John Prine in Key West

     The Florida Keys showed up in force last night as John Prine  took us through the past and present with his unique thought provoking music.     I remember John from my days in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 60's and 70's.    His songs of the Vietnam era, "Six O'clock News" or "Spanish Pipe Dream" songs and the fun of "Illegal Dreams" or "Your Flag Decal", set John Prine apart from the rest entertainers of the time.     John's style keeps you smiling, crying, and laughing again in the flip of a coin.    He has so many gut wrenching songs that tear at you heart, "Sam Stone" and "Hello in There".    His style has carried him through 5 decades in the music world and after last nights concert, I know that he hasn't lost a thing.     His look at everyday life and getting through life and making it to the top "Inspite of Ourselves".   

     John Prine's concert is a great value in these days of soaring concert ticket prices and big productions that loose the personal touch of seeing your favorite celebrities in person.     The Glynn Archer Center is one of those venues that offers the personal touch and the feeling that he is singing just to you.     This was the perfect location for John's freewheelin' music and entertainment.     I especially enjoyed when John turned off the big amps and sang with just his acoustic guitar and the mike like the coffee shop days of the 60's.    

     Just want to say thanks for the memories and the pleasure of traveling through you view on the world, how the your words keep returning to the surface with meaning are as true today as they were back 40 years ago.     I also say if you get a chance to go to one of his concerts, don't miss it, if you don't know about his special style of music that includes "Rumstylin'" in "Lets Talk Dirty in Hawaiian" you need to invest in a ticket and setback and let him entertain you.     ;o)

Rumstylin' at Large.

     Today is one of those days that makes me smile when I get out of bed.     Been to the gym already and now I'm sitting at the computer thinking about how really great things are right now.     Tonight is a real treat for me I'm attending a John Prine concert here in Key West.     John is a songwriter, composer that has been around since the 60's and shares a unique vision of  life and the world that few people ever think about.     I had just moved here 2 days after his last Key West concert and was disappointed that I had missed it.     Tonight that is all forgotten as I will be in attendance.    You will have a full report tomorrow.

          Yesterday at the Rum Bar was another of those experiences that puts a smile on my face, I spent some time talking with a couple that had just returned from Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands.     It is always a pleasure to share the experiences and the tales from other peoples perspective.     Listening to the fun stories of party and exploration from White Bay made me want to head out right then for another adventure in the Islands.     So many thins that have yet been done both here in Key West and  all over the Caribbean.     I guess that is why I really fee blessed in that I get to live in paradise and meet very colorful and interesting people every day as part of this great big party that I call a job.     

     I guess I almost forgot that I am leaving the "rock" on Monday for 5 days in Panama to visit and widen my knowledge of the Ron Abuelo line of fine rums.     This will be my first visit to Panama and I am really excited about seeing a new country and new distilleries.     I won't have a blog on Monday as I will be en route to Panama, but I will be sending reports and pictures as each day progresses.      I will be traveling with a group of rum ambassadors of which I am a member, it is our job to keep on top of the latest changes in rum production and marketing and spread the word about the rums, their taste and what new products are coming out.    

     Seeing that today is only Friday and I have "so little" to do today that I better start preparing for a day at the Rum Bar and how many new and exciting people that I'll get to have "too much fun" with.     I'd like to thank all of you who have been following all my wanderings for the past month or so and looking forward to  babbling on about the exciting world of rumstylin'.     If you have any pix and stories you want to relay to me that I can pass along to others, please send me a note on facebook ( click on the badge to the right) .     ;o)

Rumstylin with Flor De Cana

     Flor de Cana is specially crafted in Nicaragua by some of the finest rum crafters anywhere.     Flor de Cana was first created at the Ignenio San Antonio Sugar Mill, a plantation that Companio Licorera de Nicaragua planned to develop.    They built their first distillery at Chichigalpa in 1890, but it wasn't until 1937 that Flor de Cana was first introduced.    In 1959 was the first time that it was exported, but only to Venezuela, Costa Rica, and other Central American  countries .     In the mid 60's it plantation in Chichigalpa was modernized and a second distillery established in Honduras.     Flor de Cana is recognized today as one of the best of the Central American rums.     This fine line of rums has received more that 100 awards since 2000.          The distinctive label that is present on all of the bottles was inspired by the palm trees in either side of the railroad that leads to the Santonio Sugar Mill.     The Volcano in the center is the San Cristobal, Nicaragua's tallest.

     There is a very full line of rums that are now available here in the United States today.     There is a 4 year old Extra Dry, a 4 year old Gold, a 7 year old Gran Reserva, a 12 year old  Centenario, and an 18 year old Centenario Gold.     The 18 year old Centenario Gold is a warm, full bodied  sipping rum that offers a palate taste of chocolate, carmel, nuts and spices.     The finish is one of length leaving smokey oak, and sugars.     Serving it on the rocks opens up something of a sweeter taste on the palate.    

