Mount Gay Black Barrel: Just in at the Rum Bar

     Mount Gay's new Black Barrel is now available for your tasting at the Rum Bar in Key West.   This is the replacement for the Mount Gay Black 100 Proof that has been discontinued.


     Mount Gay is the oldest rum producer in the world.   Mount Gay Black Barrel is being introduced in conjunction with their 310th birthday.    Allen Smith, the master blender at Mount Gay is the one responsible for this new rum.    The rum is of a dark coppery color and has a somewhat viscous nature.  This is a blend of different aged rums from both pot still and column still origins.  Black Barrel is finished in charred oak bourbon barrels giving it the woody and peppery flavor on the palate.   This blend of various age rums combine to give you a very nice traditional bold rum with the aroma of fruit, vanilla, and wood.


     The Black Barrel has a completely unique to the brand packaging, Very stark and bold, it jumps off the shelf at you when it is placed among the other bottles.   It is being said that the rest of the line will be following soon with this new packaging concept.   This is a label that you would expect to find on an experimental bottle that you would get from a distillery for your evaluation or from a small batch operation.


     I like the innovation that Allen Smith has put into Mount Gay Black Barrel, and I fell that it will be well received in the market place.   I did enjoy my first taste.   You too will be happy to know that it is available at the Rum Bar in Key West.   ;o)

Venezuela: The Start of a New Era

    With the passing of Hugo Chavez, it will be interesting to see how things change as far as the relationship between the United States and Venezuela go.   There has not been an ambassador in Venezuela for the past two years, and has released a statement saying that the United States "remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights".   It is believed that he'll be best remembered for trying to make the lives of the poor in Venezuela better, but unfortunately at the end of his 14 year reign, he has made things worse for the people he was trying to help.        It is hoped that with the passing of the old guard, there will be a more open relationship with Venezuela.  This is a very beautiful country that I hope will have a much better way of life for it's people. 


   To my friends in Venezuela my hopes for a smooth transition to a new government.  This beautiful place could be so much more with the right leadership, and I hope you get it.    This is the chance for a government that truly has the policies that for the benefit of the people that live in the country and make the country what it is.

    The charismatic leader is being mourned throughout Latin America, letters of condolence were sen from nearly all of the Latin American countries.


It is my sincere hope that things are on the mend between the United States and Venezuela, bringing us closer to a country of very wonderful people and friends. 



    

Diageo to Produce Power in St. Croix

     Diageo is building a power plant at the Distillery on St. Croix.   It feels that it can no longer rely on the V.I. Power and Water Authority to supply necessary power for the distillery.   The plan is to generate all needed power on site to run their operation.   It will be a liquid propane gas fueled power plant to generate both electricity and steam to run the operations.    There are warehouses in Estate Diamond, several miles away that will continue to run on WAPA power for the near foreseeable future.

     This move was to been in the works for about 11 months, and is intended reduce costs and insure that they will have enough power to run the operation.   The heat recovery will be used with the addition of a small amount of propane fire to generate steam.   They have purchased a 4 megawatt steam turbine generator with heat recovery in order to generate their own electricity.   The will have two 75,000 gallon propane tanks to provide the fuel.

     The move was necessary to ensure that the continuous operation of the distillery would be ensured.   There was no mention of the amounts of money that Diageo was spending with WAPA or the cost of building the generating plant.   This is however a very significant investment in the distillery.    The plant is very green and will help meet the environmental goal of Diageo for the St. Croix plant.

Seven Fathoms Rum

     This is the pride of the Cayman islands, a small batch rum produced by the Georgetown Harbour Distillery and aged in "Seven Fathoms" of water.    This is the first spirit that is produced entirely in the Cayman Islands.

     The concept of aging rum underwater has some very strong merits.  The constant motion of the ocean keeps the rum "stirring in the barrels causing it to age quicker.  The temperature at this part of the ocean is very constant making for a more consistantmaturation process.  All of these factor come to light with this fine quality rum.  The sealing of the barrels and the location of the "Aging Bodega" are highly guarded secrets as one might expect.

     The rum has a light mahogany color that is clear and stunning.   The nose says vanilla, nutty and maybe some fruity scents.   On the Palate I pick up some vanilla, sered oak, with a spiciness and an amount raisin flavors.   This leads to a dry finish with hints of spices.   

