Today is a Dream Traveling Day

 


    About a year ago, I was in Venezuela enjoying fine rum from the people at Diplomatico and Santa Teresa.  This is a beautiful part of the world with fine distilleries hidden up in the mountain valleys  among the sugar cane fields.   I'm about a week away from my trip to Trinidad and Granada for the 2013 Caribbean Rum and Beer Festival and it has me dream traveling already.

     I spent the better part of a week in country in Venezuela and I have to say that it was a spectacular visit.  I had the chance to travel by plane, train, and automobile throughout the country side and see the beautiful scenery that makes up this very unique country.    


   The first part of the week was spent in Le Miel , Lara, Venezuela, the mountain town in which DUZA Distillery calls home.   Thanks to Tito Cordero, and Alfonso Castillo, we enjoyed three full days of rum education and sight seeing through the area around Le Miel.  We were given the opportunity to see the distillery and the special way they create the magical rums that come from here as well as being able to  sample a prototype rum that was only being distributed in Venezuela called Diplomatico Single Vintage 1997 Rum.  This was a very memorable experience that I took home with me .


     The later part of the week was spent in La Victoria where we visited Santa Teresa Distilleries and go to take in the beautiful country side around this distillery.   It was a real interesting experience to see the very old distillery that goes back to 1796.  Seeing the modern merging with the old methods of rum making, along with the beautiful grounds and park that surround the distillery.   We were afforded to chance to walk around the fabled solera aging bodega at Santa Teresa and visit the Santa Teresa 1796 Ron Antoguo Solera as it was maturing.  Of course we got to sample many of the fine rums as well.

    The beauty and the hospitality of the people that took care of us while in country was impeccable.  They made the stay very fun, tasty and educational.   Like all good things this trip too had to come to an end.  Thus leaving me ready for another dream week coming up in two weeks as I travel to the southern Caribbean for more rum exploration and a new island in the sun to wander and explore.  Looking forward to sending the reports of the festival and the distilleries from Granada and something of interest from Trinidad as well.  All of this is still a couple of weeks away though, I guess I'll just keep having my "dreamcations" until then.  ;o)

The Wind and the Sea Gulls

   The winds have been blowing pretty steady for the past few days here in Key West.  This keeps the temperatures comfortable and the seas pretty rough.  The sea gulls on the other hand really thrive on the winds, putting on aerial shows that can't be matched by many other birds.  To watch them snatch a fish or a piece of bread out of the water in flight or even in from the air is mind boggling.     Their aerial agility and quick turning abilities will just amaze you as you sit on the dock or the bay and watch all of their antics.  

     You can hear them screaming at each other making noise that sound like they are tell others that it is "MINE, MINE" as the fly close to each other.   They have the ability to catch the currents of air and just ride them up and  down Using them to attain the position and the speed they need to hunt their food.   Some times I get the feeling that they just enjoy the aerobatics for the sake of the aerobatics.   They just seem to be able to bank, spin, dive and climb at will for no apparent reason.  They seem to just take pride in the show and the thrill of the flying.

    It is sort of like the story of "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" and how he learned to master the sky just for the thrill of mastering it.  They fly in numbers like WWI Sopwith Camels and Fokkers swooping around the sky passing just inches apart as the pass in the sky above the harbor.    The wing warping they have mastered gives them such absolute control as they maneuver around the skies.   Sea gulls will swirl around the skies for hours and finally approach and make a perfect touch down on land even in the highest of winds and adversity.  ;o)

   

Powerboat Races return to Key West Today

     Today is the first races of the 2013 Key West Powerboat Races.  There is a strong rumor that this may be the last year of the races happening here in Key West.   If you haven't seen them before, this is the year to get out there and enjoy the races.  The entire calendar of events is available for you at http://superboat.com/2013-key-west-schedule/ .   The actual races are today, Friday and the Finals on Sunday.   You can watch from Mallory Square, aboard your own boats along side of the race course or from several restaurants and lounges along the waterfront.   There are large charter vessels that you can book a seat on that will take you out into the center of the race course and be able to see the races up close and very personal.

     These are some of the most exciting machines that you will ever see on the water, and will hold your attention as they literally fly just over the top of the waves.  