     Compania Licorera de Nicaragua produces more that 4 million cases of rum per year and boasts the largest stock of aged rums in the Caribbean.  

     The 4 year Old Extra Dry and Gold are fine mixing rums that will put character and depth to your Mojito, Rum Punch or a Cuba Libra.     You'll find these rums a valued addition to any Rumstyler's collection.   ;o) 

Mojito's on my Mind

     The Mojito originated in Cuba, but the exact origin of this classic cocktail is still something of a mystery.     One theory traces the drink back to a 16th century drink that honored Sir Francis Drake, "El Draque".     Other Historians claim that African Slaves that worked in the Cuban sugar cane fields were the force behind this marvelous cocktail.     "Guarapo", the sugar cane juice was often used in Mojito's was a popular drink among the slaves who helped coin the nave of the sweet nectar.     The name is a derivitive of Mojo, a Cuban spice made from lime and used in many dishes.    Other theories contend that the name comes from "mojadito", meaning "a little wet".   Hemingway's favorite drink while in Cuba was the Mojito made at La Bodeguita Del Medio bar , where he wrote on the wall, "My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita", this is still on the wall of La Badeguita in his handwriting today.

    This mixture of lime juice, sugar cane syrup and mint  has a sweet taste of sugar cane and lime and the freshness of the mint.     With just the right amount of light rum, this drink is the most refreshing cocktail you will find anywhere.     Though the mojito recipes are far flung and varied, I feel the best mojitos are the ones that stick to the Cuban origins.   Too many bartenders try to turn this fabulous cocktail into something that it wasn't suppose to be by dumping in flavored syrups and ruining the delicateness of the original cocktail.     The use of different rums through the history of the mojito is a source of interest to me, because the rum is a vital part of the mojito's flavor.     I've found that some of the gold, herbal, and dark aged rums add a hint of dimension that the white rum lacks.     When you find a bar that can make you a good mojito, then you need to stay with them.    There are too many variations that are made from mixes and flavors to cover their  inability to properly make this marvelous cocktail.       Get out and do some Mojito searching, it is so worth while when you find a good one. 

Rumstylin in Key West at the Speakeasy Inn

     Key West during the prohibition era was a bastion for illicit importation of liquor.     These smugglers known as moonshiners,racketeers, rum runners, or keepers of "dives" and "blind pigs" were an important part of the Key West economy of the era.   These felonious characters  were a part of the everyday color that made Key West the crazy city it is today.     One of the more interesting marauders of the time was Raul Vasquez.     Born in Tampa on August 21, 1890, he came to Key West as a child and learned the trade of "cigar selector" and worked at the Gato Cigar Factory.     At the age of 21 he married Concepcion Magrinat Pellon from the Canary Islands.     Together they had a daughter Mary Onella born on March 1, 1920, known today as Mrs. Ernest Betancourt, who til her retirement taught music at the Convent of Mary Immaculate.

     Raul set out to establish his importing business, with the support of the Cuban underground of the era.     He was a friend of Fulgencio Batista , who lead the revolution in 1933.     Raul purchased this home in 1920 and setup his speakeasy in the back .     The club know as the "Florence Club" , was a successful and popular club named for many of his patrons with wives named Florence.     Not able to advertise in a normal manor and unlike some of the other owners who would use a simple sign that read "club in the rear" Raul came up with a unique way to promote his speakeasy.     Like today it is not a large place, it had eight chairs and one large bench ( the bench was out on Duval Street as a convenience to the people waiting for the electric street cars of the era.)    On one trip from Cuba, Raul brought back his elaborately carved balustrade made in Sagua la Grande, Cuba.   These poinent that advertisements adorn the porch even today at 1117 Duval Street  Speakeasy Inn..

     Raul was away much of the time, but the Florence Club had an honor system, he had a large white marble slate that the patrons would write what they drank and at some later time Raul would settle up with them.     Raul swore that nobody ever stole from him during those days.     Raul had many rubs with the law, but they all seemed to be something like a story from Andy Griffin and Mayberry.     He is fabled to have his own key to the jail so he could return from his "work release" program at night without having to wake up the jailer.

