Rum Lab Yesterday with Fresh Fruits

     This was a different kind of Rum Lab yesterday.    We spent most of the day combining various fruits in a blender to create a puree that we could use as basis for a cocktail.    This is similar to creating smoothies, but different in that they are going to be mixed with a rum and become a cocktail.    We were looking for a tropical taste with out using syrups or other artificial flavors.    The experiment was very interesting, it is not easy to put different fruits together without one of them dominating the entire mixture.     We used Plantation Barbados Five Year Grande Reserve as the rum because of it smooth and mellow characteristics to finish the cocktail with. 

     We worked with Oranges, Grapefruit, Mango, Pomegranate, Kiwi, Passion Fruit, Lime, Pineapple, Bananas, and Lemon.    The Orange was the most dominate of the group, and had to be used in very small amounts.   This was surprisingly neutrally sweet, and really adapted well for the mixing with the rum.

     The final mix was equal amounts (about 1 cup) of pineapple chunks, peeled mango, peeled lemon, Kiwi, lime juice, passion fruit slices, and some not from concentrate pineapple juice to thin the mixture.    We ran the ingredients in the blender until they were very smooth and of a pourable consistency.     The "Smoothie" blend is then put into a pourable container and refrigerated until ready to use.

Tropical Grande Reserve Cocktail

• 2 oz Plantation Barbados 5 Year Rum
• 4oz. "Smoothie" Blend

Pour the rum and the smoothie blend into a class filled with crushed ice and swizzle until the ingredients are combined.      Garnish with an orange wheel and a cherry.

Try this cocktail as the weather warms outside it is very enjoyable and naturally sweet.   It is a refreshing way to lull the afternoon away, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of the Plantation Barbados 5 Year Grande Reserve Rum as it dances among the flavors of this really nice cocktail.  ;o)

When I Think About Rum: I Think About Maimi Rum Renaissance

    We are only one week away from the start of the 2012 Miami Rum Renaissance and I'm getting really excited about all the fun we will be having.    Last year we went to many places and this yer the schedule is even more exciting.    I looking with great anticipation to the Grand Tasting Exibition on Saturday and Sunday as well as the judging of all of the rums.    

     If you are interested in seeing all of the displays and sampling all of the rums all of the information you need to get your tickets and schedule of events is available at http://www.rumrenaissance.com/.      

     The Grand Tasting Exibition on Saturday and Sunday give you a chance to visit with the producers of your now favorite rums and your soon to be favorites as you sample all of the fine rums and cocktails that will be available to you as you wander through the displays.     Meet all of the ladies that are there to greet you and present their special brand of rum for you to sample and enjoy.  

The Grand Rum Tasting Exhibition on Saturday and Sunday will include a plethora of fine rums from the Caribbean and beyond. Sample the finest rums from each island, from each category and from each notable brand.

Tickets to the Grand Tasting are $40 per day in advance, $50 at the door.

Seminars and lectures will be presented by a veritable who's who list of experts from the rum manufacturing, distilling and blending world, as well as luminaries of the cocktail mixologists universe, offering insightful programs to consumers and members of the trade.



Amateur bartenders and professional mixologists, local and international teams will compete for awards, prizes and bragging rights in an ongoing series of cocktail competitions.

No matter what your interest, you'll find many ways to have fun next week at the Maimi Rum Renaissance Festival,   ;o)

Happy Easter Sunrise Everyone

Rum Renaissance Festival Tickets

     For those of you that haven't mad your plans yet to attend the Grand Tasting at this year's Miami Rum Renaissance Festival, here is a very good chance for you to save some money and get you tickets in advance.    This is an opportunity to meet with the producers of the your favorite rums and get to know about and taste many many new rums.    

     I'll be at the Rum Renaissance Festival all week long, you can find me at the Grand Tasting all day both days for the Grand Tasting.    Please get you tickets in advance and come and enjoy the finest rums anywhere.   ;o)

Plantation Rum: Barbados Grande Reserve

     Plantation Barbados Grande Reserve, one of the very special Plantation finished rums.    This is a very versatile rum that can be sipped or mixed equally as well.    I've had the pleasure of having it on the shelf of the Rum  Key West for several years now.    We use it in several cocktails including mojitos, corn and oil, and even mixed just with coconut water.    The deep mahogany color with light and sweetly aromatic aromas of the rum leads you to the sweet wood and fruit taste with a slow smooth warm and fruity finish.

     My experience with Bajan Rums tells me that this is column still produced rum because of the light color and the lighter more delicate subtle flavor of the rum.    Plantation's finishing of the rum makes this a really great tasting and inexpensive rum that is so very versatile.