     "Recognized around the world, the biggest offshore racing event is ready to play host to the most powerful fleet of Super Boats. No class will have an uncontested winner and many classes are brimming with more boat entries per class than any race all season. The big boats will include multiple turbines, four or more Superboat Unlimiteds, eight or more Superboats and many more in other classes. This is expected to be one of the most exciting World Championships in the recent past. Many, if not all, of the National Champions are set to compete and defend their honor of being the most winning boat of the season. The World Championship does not carry over any points from the seven National races run this past summer and fall. All boats start even at the Key West event and, with 3 days of racing, they have to be there on Sunday to win. The first two days of racing is ½ the laps of the final race on Sunday. So, while many teams will replace engines on Saturday in preparation to have fresh engines on Sunday, the name of the game is to protect your equipment and make it last to the finish line."   Read More at: http://superboat.com/2013/10/33rd-annual-key-west-super-boat-world-championships-ready-to-begin/

Governor's Reserve Dark Rum: Cayman Island Rum

Governor's Reserve Dark Rum

Pot and Column Combination Still

     The Cayman Island Spirits Company in Georgetown, Cayman Islands is responsible for the entire line of Governor's Reserve Rums  a line of really nice though young rums. An exceptionally smooth rum, boasting a mellow hint of molasses and a slightly fruity flavor that lingers long after the flavorful finish.   Though the rum is currently only available in the Cayman Islands, it has the potential of growth and distribution outward to other places. 

     The Governor's Reserve line includes a Blood Orange, Spiced, White, and the Dark Rum.   It's famous sister rum, Seven Fathom Rum, aged in the warm Caribbean Sea is hopefully headed to the United States in the very near future. 

    Though this is a line of inexpensive runs, the value and flavor is extraordinary and deserves your attention.  The distillate, fresh from the still is some of the sweetest and smoothest that I have ever tasted.  It is made from a blend of sugar cane juice and molasses fermented and distilled in a combination Column and pot still.   The results are very nice even though it has not been aged for any long period of time.

     On your next visit to the Cayman Islands, make some time to go by the Cayman Island Spirits Company  take the tour and taste the fine line of local rums.  ;o)

Monday is Just for the Birds

     It is a windy day down here in Key West today and the birds are just loving it soaring with the currents.    I love these kind of days to take the camera out and just try to catch the image of as many of these very interesting feather friends as they soar above and around me.  This is the perfect day to put the big lens on and shoot hundreds of photos and hope I get enough good ones in focus to use.  Hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do.  ;o)

Caribbean Rum and Beer Festival: Just a week and a half away

    Your opportunity is waning to go to Granada for a fun 3 days of rum and beer festivities.     I'll be there as a judge for the CAB rum event and looking forward to meeting up with many of you that are attending.     Your tickets are available on line at www.rumandbeerfestival.com .

     Get your tickets and head on down to Granada for a really fun in the sun and rum event.  There are a goodly number of rum and beer companies participating in the event and should provide a great three days of rum, beer and fun.  The entire schedule is printed below for your information. o)

An Evening at the Hurricane Hole

     Just in case you've never heard of the Hurricane Hole Restaurant and Bar, it is a little waterfront dive bar located on Stock Island.  Just a stone's throw from Key West, this is my personal hang out and one of the really fun places for both locals and tourists alike.   I find the place perfect for me, because it offers a relaxed and chilled atmosphere in which I can unwind from my day with friendly people and staff.

     This restaurant, bar and marina brings fishermen, tourists, captains, and a wide variety of other colorful people together every evening for some fun, libation and conversation.  A very laid back waterfront atmosphere that brings in a great group of very interesting people every evening.     Whether you are looking for a good cocktail, or a fun dining experience, this is your place.  You get to drink and dine out on the docks, rain or shine it is always a fun and relaxing evening next to the water.  

     There are lovely fun bartenders and servers that will make your evening fun and enjoyable with their good service and fun loving personalities.  The place kind of goes to the "dogs" during happy hours and into the evening, but that just adds to the personality and color of the place.  

     Just stop in any evening and enjoy the atmosphere of an old eclectic Key West waterfront bar and restaurant, you won't be disappointed.   I find myself there most evenings enjoying a cocktail of some really good bar and restaurant foods.   If you happen to be down here in Key West, just drive over the Cow Key Channel bridge and it is on the right.  You will find this to be a nice change and an opportunity to experience the real feeling the Keys waterfront life.