     Today those days are recalled in the Rum Bar at the Speakeasy Inn, where you can take a "Rum Run" on a replica of a "black boat" (rum flight if you will) from the era, or just  relax with one of the 200 plus rums on the front porch and watch the traffic of tourists and trolleys going by.     By the way if you hadn't guessed by now, this is the bar that I'm employed.     You can find me on Wednesday through Sundays behind the bar from 11am til 6pm telling tales and sharing good rumstylin times with my new and old friends.     ;o)

Rumstylin' the Super Bowl

     Last night I jumped into my dinghy and headed over to the Hurricane Hole, my watering hole here in Key West, to find a group of people intensely glue to the TV sets.     Not of the football persuasion myself, i found it very curious how serious people are about the Super Bowl.      I found it funny how the 2 factions can be excited and upset and switch back and forth so quickly.     I sat back with a couple of people who like myself were neutral as to who we wanted to win and proceeded to watch the game and the people that were surrounding us.   

     The Packers seemed to be making the game kind of one sided at the start, but the Steelers  were able to make it interesting before the end of the second quarter.     This kept the crowd at the bar and helped the liquor sales tremendously.     It was fun to listen to the taunting back and forth as the game went on and enjoying my rum at the same time.     Fans dressed it their teams hats, beads, jerseys,  and other garb were everywhere and all had the full intensity in their clothing that was on the TV screens.



Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas (Getty Image)

      From a non-fan's point of view I found the game was only kept as close as it was by the large number of errors that were made on the field.     I really didn't expect to see a fumble and interception fest that I did.     Yea, that's just my observation and really has little interest to the purest fans.     Anyway, I really enjoyed my evening of people watching and sipping my rum as the entertainment went on for hours.    Yes I did enjoy all the commercials, as usual they were a real hoot.     The production starring the Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas during the half time show was one of the best that I have ever seen during the Super Bowl for many years.   

     All in all a really great show between the fans and the Super Bowl and thanks to my bartender for keeping me in rum and food for the evening.      ;o)

Rumstylin' in Key West at Sloppy Joe's

     Sloppy Joe's has a colorful history here in Key West.     It was started back in the prohibition days by Joe Russell at 428 Greene Street ( Present location of Captain Tony's).     Joe was one of several enterprising  people that operated an illegal speakeasy during the era in Key West.     Joe became a legitimate saloon keeper on December 5, 1933 the day prohibition was repealed.     His saloon was called the Blind Pig, located in a shawdy rundown building he rented for 3 dollars a week.       After a dance floor was added the rough and tumble saloon was renamed "The Silver Slipper".      The name change wasn't any help as the saloon remained a rowdy place for friends to gamble and drink 15 cent whiskey and 10 cent gin shots.       This place was always wet with melted ice, and many of the patrons would taunt Spanish Joe about running a "sloppy" place.    It was Hemingway, Joe's good friend that encouraged him to rename the place "Sloppy Joe's after the Jose Garcia Rio Havana club.     

     Sloppy Joe's moved to the vacant Victoria Restaurant building on May 5, 1937 over the famous $1 a week rent raise that Joe refused to pay.   You really couldn't blame him, if my landlord raised my rent 25%,I'd probably move out also.      Following in true Key West tradition without closing the bar the move was accomplished with patrons simply carrying their drinks up the street to the present location at the corner of Duval and Greene Streets.     The new saloon boasted the longest bar in Key West at the time, and a walled off room for gambling.     In the Gambling room were paintings of prize fighters and a 119 pound sailfish caught by Hemingway.     After the official opening of the bar, Hemmingway and many of his friends ("Mob") were regular visitors to the bar.     Such notable locals as John Dos Pasos, Waldo Pierce, J.B. Sullivan, Hamilton Adams, Captain Eddie Saunders and Henry Strater were among the regulars.    Little did these people know they were building the place as a legend at the time.

     Joe Russel passed away in 1941 of a heart attack (53 years old) after he was immortalized in Hemingway's  "To Have and Have Not.    Hemingway called him "Jose Grunts"  the owner of Freddy's Bar and captain of the Queen Conch.    Hemingway and Joe were companions for 12 years, and as captain for Hemingway, they caught an amazing 54 marlin in 115 days.    Joe Russell was a charter boat captain, rumrunner, and saloon owner in some of the most colorful days of Key West.

     Today the venerable old saloon is still at it's Duval and Greene Street location and flourishes with the lively party goers and revelers of the 21st century in the tradition of Hemingway and his mob.      The bar is open 365 days a year boasting hospitable bartenders and servers that keep the customers come in at all hours of the day and night.      Sloppy Joe's remembers who had a lot to do with the fame by honoring "Papa" Hemingway with the "Hemingway Days Festival" each year   and the Hemingway Look-a-Like contest.

     This is a must visit should you come to Key West.     The entertainment, food, and beverage is always part of the magic that keeps Sloppy Joe's around year after year.     ;o)                                     

Rumstylers on a Late-Night Adventure.