     This is only the beginning for the people at Seven Fathoms, and a great effort for them getting into the world of rum.   Unfortunately it has not arrived for sale into Florida yet, so it will be a while before I have it at the Rum Bar.  I have a good friend that brought back a bottle from Grand Cayman this week and I got to taste it yesterday.  Hope to see it soon here in the states.  I'll be stopping by the distillery in July when I visit Grand Cayman as well.  I'm hoping to be able to serve Seven Fathom Rum in the near future at the Rum Bar.  ;o)

Spring Break has Sprung

    Spring Break has sprung in Key West and my job keeps getting tougher and tougher.  This "Kids" are really too much fun.  I love this time of year watch and interacting with Americas young people, too much fun.   ;o)

Winter has Returned to Key West

   It is another blustery mornings down here in Key West.  The wind is kicking up pretty strong out of the North Northeast at about twenty something miles per hour and 64 degrees.   The really good news is the rain is gone for today and it will be partly cloudy.    Perfect weather for kite boarding, or maybe surf sailing, otherwise it is just stay in and hang on to your hat.

     When it gets to the point that the whitecaps are on the water, fishing, or "pleasure" boating are out to the question.  For the real fool hearty there are the jetski tours around the island.     That can be really exciting in this weather, not to mention chilly.   I think it is a great day to find your favorite watering hole and chill with a fun bartender and learn a bit more about the sugar cane spirits.

     Yesterday in the rain we had a huge crowd of fun loving people spending a great vacation day people watching from the porch of the Rum Bar and just plain enjoying themselves.  I get the feeling that we are going to have another fun crowd today, just like yesterday.    I suggest that if your are somewhere in this year's "winterness", find a nice warm tiki bar or better yet a nice warm spot out of the wind and enjoy the day.  ;o)

Bahama Bob's Cocktail Research

Last summer, Mike Streeter from Rum Connection.com and I worked for about 4 hours doing what we affectionately call "Rum Research" at the Rum Lab, the bar on the back of my boat. We started out by making some existing cocktails that were new to us and then progressed into some new ones of our own creations. The thing that both of us noticed were that these really good cocktails don't just happen by accident. We spent several hours mixing old and new ingredients in different combinations learning what thing complement each other and which things don't do well together. This was an "intoxicating" process and after 4 hours of "strenuous research" we had to take a dinner break before we got ourselves to the point of invalid research. It's funny that people tell us all the time "where do I sign up for this kind of work, but we invited 4 or 5 people to come by and help.  It is important to have tasters of various ages to validate the information, you know different age groups and all need a good feel for cocktails. 

On the serious side, we did come up with a few new punches that will lend themselves to larger batches for parties and weddings etc., and still can be made as an individual cocktail. The biggest problem and the easiest mistake when trying to create something different is making the cocktail too complicated to be able to make in a bar environment. Some of the ideas we had involved 10 to 12 ingredients and that is just too many to be able to mix in a commercial bar situation. The next step is to try and keep the flavor profile that you have created and still cut out some of the ingredients. This is the part that is really tough and takes a toll on the body as you taste these concoctions. After 5 tries we reduced the ingredients down to 8 and got a taste that we were happy with. The working name is nutty punch #5, this is an interesting combination of ingredients that you don't often see together and turned out very tasty. You will be hearing more about the research as we move ahead. The end result of all the research will be "Bahama Bob Cocktails and Tales" 

The most important thing that I am learning from our research so far is what things that you wouldn't expect to blend well sometimes complement each other is a surprising and tasty way. Get out and enjoy a new cocktail when you can.

The Spring Break Party 2013 Begins

    Next week kicks off the 2013 edition of Spring Break in Key West.   The annual invasion of the college students from all around the country.   This annual migration is always a great time to be had by all that are young at heart enough to enjoy the hi-jinx. 

     If the sounds of scooter horns blowing and a lot of college students letting off steam for the next three weeks, Key West is not where you want to be.   The beaches will be covered with the masses of student bodies basking in the sun and chillin' out.    The roar of the music and the all out 24 hour party time is upon us.  

     I know that the town will be jumping, we hope for a fun and safe Spring Break 2013, and a whole lot of fun for all.   Bring the party on, I'm ready to have it happening again.   ;o)

Rum Renaissance Just Over a Month Away

     The 2013 edition of the Rum Renaissance Festival opens on the 15th of April and runs through the 21st.   If you haven't got you tickets and room reservations, time is starting to run out.   There are so many events and seminars there to enjoy that you will need the entire week to take it all in.  Get your tickets and all the information you need for the show at http://www.rumrenaissance.com/  

     The Grand Tasting on Saturday will get you up close and personal with all of your favorite rums.  A chance to expose yourself to some of the finest rums and the people that produce them for you.     Did I mention all of the beautiful models that will be there to offer you these great rums.