Facundo Rums are Finally going to be available in Florida.

Facundo Rum Collection

     Facundo Bacardi has announced the release of the new "Family Reserve" Facundo Rums here in Florida.    These are the very best of the Bacardi line of rums and hold a very special place in my mind as well.     This is a project that has spanned several years of blending and evaluating of the family reserve rums that have been stored in the Bahamas for up to 23 years.   There were 300 or so different rums that were involved in the project that were blended very carefully by Manny Oliver, Master Blender for Bacardi Global.  

Facundo L. Bacardi and Bahama Bob Leonard

     The celebration of the company's 150th anniversary was a time to look back over what had been accomplished and marvel at the heritage of the fine rums that had been produced through the years.  Facundo L. Bacardi, great great grandson of the Founder Don Facundo Bacardi Masso` said "There was a consensus that now is the time to share this with our customers." 

     I was honored to have been asked along with a several of the International Run Expert Panel to be a part of the tasting and evaluation over the past three years at the Bacardi headquarters in Coral Gables, Florida.   The entire group of us were invited to a special reveal of the four very special rums this past April in Miami.     This super secret project that spanned several years was well worth the effort for the quality of the final ultra premium rums that have just been released.

 

     The four rums, Neo, an up to eight year old white rum, Eximo, a medium to heavy bodied rum blend aged up to 10 years, Exquisito, a medium to heavy bodied blend of seven rums aged up to 23 years and Paraiso, the very best of the best, made from a blend of Bacardi's private reserves ranging from 15 to 23 years and finished in French cognac barrels.   These rums for which there are not enough ultra premiums for are now available ranging in price from $45 to $250 at some of the better liquor stores, restaurants, and cocktail lounges in Florida.

     Whether you think you like rum or not, this is an experience that you should not miss.  These rums will make you a believer that rum is not just some swill that a bunch of pirates drank on the high seas any more.  The fine abilities of Manny Oliver and his staff have produced some of the finest rums in the world for your enjoyment.  They are priced such that you can afford to enjoy them.  I personally liked all four of them and look forward to getting them in the Rum Bar in the next few weeks as they become available through my distributors.  

   I would like to pass on a very heart felt thanks to Facundo L. Bacardi, Manny Oliver and the staff at Bacardi for allowing me to be a part of the tasting and evaluation of these fine rums over the past three years.  ;o) 

Happy Halloween Rumstylin'

     October 31, 2013 is already here and Halloween Night looms over us.   This is usually a fun night of very strange cocktails that look something less than appealing.    I propose a fun evening of
unappealing costumes and some fine eye appealing cocktails that are enjoyable to the eye and palate.

     There is a great tasting Cocktail that Don the Beachcomber created back in the 1930's called a "Zombie" that in it's original presentation would turn you into a "Zombie" rather quickly.   I have an idea for a simplified concoction that will be less "lethal" for a party made cocktail.

Halloween Party Zombie

• 3/4 oz. White Rum
• 3/4 oz. Dark Rum
• 1/2 oz. Dekuyper Pomegranate Schnapps
• 1 oz. Pineapple Juice
• 1/2 oz. Grapefruit Juice
• Dash of Bitters

Place all ingredients into a blender with ice and turn it on and off quickly 4 or 5 times until the ice is crushed like a swizzle.  Pour into a pint glass and garnish with an orange zest.  If you need some strength added just float with a flavorful 151 proof rum like Lemon Hart.

     Halloween can get pretty ugly, but you can have some very fun and tasty cocktails without the stomach turning appearance of a blood clot or brain hemorrhage.   Take some time with your Halloween cocktails to make they taste and appear friendly, even though they could be deceptively dangerous.