    Last night was a typical Key West evening, have a few rum cocktails at "The Hurricane Hole" when the phone rang.     It was a friend who's transmission had just failed as he approached Boca Chica Channel from the Atlantic side.      Being the good friends that we  are, the three of us boarded my dinghy and headed off on another adventure.     Understand that there was no moon last night and the channel was black as can be.     As we were about to exit Cow Key Channel  a mangrove caught my eye and I killed power, and hit reverse, slowing the dinghy to an abrupt stop.    Nothing damaged, but it did get our attention .     Undaunted we get underway again and into the Atlantic we go.    Not a quarter of a mile later the motor comes to an abrupt stop, so we look to the Stern and we see a trap ball floating by the motor shaft.     We raise the motor, unwrap the trap line and we are underway again.     We finally get to our friends sail boat and try to push is craft , but the fast moving tidal current keeps wanting to spin the boat around in circles.     We wisely decided to throw an anchor and call for a tow-boat to bring him in.    

     While waiting for the tow-boat to arrive, we are noticed by some of the local live-aboard neighbors and we let them know that all is well and the tow-boat is on the way.     Finally we see the lights of the tow-boat coming down the channel and we hook up with the tow-boat and we are underway again.    Well do you remember the tidal current I mentioned earlier?     It caught the sail boat again and hooked it on a sand bar.     The tow boat wasn't able to move the boat alone, so we put the bow of the dinghy against the bow of the sailboat and started to push.     After a few minutes of this combination of the tow-boat and the dinghy pushing and tugging the sailboat started to move.     We followed the boats into the harbour and assisted in getting the sailboat into it's slip and the adventure was almost over, almost. 

     Did I tell you we had to go back out into the Atlantic and get back to the Hurricane Hole to revitalize the buzz that was lost in this adventure?     The trip back to the Hurricane hole was really unexciting, which was how it needed to be, we had enough of an adventure for one evening.    Back at the Hurricane Hole the evening was still underway and all the friends kept the merriment going til it was time to retreat to my boat for a much needed night's sleep.      By the way, we all help each other here in the keys under any conditions, that is what friends do.    The buzz was revitalized and all's well that ends well rumstyled.     ;o)

Looking at Atlantico

     Atlantico is one of the solera on the market today.       This Dominican rum is made from estate grown sugar cane and blended with  molasses base rums by a master blender from Havana Club in Cuba.       Individual heavy and light rums and Aguardiente are aged separately for 3 or more years.   They are then blended placed in private casks and rested for 2 more years at which time they are placed into the solera aging system for an average of 15 years.     This entire process is done by hand, like many fine wines are.     This starts with the harvesting, aging, blending, and goes all the way through to the bottling.

     This rum is the winner of the Golden Barrel  award in London last year.     The deep amber color in the glass, leads to a soft and complex nose of toffee, caramel and vanilla.     The palate experience follows the nose with a soft and very pleasing  flavors and finishes with hints of maple at the end of the long and warm finish.

     This is a very popular rum as a sipping rum for those looking for something as a change up from Ron Zacapa 23 Solera or Santa Teresa 1796 Solera.     The rum also mixes very well in daiquiri's, mojitos, or highballs.     This well balanced and versatile solera rum is a welcome addition to your rum section.    ;o)
    

Rumstylin in Historic Key West

     Old Town Key West is one of the fun capitals of the world.     This tow has the largest number of bars per square mile in the world, so the stories go anyway.      If you happen to get the chance to stop in and have a little fun with us down here in the southern most city in the United States, you will not regret it unless you try to hard.     This city boasted such legends as Hemingway, Silverstein, and Truman, yes President Truman had his "Little White House" here in old town.     You can bask in the sun and party in the bars and even attempt the fabled "Duval Crawl", a favorite of the cruise ship guests.      All you have to do is have a drink at each of the bars on the west side of Duval Street starting at the Gulf and when you get to the Atlantic turn around and start working your way back to the Gulf.     Most are crawling back to their ships without hitting many of the bars on the return. 

     We are approaching the birthday of the late Captain Tony Tarracino.     Captain Tony is one of Key West's true legends, from his days as a fisherman to Bar owner, to even Mayor of Key West.     The location at 428 Greene Street has a checkered past as an Ice house in 1890's, a cigar factory in 1912, the Blind Pig, a speakeasy specializing in women, gambling and "Hoover's Gold" (bootleg rum) during prohibition.

       Joe "Josie" Russell bought the location in 1930, and in 1933 he opened "Sloppy Joe's"  as the first licensed saloon in Florida.     In 1938 in a dispute over a $4.00 rent increase Josie moved his bar to it's present location on Duval Street.

       428 Greene Street reopened as the Duval Club, a Victorian decorated predominately gay night club owned by an openly gay man named Morgan Bird.    The Duval Club was know for lavish gay parties and prospered until the Navy issued an "Off Limits" order that reduced his business some 80%. 