Bajan Daiquiri

• 1 1/2 oz. Plantation Barbados Grande Reserve
• 3/4 oz. J.D. Taylor Velvet Falernum
• 1/2 oz. Cane Syrup (simple syrup)
• 1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
• Dash of Bitters

Place all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled.  Strain into a Martini Glass and garnish with a lime wheel.

     You can make a multitude of cocktails with this playful rum from Barbados if you just let your creative juices run wild and don't be afraid of putting things together that you may not have put together before.    Have some fun with this one and enjoy the results of your labors.  ;o)

Cruising the Caribbean for Rum

     For the past several winters I have been traveling around the Caribbean looking at different rums and distilleries.   These trips have introduced me to some of the finest rums in the world.    This has given me a chance to taste and evaluate some of the finest premium rums anywhere.     Last winter I was in Barbados where I enjoyed the rum shops and visited Foursquare Distillery and St. Nicolas Abbey to taste and enjoy Doorly's XO and St. Nicolas Abbey's Barbados Rum.

     In St. Lucia I found Chairman's Reserve The Forgotten Casks, it became my favorite from the St. Lucia Rum Distillery.    This is one of the more interesting rums, given that due to a fire at the distillery these casks were mislaid and forgotten about for nearly 5 years.   When they were discovered and tasted, they were found to have a really great flavor and were bottled for distributed and now available in America.

     Antigua is another island in the southeastern Caribbean that has a really great rum that is on my favorites list.     The English Harbour Reserve, a 10 year old rum from the Antigua Distillery.     The beauty of the island and the taste of their rum fit well together.

     Puerto Rico is where I first got the Chance to taste the Don Q Gran Anejo.   I was instantly captivated by this fine rum.   It reached my acquisition list immediately and brought back with me.

    You see it is easy to fall in love with good premium rums as you bounce from one Caribbean Island to another.    This follow true almost anywhere you travel in the world these days, as rum distilleries are popping up in nearly any area where sugar processing is taking place.      All it takes is a ready supply of molasses.   Just get out there and be a bit of pirate and start your rum collection today.    The United States has several very good rums as well to get your collection started with.   ;o)

An Awakening on the Aft Deck

Sittin' on the back deck of my boat yesterday afternoon, got me thinking how blessed my life has become.    Living the way that I do down here in paradise and my involvement with the world of rum.     It really doesn't set in very often that this is not your every day normal way of life.    I'm actually going to get off of the rock for a week in a mid April for the Rum Renaissance in Miami, but usually when I go somewhere, the best part of the trip is arriving back home in Key West.     Sure I go to work virtually every day between the blog and the bar, but these too are things that I really enjoy doing.     Working with people that are here to have fun and play makes it fun for me too.  It's like attending a party every day, whether it is at the bar or just talking to people down at my favorite watering hole, it is really hard to separate work from play.

     It is really funny that it takes a "slow" afternoon with a friend on the boat to wake me up to the reality of living is a paradise like I do.      I guess that the name on the back of the boat really fits.      "Sanity Too", it's the real bonus of living, playing, and working on and around the thousands of little keys that make up the Florida Keys and our little corner of the world called "Key West".      Thanks for bearing with me as I am rambling about livi9ng and life in Key West, I really do like it here.   ;o)       

Red Hook; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.

     Red Hook is a little port town on the Southeast corner of St. Thomas.    It is the jumping off point for the ferry to St. Johns and the British Virgin Islands.    This little port is where we first arrive to after landing at the St. Thomas Airport and drive through Charlotte Amalie to the Eastern side of the island.    Once we master the art of driving on the left had side of the road the trip is very scenic as we wind up and down the mountain to the East side of St. Thomas.   

     Once we reach Red Hook, it is time for us to finally let our hair down and relax.   There are many great venues for this all within easy walking distance of the marina.     Our first stop is Molly Malone's for a bite to eat and a cocktail, the seats on the water's edge are wonderful as we watch the boats coming and going while we eat and have a cocktail.

     Next we wander up to the top deck and the Island Time Pub for some more serious cocktails and a view that Takes your eye all the way to St. Johns.   The locals start arriving at the pub and the party is getting underway as we order our second round of cocktails.


Hitting all of the Marina side pubs and bars behind us, it was time to focus our attention to the other side of the street and a well known watering hole known as "Duffy's Love Shack".     This is another crazy pub that brings a mass of people to Red Hook for fun and great spirits.     Outlandish cocktails and food, this is a highlight of any one's visit to Red Hook.   The Tiki Bar atmosphere is one of great fun and frolic as you relax and let the place happen around you. 