     During the week there are a number of VIP events for those that pick up the complete VIP package.   There are parties every evening hosted by the rum producers are way to much fun.  The event gives you a chance to talk with the RumXP's that will be here acting as judges for the "Great Rum Challenge".   There are Tiki Competitions, Tropical libations and island culture exhibits.  The Award ceremony for the Great Rum Challenge is always a very special event you don't want to miss.

    There is so much fun to be had and a wealth of knowledge to be gleaned from the event.   I'll be there all week long, filling my head with new knowledge and my palate with fine rum.   See Ya there.  ;o)

Antigua: The Contrasts

     Antigua, one of the leeward islands if the West Indies, provides many contrasts as you travel around this very contrasting island.   On the east you have the very turbulent seas that are seen from the high cliffs that the sea is constantly pounding against.  The high point being the "Devil's Bridge".  

 

     To the South you have English Harbour and the Nelson's Dockyards, a much more serene and calm sea is found in this area.  This is the famous harbour that protected the British Navy, and gave them a safe haven for repairs and restocking.

 



    The Southwest corner of the Island is a dense rain forest that almost requires the use of headlights as you traverse through the canopy.  It lets you out into the beautiful beaches of the western side of the island.

     The road moves inland through the countryside that is another contrast of fields of grasses and grazing goats and other animals as you move back toward the city and the end of the journey around Antigua.

There May be Light at the End of the Tunnel

Raul Castro

    In Mexico City it was announced that Raul Castro has accepted the new five-year term as Cuban President.  He also promised that it would be his final term in office.   This will be the first time since 1959 when the rebels came down from Sierra Maestra to take control of Cuba that a Castro hasn't been in control of the country.    First in line as a successor to the Castro regime is Miguel Diaz-Canel, an electrical engineer, who became Minister of Higher Education, Vice president for the Council of Ministries, and yesterday named as the Raul's Vice President of Cuba.


Miguel Diaz-Canel

     What other possibilities will this have for the Americans that so want to visit and enjoy the products of Cuba?  With the Cuban financial problems, and the failing health of Castro ally Hugo Chavez, it is time for the change that has a possibility of getting the U.S. Embargo lifted.     Though there are many problems that still need to be cleared up, this is the time to work on normalizing relations with Havana. 

    With the first relinquishing of power the the younger generations since the revolution, this will be a great opportunity to return to having a good neighbor to the south of me, just 90 miles away.   I'm still looking forward to taking the boat down and explore this wonderfully colorful and exciting place.  Not to mention that I would like to say YES, when my customers as for "Havana Club" Rum.  ;o)

The Twisted Power of the Sea and the Wind

   The powers of Mother Nature are sometimes very surprising, it always gets my attention when I see a dock and bushes done up like this.   ;o)

Thinking about the Lake

     The snow reports and listening to my friends that are still up in the Lake Norman area, sending pictures of snow and very cold days right now remind me of why I am in Key West today.  Yesterday was in the 80"s down here in Key West, not to be rubbing it in, I'm really glad to be here in the winter time.   There were many good times we all had on the lake, times and people I still miss a lot. 

    We use to get together every January or February for a first raft-up and have a great time just getting back on the water for the first time each year.  This was a great time and usually included a gallon or two of my original "Hurricane Bob", a fun rum concoction that was pretty well known around the lake in the 2002 through 2005.    It was a chance for the lake set to get together for some fun and tell the stories of the winter and how we couldn't wait for spring so we could get back on the lake again.    Most of us have migrated around the country now, but there are still a pretty good sized group that are still living up there on the lake today.

     It was the many days on the lake that got me headed to Key West and a full time life on the water that I am living today.   I still have the wander-lust that keeps me exploring the areas around the Keys that I had when I could be found exploring the un-settled parts of the lake.   The old "Sea Ray Santiago" as she was called, really a Bayliner, but because a close friend worked for Sea Ray, and couldn't be seen on anything else, we put Sea Ray insignias on the side and all was good with the world and my friends.

    Times change, and boats get swapped out, but the fun of being on the water really doesn't change much.  On the lake, we would jump into the boat and head to the Rusty Rudder there on the lake to get together with friends and a few cocktails, today it is a dinghy ride to the Hurricane Hole here on Stock Island for the same purpose, still just as much fun with good friends and good "spirits".   Thanks for sharing my water world, it is always a blast.  ;o)

Dieting Drinkers Rejoice

     Several public interest groups have been urging the Treasury Department to finish up rules for the comprehensive labeling of alcoholic beverages.   These labels will contain such information as serving size, number of servings per container, ounces of alcohol per serving, calories per serving, and ABV percent.   This is all part of a push to modernize the labels on alcoholic beverages in order for the consumer to better understand how much alcohol they are consuming as well as dietary information.  