Grand Cayman Through the Windshield

     Last July I had the pleasure of four days in Grand Cayman, it was a chance to relax on the beach at The Reef Resort, but even more it was a chance to drive from one end of the island to the other a couple of times.     I was looking through my photos and noticed a number of shots that I took through the windshield of the vehicle we were riding in and I enjoyed them enough to share them with you.   I usually don't put a lot of credence in these pictures, but in this case they show how really nice this little island in the Caribbean really is.  Just spend a little bit of the time traversing from the airport to the resort looking out the windshield and you will be amazed what is out in front of you.  ;o)

 

From Jerry Thomas' Bartender's Guide of 1862 to Today

"Blue Blazer"

     Jerry Thomas was the original pioneer of cocktailing, he was the first to take the original cocktails of the day and add unusual ingredients to create new and exciting blends for the stale cocktail menus of the times.   Thomas really made a name for himself in San Francisco at the El Dorado Gambling Saloon in the Occidental Hotel.   His signature drink, the "Blue Blazer", takes whiskey then setting it on fire then  passing it between two mixing cups and creating a great blue arc between them.   Jerry only live for 55 years, but he managed to be known from coast to coast and Europe for his flamboyant style and ideas about making cocktails.    He also was known for adding a touch of showmanship to the profession of bartending. making it more a show than just being a server.  


    To make an improved brandy cocktail, you strained the plain version (brandy, bitters and gum syrup, plus one or two dashes of Curaçao) into a fancy wine glass, moistened the rim of the glass with lemon and added a twist of lemon to the drink. (Thomas’s book was the first to mention the twist, which replaced grated nutmeg as the final flourish to a drink.) In the improved cocktail, maraschino liqueur was substituted for Curaçao. Add fruit juice and the cocktail became a crusta.  An excerpt from a great article, "The Bartender that Started it All"  read more at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/31/dining/31cock.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

    

     Thumbing through the book, I found an interesting cocktail called the Saratoga.  Jerry Thomas seems to like to name cocktails for cities around San Francisco Bay Area.  The Martinez (Martini now) and several others.   This is a curious cocktail that combines whiskey and Brandy with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters.   Being the rum guy that I am, I had to play with the mix a bit to create a fun cocktail that will give us rum folks a taste of the 1860's and San Francisco gold rush days and the Barbary Coast days.

 

      Rum Saratoga

• 3/4 oz. 21 Year Zafra Rum (Whiskey Notes)
• 3/4 oz. Diplomatico Reserva Rum (Brandy Notes)
• 3/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth
• Dash of Bitters

Place all of the ingredients into a shaker filled with ice and shake until thoroughly chilled and strain into a Martini Glass and garnish with a lemon twist (an idea created by Jerry Thomas as well)

     The book is available on Amazon.com, and a few other places, it has a great selection of ideas and how to make things in a proper way, something that no one before him had thought to put into a cocktail book.  There is a copy of the book on line on the Art of Drink site:  http://www.artofdrink.com/jerry-thomas/  .   Try some of the many ideas in the book and work your own magic just like what was his legacy for creating new cocktail ideas

 

Bartenders Drinking Behind the Bar?

     This is a question that is brought up quite often.  Personally, I feel that making cocktails is a job, and I have a work ethic that says that I don't drink on the job.   The real thing about drinking behind the bar is for the safety of my customers.  I cant cut someone off or make sure that they don't drive home if I'm as drunk or high as they are.

     In the state of Florida it really isn't an issue, because it is against the law to be drinking and selling alcoholic beverages.   Although  illegal there are different types of bars and different atmospheres, I feel that the individual bartenders have to make their own decisions as to what they feel is right for them.

     I have bartender friends that work in England where the bar scene is quite unique and different.  William Cassin, the general Manager of Trailer Happiness a really fun London bar,  had this to say about the subject.   "For me, there is clearly an argument for both sides of this question, each depending on individual circumstances and venues. But, ultimately, I am happy for my crew at Trailer Happiness to have a few drinks behind the bar if they see fit.  I have been in situations where it is completely inappropriate to drink behind the bar, which is why I made a decision not to work in five star hotels anymore. Career bartenders (including those who have worked in high-end hotel bars, nightclubs, pubs and cocktail bars) are generally very responsible and mature. They are capable of deciding when to turn down a shot and they understand when they have had enough to drink."

     "I am by no means suggesting that it is appropriate to get drunk during every shift and for bartenders to neglect their professional responsibilities. I believe that if you have made that decision to be a career bartender and give every Friday and Saturday to your craft, thus relinquishing your social life and day-walker friends, then you are responsible enough to have a few drinks and still be able to close your station and be attentive to your guests."