     Captain Tony  made his appearance in Key West in 1948 an in 1958 Tony opened Captain Tony's in its present location.    This little saloon soon became the hangout for many locals including many celebrities like Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, who was known to charge the men's room swinging a purse which go him beaten by the sailors quite often, Presidents, Harry S. Truman and John Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor and Robert Frost.     Jimmy Buffett as legend would have it play there for $5.00, tips, and a 6-pack of beer.     Jimmy as we all know went on to some notable fame and dedicated a song and an album to Tony and his bar.

     Captain Tony's has a tree that is still alive and growing through the roof of the saloon that 17 pirates were hung by vigilantes in the 1800's.     With his famous slogan, "All you need in this life is a tremendous sex drive and a great ego, brains don't mean shit",  he became mayor of Key West by 62 votes and kept his promise to keep Key West like it was "Key West is an insane asylum.   We're just too lazy to put up walls and fences.    I just want to maintain that mystique."

     This fabled saloon still exists today with all it's frolic and frivolity, this is a place you just don't want to miss.

Back to Barbados for some Doorly's XO

     One of the real jewel of the Barbados rum world is R.L.Seale's Foursquare Distillery in St. Phillips.     Richard Seale has one of the most modern and innovative distilleries anywhere.      From the low temperature technology to the 100% control of the product from fermentation till it is shipped out in bottles for the consumer's enjoyment.     The distillery was closed in 1984 as a result of troubles in the sugar industry and  for modernization.     Richard reopened the distillery again in 1999.

     One of my favorites from Foursquare Distillery is Doorly's XO.    Richard Seale bought the Martin Doorly founded 1920's  brand in 1992 from founder Martin Doorly's family.     This is a reddish brown somewhat viscous rum that has a very complex flavor of scotch, sherry, cognac, fruit and nuts all blended is a seamlessly smooth rum.     This rum is aged from 8 to 10 years and spends a portion of it's time in Oak Bourbon barrels and then finished in Spanish Orolosso Sherry  Barrels.     Like many of the fine rums in my rumstyling library, this rum has a full sweet taste to the palate, but finishes with a long, dry warmth.      The Dorly's 5 Year Rum is the younger sister and is one of the most popular on Barbados.     This rum is an excellent cocktail rum that adds sophistication to your high grade cocktails.

     Keep your eyes open as you travel around for this Doorly's XO and 5 Year Old Rum as well as the many other rums produced by R.L.Seale's Foursquare Distillery.     If you get the opportunity to visit Barbados you would be remiss if you don't stop by and visit the Heritage park and take the tour.     ;o)  

Rumstylin Music



Barefoot Man playing in Key West last year.

      These days when I think of music that I really enjoy when I'm taking it easy, partying around on the boat, or at my favorite watering hole is of a tropical nature.      Years ago I'd think of Harry Belafonte, or Jimmy Buffett, but these days I like the local/personal sounds of Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band from Key West, the Barefoot Man from Grand Cayman, or even new arrivals like the Zack Brown Band.

     Barefoot Man is one of those guys that where ever he goes he looks around and finds the material for a new song.     Many of the songs he sings are about life in and about the Abacos in the Bahamas.      I sings about hhurricanes, bars, laid-back living,  getting drunk and stupid, fishing, and even loud shirts.     I've been to many of his concerts at Nippers in the past, but it was a real pleasure to be able to enjoy him here at home in Key West.



Howard Livingston and his Johnson Blender

      Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band is another of those local/tropical groups that reaches the heart-strings of his listeners.     Singing songs about "Living on Key West Time", "Blaming it on the Margarita", or searching for Kokomo.   Howard is another of those really talented singer/writers that people follow all over the country.     Howard has a local television show these days about "Living on Key West Time".     The highlight of the evening  at many of Howard's concerts is when the break out the 1950's Johnson Outboard Blender and start making frozen margaritas while the sing "Blame it on the Margaritas". 

     Zack Brown is a relative newcomer to the tropical music scene, but has hit it big with the tropical rumstylers with 'Toes in the Water", and "Where the boat leaves from".     This Georgia group has hit the nail on the head for what rumstyler want to feel when they are partying.     Many of us have dreamed of getting out of the frozen North and moving to the tropics and Zack has allowed a lot of people to fantasize about the life down here and running out of money and having to go home.    

      Let  me know what songs get your heart pumping for a rumstying life and send me a note so we can put a list of what makes all you rumstylers get up and start dancin' around.    Send me a note on Facebook at my page to the right.   ;o)

Rumstyler's Sunday Morning Muse

     Today is one of those days that my mind is wandering all over the place without and focus.     Thus so will today's blog.     Got to thinking about some of the evenings on the boat and at some of the local watering holes tasting rums with friends and some of the funny things that occurred as a result.
    