    

     Red Hook is the "local" dominated area of St. Thomas and the place to go to get away from the crowds of Havensight  and Charlotte Amalie.    This is the fun side of the island and a place to be among the locals and meet new and fun people from just about everywhere.   Do be stuck in the crowds, grab a safari and tell them to take you to Red Hook and let your self go for a really fun afternoon and evening.

    

Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum

     There is a new addition to the Captain Morgan line of rums out there in the market place today.    This is a different rum from the other Captain Morgan Spiced Rum in that it's a full 94.6 proof and aged in double charred blackened oak.    This was a pleasant surprise to have another spiced rum that is good enough to sip.       The bottle has a white with black lettering label that really jumps off the shelf at you and says you need to try me.    

     This has the spiced characteristics that Captain Morgan drinkers have become use to, but this rum has a completely different blend.    I pick up more clove flavor and a swagger that previous rums haven't expressed.     This new "Black" has a naval rum boldness and body that reminds me of the pot still naval rums of "Smith & Cross".      It takes on the "whiskey" flavor profiles, then spices it up giving you a very unique experience.     This is a complex flavor profile that I am have a hard time separating into the components, but I really do like what is happening on my palate,    I am surprised for the third time in the past year or so with the introduction of premium spiced rums.     You can enjoy this new "Captain" on the rocks, neat or in a cocktail. 

     I did run a mini Rum Lab with the Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum, I tried a few cocktail ideas and found it very easy to work with.    It mixes well with all the usual suspects like coke, sprite, ginger ale, and ginger beer.     It also mixes well with several liqueurs and fruit juices as well.    Here is one that I found to be very enjoyable.

Captain's Joy

• 1 1/2 oz. Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum
• 3/4 oz. Amaretto
• 1 oz. Sprite

Place all ingredients except the sprite in a shaker with ice, and shake until chilled.   Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice and top up with sprite.    Garnish with Mint and a lime wheel.

     Take a bottle home with you and give it a try you won't be disappointed.   Try it the way you like whiskey, and experiment with it as a mixer, either way you will find it a good go to rum that is very versatile.   ;o)

Sunset Key Living

Living Large on Sunset Key, some people have all the luck.   ;o)

Prohibition and Key West's Economy

     Beside the obvious speakeasies and rumrunners of the period, a lot of other interesting events happened during this period.    It was prohibition that really gave Key West's economy a boost that it really needed at the time.    Wrecking was gone because of maritime law change and the cigar trade had moved to Tampa.    The Navy had limited their personnel from many of the downtown bars and clubs, so business was fading.     Prohibition profits were a definite shot in the arm for Key West's economy.

     Rum from Cuba and whiskey from the Bahamas and the British Isles mad many Key West businessmen wealthy during the era, but the interesting part was how several smart entrepreneurs set up transportation for the wealthy to travel to Havana, Nassau, and other open countries for the purpose of party and booze.     Aeromarine Airline (Pan American Airlines), a Key West based operation became known as the "Highball Express" because it was known for taking "dry" wealthy Americans to "Wet" islands of the Caribbean during the prohibition years.

     Several charter boat operations would travel the 90 miles to Havana for the same purpose.    Joe Russell (Sloppy Joe) and Earnest Hemingway would often make the crossing to fish and hit the bars of Havana.   Many of these adventures were inspiration for some of Hemingway's books like "Islands in the Stream" and "The Old Man and the Sea".     May of these trips were made on Joe Russel's boat the Anita and others made on Hemingway's Pilar named after his wife.

As you can see, the days of Prohibition were colorful and gave people a chance to use their ingenuity for profit in many many ways.   Still one of the most colorful eras of our history, Prohibition provide us with much more that gangsters and pirates.     ;o)

Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva

The taste of a fine brandy on the palate and the warmth of a Grand Marnier at the finish, makes this one of the classic premium quality rums in my collection.    This Venezuela produced rum will grab your attention from the first sniff.    The aroma of orange peel, molasses, oak and cinnamon will draw you in to your first sip.    The brandy like taste of aged oak is very elegant and enjoyable to the palate.    The big warm finish leaves you recalling the experience of the entire flow from aroma to palate to finish.