     I feel that this is going to be a goo thing on many fronts.  I stand behind a bar 5 days a week serving cocktails, you would not believe the number of people that are concerned about what cocktails and what liquors have the most calories.   Lets face it, this country is calorie conscious, people make decisions on what they consume based on the calorie content as well as taste.   In the liquor industry the light beers by far out sell the standard beers, and in cocktails there are almost as many diet soda requests as the regular ones.


     There is hope that the new labeling rules will be in effect this year.   In a joint letter from the public interest groups that are pushing the Treasury Department to  finalize the labeling rules said,"The need to modernize the alcohol beverage labels so that consumers can better understand how much alcohol they are consuming, and to comply with the Dietary Guidelines, has been unaddressed for far to long.   Better alcohol awareness con not happen without better labeling."  Of the two that I have been able to find, the more detailed one like the Diageo on I feel has more of the information that I would find helpful, the other on is far to basic.    Come on "T Men" lets get it done, we really do need this information in the alcohol industry like we do in any other industry that makes things that we consume.   ;o)

Remembering the Travel Spots

     I find it funny what I remember about the places that I travel.  I was thinking this morning about my visit to Diplomatico last November and as much as I thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality and tasting all of the great rums, it was the monkeys that stick in my mind today.  When we left on our last day in the compound, we spotted a group of monkeys up in the trees of the parking lot.   The characters were quite entertaining and left me with an indelible picture of the Diplomatico Compound and how green their entire operation really was.   It isn't often that you find mother nature living in a "factory area" these days.  

    There is something about viewing birds, fish and animals in the wild that I find very heart warming and to be able to photograph them then share them with people is even more fulfilling.

    These monkeys were high in the mahogany trees that grow in and around the compound.  They seemed to be as interested in us as we were in them.   These guys were really clowns, and jumping from branch to branch showing off their skills as acrobats.   We spent close to a half an hour just admiring these wonderful creatures as they moved about in the canopy of the trees they call their home.

     You would be amazed what you can see if you look up from the sidewalk to observe what is around you as you move day to day about this planet.   The animals will watch you as you watch them, maybe for different reasons, but we do all co-exist in our environment and should be able to enjoy each others company.  ;o)

St. Johns from the Water

   St Johns is one of the real gems of the U.S. Virgin Islands, with its national park and inherent natural beauty it is always a place of interest for travelers to the area.  This island is the first stop as you enter the Sir Francis Drake Channel as you leave Red Hook and St. Thomas.  The trip around the island by water is an absolutely beautiful sight, with the birds, goats, and buildings that are all perched on her rocky crags.

 It is always a fun day whether on St. Johns or cruising around the island.  The beauty is always breath taking and the places always interesting.  Just take the time to enjoy the pictures, and transport yourself there for an hour or so. ;o)

 

MIT Scientists Develop a "Buzz Buster"

   Our Science dollars at work, researchers at MIT have been working with an enzyme that metabolizes alcohol, reducing the blood alcohol levels in drunk mice.  The idea of the enzymes is to create a "liver" inside of your stomach.   The idea of being able to pop a pill and drop your blood alcohol level quickly could be a significant advance in the prevention of drunken driving or even hang overs the next morning.

     Enzymes are bio/chemical catalysts that speed up the normal functions of your body.  In the case of these enzymes used for the "Buzz Buster", the break down alcohol.  There is a down side to the main enzyme Oxidase, in that it produces hydrogen peroxide.  The scientists have found by mixing it with another enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide, the process sobers up the partying mice quickly.   The combination are called nanocapsules, and the scientists envision that they can be made into a pill you can take before leaving the bar, party, or other function where alcoholic beverages have been consumed and still be sober enough to keep out of trouble.

    The down side is that you pay good money to get your buzz, then you have to pay again to bring it to a halt.   It is a strange world that we live in, but I do feel that this will reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road after hours or sporting events and concerts if they are available.   It would be a "designated pill" instead of a "designated driver."   If this works, it would be a great alternative to the designated driver, because some times it is hard for the DD to not participate,   ;o)

Rum Distillers in Jamaica Hit with New Problems

   The Jamaican Government has plans to slash millions of dollars in discretionary tax waiver that had been afforded to the rum industry and other manufacturing in Jamaica.     The rum producers can not survive on the molasses that is produced in Jamaica, they have to import some 60,000 tons to be able to produce the rum that is needed for export to blenders abroad.   This molasses has been coming into Jamaica on the waiver system, without which the distilleries will have to raise their prices or shut down.   With the current battle in the Caribbean over the subsidies to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands where they are already able to buy molasses with the cover over tax rebate, greatly reducing their costs of production.