OOPS

     Recently a couple of friends were rum tasting on the boat and one of the members had to go back to his boat to take his dog for a walk.    He stepped on to his swim platform and proceed to miss the platform with his other foot and he was in the drink right up to his , lets say belt line.    This was a good chuckle for the rest of us, but a bit chilly for my friend.   

     Another friend decided to have some shots at the local watering hole one evening and had to be carefully lowered on the my dinghy and the secured in the boat to prevent her loss into Davey Jones locker on the ride back to the marina.     The whole event was good for a chuckle also.      By the way we were able to roll her off the dinghy and on to the dock without any problem and she survived another funny evening.

     Boat people are really fun when the parties are on the dock and everyone can be walked, carted, or carried back to their boats in safety.     Marina parties tend to be loud and everyone can really let their hair down and just plain let loose.   

     If you have any stories you would like to have shared about your Rumstylin' happenings just send me a note or a Personal Message on my facebook page.     P.S.   Thanks for all the fun times in marinas all over the place, they bring me endless memories of fun and always put a big smile on my face.     ;o)

Taking Flight to Discover Rums.

     Finding a really great rum can be a frustrating and expensive process that is really not necessary.     Many or the better rum bars offer a rum flight where you can sample several rums at a reasonable price.     These flights with the assistance of a knowledgeable bartender can be fun and a great learning experience.     In most cases you can choose the ones you want to try, but if you have no Idea of what is fitting to your palate, then you can ask your bartender for assistance.     Be sure to let the bartender what rums you have tasted and which ones fit your palate and which ones didn't.     This will help in choosing a selection of rums that are in the area that you prefer.

   At the Rum Bar here in Key West we offer a 'Rum Run" in a model of a prohibition era "black boat" like those used in rum running.     You can choose 5 rums for $25.00 (with the exception of the very top shelf rums for which there id an extra charge) and taste them like a rum judge would in a festival.      Sampling these rums will lead you to some amazing discoveries you probably would never otherwise be able to find.     Many of the patrons find that if you choose three and then wait to make the final two choices you can find what your palate prefers and the bartender can then find some rums that are just what you are looking for.

     Rum Tasting is a great way to discover new and wonderful rums whether you do it at a friends place, a bar or even at some of the better liquor stores that sometimes have samples on display  for you to sample.     Never turn down the opportunity to try and experience a new and different rum.     You never know what will light your palate up and be your new favorite rum.      This is a rumstylers duty to try what ever is available to you even if it turns out not to fit your palate, you can say "I've had that one and it wasn't to my taste".      Rums offer a different flavor for each brand you open up, so just because you may have had one of a brand there may be others made by that company that are to your taste.     I recently had this happen to me in Barbados last fall, I've never been much of a fan of the Cockspur line of rums, in Barbados I was introduced to their VXOR rum, that is among my favorites today.     A lot of thing go on behind the scenes in the rum production and these change the outcome of the product.     Cockspur just bought back the brand from an American group and has improved the product immensely, much to my delight.     Just because you may not have liked something in the past try it again if the opportunity come up, because you may find they have fixed what you didn't like.    Just get out and taste, it is very rewarding.   ;o)

Rumstylin' with Rums from Trinidad & Tabago

     When you talk about rums you can not forget Trinidad and Tobago, the provide some of the finest rums in the World.     Fine Rums like Angostura 1824, 10 Cane Rum, and Zaya immediately come to mind.     These southeastern Caribbean islands are perfectly suited for the production of sugar cane and the distillation and aging of rums.    

     Angostura 1919 is an interesting rum stemming from World War I.     The soldiers from Trinidad would receive packages from home containing bottles of the local rum that they shared withe their fellow soldiers, insuring the love throughout of this fine rum.     This amber-gold rum is aged 8 years in American Oak Bourbon barrels that lends to it's smooth and somewhat delicate on the palate, that does expand a bit and has a long lasting warm finish.

     The older brother to this fine Rum, Angostura 1824    is aged 12 years in American Oak Bourbon barrels, then masterfully blended and placed back in casks and aged to maturity.   Then only 60,000 bottles per year are released for sale to the public.       The nose of this exquisite rum is worth savoring and leads you to the first sip.     The sweet and complex fruit and honey palate leads to a long and undeniable finish that is legendary for this fine rum.     Best is served neat, but a few cubes of ice will expand the flavor without loosing the wonderful flavors.  

     Whether you prefer the 1919 or the 1824, these fine rums are a proud part of the rum heritage of Trinidad.    

     A trip to Trinidad and Tobago would not be complete without looking a Zaya Gran Reserva.        Having moved its production from Guatemala in 2008,  Angostura distillery is now the producer Zaya  Gran Reserva .     there are very small differences in the original produced in Guatemala and the current production, most of which are very subtle in the viscosity and the finish.    This very dark color broadcasts its full bodied and the richness of the flavors about to hit the palate.     The rum finishes strong and leaves a warm carmely vanilla flavor.     This rum also likes to be served neat, but a couple of cubes of ice doesn't seem to dampen the fine flavors.