     The premium rum is double distilled in copper pot stills by experienced artisans of the distillation arts.     Blended with the expertise of the master blender, these rums provide you with a very unique experience of character, body, and delicate aromas.     You will not likely forget this exquisite "Antique Rum" and will be going back to it again and again.     This is a complex 12 year old rum that has earned the respect of rum lovers throughout the world and will surely dance on your palate as well.     ;o)

Rum Renaissance Festival 2012 Getting Close

     The 2012 edition of the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival is just over two weeks away.   If you haven't gotten your tickets yet you need to soon.  Your tickets can be purchased on line at http://rumrenaissance.com/Tickets.html .     This event is a great time for all involved and an opportunity to develop your rum knowledge as well as enjoy the fine rums that are being displayed and available for tasting.     This is an annual event and one that has no rival in the United States.     It brings together the very large and the small batch rum producers from all over the world to talk, drink, and enjoy the rums from all over this planet.

     The event is being held at the Deauville Beach Resort on Miami Beach, perfect place and atmosphere for rum lovers and producers to get together and enjoy their favorite spirit.   Don't miss this opportunity to taste and enlighten your horizons about the wonderful world of rum.   By the way there are a great number of beautiful spokes persons there to serve you these fine rums and tell you all about their attributes.   ;o)

Boca Chica Channel: Birds and Birds

     Yesterday afternoon, I hopped into my dinghy looking for something interesting to go out and photograph.     It was a bit windy and choppy on the water, so I found this little mangrove key in the middle of Boca Chica Channel that gave me a photo opportunity that I have rarely ever come across.    I was as usual photographing some of the birds that were headed back to their "base" on little island when an eagle (F-16 fighter jet) came over my head and made a tight high banked turn to final and landed on it's "base".    

     This gave me an idea for a pictorial and story of how this little channel in home to all types of birds and their "bases".     I find the resemblance of the birds to the planes in the way they arrive and approach their "bases".    They arrive in packs and split off making a high bank turn to get lined up for the landing in a very similar manner.   The interesting part was how they seemed to be doing this right around where I was sitting in the dinghy at anchor.   Sometimes you just get lucky and drop your anchoring the correct place.

     As the afternoon went on, I found myself amazed by the number of birds that had made this little mangrove key their home and how it was just off of the end of the runway for Key West NAS.    The two "bases" provided me with a great afternoon of "bird" watching.    Three pelicans approached their "base"in the mangroves split apart from the flock, made some steep turns, and perched on the mangrove branches.     Right behind came a pair of "raptors" (F22's) approaching Key West NAS  in the same manner.    It is always interesting to me how man mimics nature in so many things that he does.

     All in all, this was a great way to spend an afternoon.    The little flask of rum, and bird watching took on a whole new meaning as I sat in Boca Chica Channel in the fabulous Florida Keys.   I have to keep pinching myself to see if what I am doing is real or "just Memorex".     I did enjoy the day and it was time to cruise back to the marina, hope the waters have calmed down for the return trip.     ;o)

     

Pango Keys Cocktail

Here it is for all of you to enjoy, how to make this favorite from last Friday's Barbancourt Pango Tasting at the Rum Bar in Key West's favorite cocktail, the Pango Keys Cocktail.   See the video in the Rum Connection blog of how we create this fine cocktail.   http://rumconnection.com/uncategorized/pango-keys-cocktail/.     This was a fun event for all of us and looking forward to the next event where we can combine the use of the Rum Lab with a Rhum Tasting to create custom cocktails for another enjoyable event.   

   Thanks for all the help from the people at Rhum Barbancourt to make this program possible.    ;o)

Barbancourt and Pango Tasting a Big Success

     The Rum Bar at the Speakeasy Inn in Key West hosted a very successful tasting that showcased Barbancourt Three Star and Pango Rums on Friday afternoon.      The rums were the highlight in a series of newly developed cocktail designed specifically for these rums and the tasting.     Our guests were able to taste and enjoy these wonderful rums in fine quality cocktails in a warm and fun filled atmosphere.

    The top selling cocktail of the day was the "Pango Keys Cocktail", closely followed by the "Barbancourt Surprise".     All five of the cocktails were very well received and helped introduce the group to the unique tastes of Barbancourt Pango and Three Star rums.

  

Barbancourt Surprise

·          1 ½ oz. Rhum Barbancourt 3 Star

·          ¾ oz. Rhum Barbancourt Pango

·          ¾ oz. Cream of Coconut

·          ¾ oz. Pomegranate Liqueur

·          ¾ oz. Lime Juice

·          1 oz. Pineapple Juice

·         Dash of Bitters

Pango Keys Cocktail          

·          1 ½ oz. Rhum Barbancourt 3 Star

·          ¾ oz. Rhum Barbancourt Pango

·          ¾ oz. Falernum

·          ½ oz. Lime Juice

·          ½ oz. Grapefruit Juice

·          Few Drops of Agave Nectar

     Try these fine cocktails at home, but remember it is the Barbancourt Rums that really make them work.    They are really great tasting cocktails that are relatively simple to make in your home bar.   ;o)