     The issue hits the entire industrial sector of Jamaica.   There is a policy of not taxing goods imported from the "Caribbean Community ", but still raising taxes on their own countries manufacturing.   This is taking the companies ability to compete on a level playing field.   The high energy costs are another problem that the distillers are facing, for which there doesn't seem to be a solution for in the near future as well.

    Brian Pengelley, Jamaica Manufacturers Association said"The principle is that you cannot be putting duties on import products that are going to drive the efficiencies in the manufacturing sector or put plants at risk of closing."

   This is a classic case of the "domino effect", it is very interesting how one thing directly effects so many other parts of the economy.

Windy and Chilly Sunday Morning

 

 

     Sunday is even worse than Saturday, Winds at 20 mph and 58 degree temperatures going to make for  cool running this morning on the scooter heading to the Rum Bar.  Fear not ,  Tuesday back in the high 70's.   ;o)

The Chill is Down from the North

   Today is the coldest day down here this winter, heavy jackets and all to keep warm.   I know we are a bunch of wooses, but that is why we live in the tropics.    If I sound down, it's because this kind of weather is not what makes our visitors happy to be here.  I really like having happy people visiting me at the bar and enjoying themselves.  This is not the weather they came down for.

    We do need the rain like we had yesterday, but the cold, not so much.   I'll be looking forward to Monday when the winds will settle down and the temperatures warm back up.   This is the same cold front that brought all the snow to the North, now it is bringing highs in the 60's today and tomorrow for us.  In fact it is so cold down here even the internet is moving in slow motion.  

    For those down here that keep telling me it is nice compared to where they are from, places like North Dakota, Maine or Upstate New York, I agree, but for Key West it is just plain COLD.    Anyway, I share your pain and the reasons that you head south like the smart birds do, the North is great in June, July and August, but the rest of the time just head on down to the tropics and enjoy the warm.  ;o)

Pampero Aniversario from Venezuela

   Pampero Aniversario Reserva Exclusiva is the pride and joy of Alejandro Hernandez, founder of Industrias Pampero, C.A. .   Founded in 1938, Pampero is credited with setting the standards that by which rum is produced in Venezuela.  Today it belongs to United Distillers, part of Diageo, the world's largest liquor holding company.

   First introduced in 1963 to celebrate the distillery's 25th anniversary this amber mahogany rum is aged between 4 and 6 years in bourbon and whiskey barrels, became an instant hit.   Upon opening the bottle and pouring it into a class, you immediately pick up the aromas of sweet candy, nuts, and vanilla.  The palate picks up molasses, oak and a buttery sweet taste that leads to a  smooth, warm and long lasting finish.

    Available in many many places, this award winning rum is a must have on your rum shelf.   Pampero Aniversario Reserva Exclusiva is one of the reasonably priced wonder rums that is available today.  ;o)

St. Valentine's Day: Why do we do this?

    Valentine's Day is a day we celebrate every February 14th, but why?  Hallmark is the beneficiary, but what are we really celebrating?    We are celebrating the execution of a man named Valentine during the rein of Claudius the Cruel, as Emperor of Rome.   Valentine, a priest in Rome would perform secret marriages for young lovers in a time that Claudius had ban all marriages and engagements in Rome.   Claudius felt that the attachment to family and wives would keep young men from joining the army that he needed to maintain control of Rome.    When Claudius discovered that Valentine was doing this, he was arrested and ordered to that he be put to death.     There is a legend that Valentine became friends with the jailer's daughter and left her a note on the day of his execution that was signed "From Your Valentine".   For his service to the church and the young lovers of Rome at the time he was named Saint Valentine posthumously.   Today on February 14th, we celebrate a day to share your love with your "Valentine".

Bahama Bob's Saint Valentine's Day Cocktail

·         1 ½ oz. Rhum Barbancourt Pango

·         ¾ oz. Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

·         ¾ oz. Licor 43

·         ¾ oz. Pomegranate Liqueur

·         ¼ oz. Agave Nectar

·         1 Dash of Angostura Bitters

Place all of the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled.  Strain into a Martini glass and garnish with a strawberry or lime.

 

Spend some time with your special person today and enjoy a fun and loving cocktail.  ;o)