     We have only touched the tip of the "iceberg" here, but these are truly fine rums that won't disappoint you if they are added to the rumstyler's collection.     ;o)

Rumstylin' at Nippers



     Tucked away on the west side of Great Guana Cay in the Abaco's of the Bahamas is Nippers.     This little beachside watering hole is famous for its extravaganzas all summer long.      On any Sunday they have a pig roast that draws folks from all around to dine "Luau Style" and drink the famous Nipper's Punch.     Aside from the three or so major parties each year the place still rocks.     This marvelous little place is jammed on the weekends that the Barefoot Man come in for his annual show and the Easter Party with the  children's Easter egg hunt on the beach below.      4th of July is the Regatta party celebrating the annual sailboat races through the Abacos.     All of these parties fill Nippers to absolute capacity and some of the craziest party going people I've ever encountered.     Whether you like hanging out by the pool, walking the pristine white power sand beach or just dancing and drinking this little venue can really rock your world.     

     Just off the beach is the third largest barrier reef in the world that protects the delicate sea oat covered sand duns that Nippers sits atop.       As you get off the ferry in the harbour you immediately know that you have arrived in paradise when you notice that there are no cars, just golf cart and mini jitneys that move people and stuff around the harbour.     You then embark on the walk through the woods and up the hill ( carefully avoiding the many land crabs, nippers if you will, for whom Nippers was named) where you will emerge and discover a most spectacular view.

     Arriving early is a must if you want to have a picnic table as a base of operations and a place to sit.     As the crowd arrives the pool and the upper decks are filled almost immediately, the music, and the drinking begins, this party is on and in the ultimate rumstylin' tradition..     This is a party the will go late into the night and the revelers will continue to dance, eat and party til the cows come home.      You'll find a good number of them are leaving at about 7 pm when the last of the ferrys takes them back to Marsh Harbour, but for those who got rooms on Great Guana Cay the party keeps right on going.

     This is one of those little hideaways that I could continue steeling stories about for a week or more and not even scratch the surface of what goes on here.     All you have to do is take a flight to either Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay and catch the ferry to Great Guana Cay and Nippers.     ;o)





Rumstylin' with the Taste of Venezuela

     Count of Tovar y Blanco was given a plot of land by the King of Spain, from which he established the Santa Teresa Hacienda in 1796.      To celebrate the 200th anniversary, in 1996,  Santa Teresa 1796 Ron Antigua de Solera was created.   

     This is a molasses rum containing locally obtained raw materials.    This is an ideal balance of noble rums that have rested in Limousin Oak casks of the solera.    The mother rum is rested in special cellars that provide the rums particular essence.    It is the unique method of aging and blending that the master blender selects  portions from the crianga and allow them to continue to rest for over 15 years.     This is a truly hand-crafted rum that really stands alone in its class.

     The fully rounded and warm notes on the nose leads you the the rich and complex and rich fruity and molasses flavors that last in the palate.    1796 Ron Antiguo de Solera is one of my top shelf favorites for sipping in the evening or after dinner.   This smooth, deep, and rich solera is not easy to just have one glass without having several more.     The taste really keeps you coming back for more.     ;o)

Rumstylin' Stuff

     In an earlier edition we talked about the record raft-up on Lake Norman, I've been informed this past summer that the record has been shattered.     A total of 1,454 boats rafted up in a single and continuous line to break the record.     The record has been verified and is an official Guinness World Record.     Congratulations to all of those who were involved and especially to the organizers for such a monumental task.    

       I was thinking about the Virgin Islands again today and it reminded me that I didn't talk about St. Croix in my discussion.    St. Croix is the industrial island of the group, but it still is one of the most beautiful.     This Island has mahogany rainforest's, beautiful seaside resorts, and one of the best known rum distilleries in the Caribbean.     Cruzan Rums is a old distillery with Dutch heritage and still makes some of the better rums around.    Gone are the days of the sugar cane being grown and crushed  on the island, ( Dominican Molasses is used) but all of the tradition and skills are still being used in the making of these rums.      Cruzan has one of the most informative tours available at a distillery and being able to go right into the center of the operations is very exciting.    

     Carembola the old resorts that was created by the Laurence Rockefeller back in 1986, still this is a very special place to relax on the beach.     This venerable old resort is spread over several square miles, and designed to capture the beauty of the surroundings without dominating the property.     The Resort comes to the sea in one of the most spectacular spectacle I've ever seen.     This island offers you many shopping, dining, and excellent watering holes throughout.     I guess you can say it is a rumstylers dream island.