Demolition Key: New Life Abounds

     From the disaster that was Hurricane Wilma in October, 2005, new life is abounding.  Howerver there is still the stark reminder of the past and it's woes.   ;o)

Florida Manatees and Their Recovery

Female Manatee and her Calf

     The Florida Manatee has been on the endangered species list for years, but one of the highest counts of the manatee happened in January of 2010.    At that time there were approximately 5076 of the mammals counted by aerial survey.     Changing weather and manatee behavior are problems for the people that are trying to determine the exact population of these unique mammals.   Though they have few natural enemies, cold temperatures, hurricanes, and red tide poisoning are their greatest threats.     Though these wonderful creatures normally will live for several decades, they seem to be most threatened by the collision with water craft.

     Conservation efforts to protect include manatee area speed zones and the protection of the sea grass areas.     There is also a program of sea grass restoration under way in several areas in Florida that will help the specie survive.     Pollution of the water that kills the vegetation that the manatee's depend on is another factor that controls the population.

Ain't Love Grand

     A couple of weeks ago while having lunch at the Hurricane Hole Marina, a pair of Florida Manatee's appeared in the middle of the boat basin.    The pair were snuggling and cooing, obviously in love, in the shallow warm water of the basin.    It seems that an adult manatee female will have one calf approximately every three years.   This is a factor in the growth of the population too.

      These very special mammals deserve our efforts to preserve the population and a few extra minutes of our time while operating a watercraft in the areas where they feed and live.    I for one would like to have future generations get the opportunity to see these marvelous creatures like I've had the opportunity to.    To see a pristine Florida Manatee and her calf is a pleasure and a sign that people at least in the Keys seem to care about them as well.   ;o)

Pango and Barbancourt Three Star Rum at the Rum Bar Today

     Today is the Day to stop by the Rum Bar in Key West to sample some of the fine Pango and Barbancourt Three Star rums.    We have a special promotional menu with five really tasty premium cocktails that were developed in the Rum Lab just for this tasting.    The event will run from 1pm this afternoon until 5pm, and feature these fine cocktails for only $5.00.    Don't miss the opportunity to try and learn more about all of the fine Barbancourt Rums.

Pango Keys Cocktail

·          1 ½ oz. Rhum Barbancourt 3 Star

·          ¾ oz. Rhum Barbancourt Pango

·          ¾ oz. Falernum

·          ½ oz. Lime Juice

·          ½ oz. Grapefruit Juice

·          Few Drops of Agave Nectar

Haitian Sweet Tart

·          1 oz. Rhum Barbancourt 3 Star

·          1 oz. Rhum Barbancourt Pango

·          1 oz. Coconut Rum

·          ½ oz. Falernum

·          1oz. Sour Mix

·          1 ½ oz. Barrett’s Ginger Beer

Bahama Bob's Root Juice to Become Bark Juice

    Bahama Bob's Root Juice is about to be filled for the last time next month and replaced with Bahama Bob's Bark Juice.    This is a new and different combination of barks that I have collected from all over the Caribbean Islands over the past few years.    This one is currently soaking in a honey and white wine blend that will later be discarded and the the barks will be put into the 151 Rum for a couple of weeks before they can be tasted and introduced for public consumption.     This one has big shoes to fill following in the shadow of the success of Bahama Bob's Root Juice.
     I keep getting asked where did this idea come from.    I first got the idea at a bar called Fungi's on Water Bay on St. Thomas.     Throughout the world they have some version of the practice of infusing liquor with herbs, barks, roots, and almost anything else that is available through out the world.     In the Dominican Republic they have Mama Juana fro instance and many others throughoiut hte Caribbean.     As you can see, this on is filled with twigs and branches and stuff that I have no idea what it is.    This was a concern for me when making the original root juice.     I bought some cinnamon and agave from a vendor in St. Thomas, then when I got back to Key West, I went to the local grocery store and found the rest of the ingredients I needed.    This method has worked very well because there have been over 43 gallons of rum go through the roots in the past 27 months and the flavors are still going strong.

     The time has come to let the success of the root juice to give way to a new idea and introduce Bahama Bob's Bark Juice.    We are going to refill the root juice bottle and seal it when the change over occurs just after the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival in late April.     The original root juice may be auctioned off at one of the appropriate charity auctions, but we are not sure yet.    Keep your eyes open at the Rum Bar Key West where you will be able to sample the new Bahama Bob's Bark Juice soon.   ;o)