seems to be a lack of those willing to pay for the super – premium expressions.   The producers are non the less wooing a small but growing pocket in the market that buys these spirits.  . “The rum category, in particular the super-premium sector, has seen strong growth,” Carl Stephenson, founder of Elements Eight rum, said, as the company unveiled a higher-end redesign in July.    “In 2016, we saw the acceleration of the upward trend for premium and super premium rums, super-premium innovations like single casks and single vintages are showing a lot of interest.

     There has been a lot of interest in the agricole style of rhum that goes along with the interest in the higher end rums.   Trois Rivières , Saint James, Clement and Damoiseau all have high quality expressions that more and more people are showing interest in. 

     2017 should be interesting to follow, especially if the groups that are not only pushing for a premiumization, but for honesty about what is being added to the rum.  The French sets of rules for agricole are a good guideline for the rest of the industry, but those like Richard Seale and Luca Gargano, who are trying to add credibility of the category.  This will help educate the customers to understand what they are buying as they do in other spirits categories.  All in all, I feel this is going to be a good year for rum, I feel like the slide in sales over the past few year will be turned around.

Richard Seale Announces Three new releases for 2017

     Richard Seale has announced that Foursquare Distillery will be introducing two new expressions for 2017, in addition to one expression in partnership with Luca Gargano's Velier.

     Foursquare Distillery will be releasing their 2005, replacing the incredible Foursquare 2004.  The 2005 is a 9 year old that has spent time in former bourbon barrels.   In addition there will be one more release later in 2017.

     The Foursquare Triptych release is the partnership of Richard Seale and Luca Gargano.   This will be a blend that starts out with three different vintages that are aged in three different types of barrels.  The three vintages are a blend of Copper double retort pot still and the traditional twin column coffee still rums from 2004, 2005 and 2007.   The 2004 is aged in Former Bourbon Barrels, the 2005 is aged in Madeira casks, and the 2007 in Virgin Oak Barrels.  The expression is bottled at barrel proof 56% ABV retaining the full color and flavor of the expression. 

    

The Quiet Dinner Finale

After New Years, thing have slowed down and a great dinner must be finished off by a really nice after dinner cocktail.  I had an idea for a sweet tart sweet idea that has worked out very well.  The sweetness of an Oloroso barrel finished rum, the tartness of an Italian Amaro and a touch of a cinnamon honey syrup leave your palate feeling like you just ate a decedent dessert.   The flavors work very well together like a great dessert.

Oloroso Amaro  Dessert Aperitif

• 1 1/2 oz. Abuelo XV Oloroso Cask Rum
• 1/2 oz. Amaro de Toscana
• 1/4 oz. Bahama Bob's Cinnamon Honey Syrup

Place all ingredients into a shaker and shake until thoroughly chilled.  Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

Bahama Bob’s Cinnamon Honey Syrup

• ½ Cup of Dark Brown Sugar
• ½ Cup Sugar in the Raw
• ½ Cup Pure Clover Honey
• 1 Cups of Water
• 1 Tbsp. Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Tsp. Lemon Juice 

Place all ingredients except the water and cinnamon in a pan and heat at 375 degrees stirring until all melts into a liquid.  Slowly add the water and bring to a boil.  Add Cinnamon and reduce heat to 230 degrees and bring to a slow boil and continue stirring for 5 minutes.  Pour into a dish that will not melt or crack and place in refrigerator for about an hour.  Pour into a dispensing bottle and put into refrigerator until ready to use.

60 Minutes "The Rum War"

     The CBS Broadcast on 60 Minutes about "The Rum War" was well balanced and good interviews with both sides of the conflict.  I feel that this was well presented and very informative as to where it started and how vehement that both sides are about who is right.   This is a battle that went to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2009, and has arisen again in the past year as the U.S. - Cuba relations have started to improve.

     This is not a new thing, but rather a source of deep bitterness that goes back the the nationalization of all property in Cuba  in 1959.   The Castro Regime confiscated the properties and assets of both the Bacardi's and the Arechabala families.  It is a battle between two of the giants of the spirits industry, Bacardi and the combination of Pernod Ricard and the Cuban Government.

     If you are interested in seeing the entire segment you can see it at the site below.  If you missed it and you are interested in seeing the issues that surround it, spend 12 minutes and see a well produced and balanced report.


Watch the segment at http://www.cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-havana-club-rum-cuba-revolution/

The After Dinner Cocktail is Coming Back

     The after dinner cocktail is evolving into the “dessert” in many of the finest restaurants world over.   The trend of eating lighter and healthier is lending itself to having an after dinner cocktail rather than one of those mega calorie desserts.   Whether you are in a tiny restaurant in New York, the Quarter in New Orleans or on a hill in San Francisco, this is the direction that many fine restaurants have taken.   

     The after-dinner selections have traditionally been stereotyped as sweet and syrupy, says Adam Orzechowski, bar manager of the New Orleans restaurant Trinity, so naturally, he explains, many Americans have long avoided the realm of after-dinner spirits and cocktails. "I think there was a lot of misinformation out there, and with the advent of this whole mixology movement, they just took a back seat," he explains. "The modern trend is far more balanced, with more focus on pairings. Bitter, dry, and citrusy notes all help finish the dining experience."

     The idea of finishing  dinner with a 100 or calorie cocktail instead of a 1200 calorie chocolate something or other makes sense to many of us that care about being able to leave the table feeling comfortable.   A nice high quality sipping rum, with ice or neat makes a really great way to put the finishing touch on a fine dinner.  If your taste calls for something sweet, then there are any number of after dinner cocktails that fit that bill.  I'll be exploring the area of after dinner cocktails this winter.