     I hired a taxi for the day at a very reasonable fee to take us around the island and it is money well spent if you haven't been to the island before.    There is muck more to see that can be done in one day, but a trip to St. Croix is a worthwhile journey.     ;o)

Sunset on the Water

     There is nothing like getting off work, a glass of fine rum, and putting your feet up while waiting for the sun to put on her spectacular evening show.      Sunset from the aft deck of the boat while sipping a glass of Cockspur VXOR puts new meaning to this laid-back lifestyle.     This is a ritual that I try to enjoy as a part of daily life here in the Keys, I guess it is something that I have learned with age.       I've found that as I grow older while refusing to grow up that I cherish every day more and more and find myself exploring new things and savoring the beauty instead of blowing through it without ever seeing anything.

     Sunset time is a time to reflect on the day and the friends you have seen.   It is a time to remember old friends and rejoice with new ones.      As a bartender I have a unique opportunity that I revel in every day as I meet new friends and occasionally have old ones return to see me.      Having old friends walk in ans sit down to share what has happened since our last visit and what is in their future is a heart warming pleasure that I enjoy on a regular basis.     Saturday afternoon I met some new friends that came to Key West as a reunion of old friends that traveled in from all over the country to share experiences and drink Goombay Smashes.     As the day went on, the group of friends became my friends too and a real warm fun rumstylin' day was enjoyed by all.   

     Like all days though, this one must come to and end as the sun melts into the sea and darkness pulls it cover over us, I'll finish up the rum and go in and have a little supper.      Thanks for all of my friends and friendships that keep me smiling at the end of the day.    ;o)          

Rumstylin' the Virgin Islands

     The Virgin Islands offer many a fine chance  for the rumstylers, there are excursions to many destinations and bars that offer their own unique entertainment.       We can start out with a day trip from St. Thomas on the "Morning Star" sail boat to Honeymoon Bay on St. Johns to have a great lunch, cocktails on the beach, snorkeling, and be back to Fungi's by 4:30 for cocktail hour on the dock.      These spectacular blue waters and the wind in the sails makes for a really relaxing voyage to St. Johns.     Followed by a fabulous lunch prepared by the crew while we bask on the beach sipping cocktails and swimming.      The return trip is as peaceful and relaxed sipping cocktails and enjoying the quiet of the wind and the hull sliding through the waters.    



The Baths on Virgin Gorda



     The next day was spent in a power boat rented from Naughty Nymphs in Red Hook.      This is a long range trip from St. Thomas all the way to the Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda in the BVI.       En route to Virgin Gorda we had to stop at Pussers in Roadtown Harbour, Tortola, BVI.     Roadtown is the big harbour in the BVI and it is full of cruise ships and every other type of vessel you can imagine.     Pusser's is a pub on the  water's edge that is a very good place to sample their own special kind of 'Painkiller".     Virgin Gorda's south side offers a  very beautiful stop at the Baths, an incredible granite outcropping the offers one of the most popular anchorages in the BVI.  It also offers an exciting trail through the grotto's if you will and out to a beautiful beach.       Around to the eastern side  of Virgin Gorda in Mosquito Bay is a watering hole called Saba Rock where you boat up to the dock tie-up and go in for a cocktail of your choosing "Painkillers" are always a good choice, and have lunch that is fit for a king or a rumstyler.    

As you return to from Virgin Gorda back toward St. Johns to check back into the USVI Customs Station, you must stop at Norman Island and visit the "Willie T. "     This floating bar and restaurant in legendary in the Virgin Islands for it food and beverages alike.     The open invitation to jump from her top deck naked into the beautiful blue waters will earn you a "Willie T"  T shirt

The Willie T

 for your efforts.     This venerable old power sailor has been a part of the Norman Island scene for many years and is always a must stop when sailing the Sir Francis Drake Channel.    



    



Callwood's Distillery



      Just as a side note around the northwest side of Tortolla is Cane Garden Bay, one of the more famous anchorages and a fabulous place to hang out for a day.    While you are there there are literally miles of beaches and little shops and restaurants.     For a rumstyler, the oldest continuously operating rum distillery in the world.     Callwood's Distillery lies just beyond the beach in a little hollow off the road.     They have tours and will show you their historic and active pot stills as well as let you sample and purchase some of their "Moonshine" rum.     The sell a 80 proof  version of the overproof that you get to sample at the distillery and a great look into the historic rum methods in action.

     The return to St. Johns and Cruz Bay to check back into the USVI only takes a few minutes and it's back to Red Hook ending today trip.     The great thing about St. Thomas is the small local establishment s that you find in the small marinas and just lying at the water's edge.       You can spend years in the Virgin Islands and never begin to touch all of the really fun places the islands have to offer.     ;o)