     I look at things differently than some, but I try to put myself on the other side of the bar and think if I would be happy being waited on by someone that was drunk and not really putting an effort forward making my cocktails properly or staggering around behind the bar.  It is a job!!!   You don't go to drunken lawyers, pharmacists, doctors, mechanics or most any other business, so why would you want to put up with a drunken bartender.  ;o)


  

Then it was Over, Fantasy Fest 2013

    There is nothing left except beads and trash all over the street that will be blown into the center of the street and the street sweepers will have cleaned up before 9:00am.    It was another wonderful parade with a huge crowd of fun loving people out letting go and enjoying the Grand Finale of Fantasy Fest 2013.  From Grand Marshall Diana Nyad's float to finish, to the thousands of people walking behind the parade at the end it was a really fun finale this year.  ;o)

Fantasy Fest Grand Parade Tonight

Float in the 2012 Parade

     After a week of insanity, there is a light at the end of the tunnel today.   The Grand Parade is tonight and this will for all practical purposes bring the curtain down on Fantasy Fest 2013.    Yesterday was the Peoples Parade and the Street Festival, the island became a maze of people walking around in crazy costumes and having a really fun time. Traversing the island to get home was truly interesting, I felt like a mouse in a maze trying to find a route through the masses of people.

Naughty Officers to control the crowds

     It is a busy day for us at the Rum Bar today, with all of the parade participants getting mentally ready for the big doin's tonight.   We have a pair of officers to keep the crowd under control.    This is very important in an event like this one to maintain crowd control inside.   I'll have the day shift under control wit the help of my lovely assistants behind the bar. 


Bahama Bob and his able bodied assistants

    This is a day that is going to be just for the fun of  it and the end of a great Fantasy Fest week here in Key West.   The week is long and grueling, but it is always a fun one.  The Parade tonight is a wonderful way to wrap up the week of craziness.  The groups and the floats are always fun and spectacular, there are a number of eye catching figure to keep things exciting.



Eye Catching Figures

   The beads are going to be flying the whole length of the parade and the streets will be 5 or more deep with people watching the procession come on by.   I'll be at the satellite bar on the street in front of the Rum Bar from 6pm until the end of the parade.  Stop by if you are in that area and I'll be looking forward to seeing all of you tonight.  ;o)


2013 Caribbean Rum and Beer Festival in Granada

  Running November 22 and 23, this is a fun and informative event that is made very special by the flair of the Caribbean island of Granada.   The 2013 Caribbean Rum and Beer Festival is packed with special events in addition to the grand tasting of fun and exotic rums from all over the Caribbean.   All of the excitement of the fine rums and beers is only the beginning of this colorful annual event. 
   The Granada Golf Tournament at the Granada Golf  Club which includes a 9 Hole and 18 Hole event including lunch on Saturday the 23rd from 7am until 4 pm.  Lots of prizes, and fun, equipment is available or you can bring your own.
 





     The Annual CAB (Caribbean Alcohol Beverage) Taste Contest is on The 21st, featuring the

contest as an established part of the Caribbean Rum & Beer Festival. The competition is fierce and the winners deserve to be recognised as 'best in class'. This years blind tasting session will be held in Grenada on 21 November 2013.

     Each category of product will be judged by a rum or beer panel made up of industry experts.   Members of the esteemed expert rum panel include influential rum commentators from the International Rum Council, Rum XP panel members, the editors of ‘Got Rum’ magazine as well as members of the Ministry of Rum.

The expert beer panel contains a range of brewmasters, authors of beer publications and beer pundits.  All products are sampled blind and judges award Gold, Silver and Bronze accolades to the adjudicated top three products in each section.

The rums are broken down into categories and judged on aroma, appearance, taste, finish and overall impression.   The categories include white, gold, dark, aged 5 to 9 years, aged 10 to14 years, premium aged 15 years plus, white rhum agricole, dark rhum agricole, overproof, flavored, and rum punch.  There will be awards given for each category of rum.

Other Special events include:

·         Master classes from international rum and beer experts

·         Live culinary displays of cooking with rum and beer

·         'Rum Cocktail Wars' - Grenada's Mixologists vs The Caribbean's Best

·         Steel Pan Music, African drumming and DJ music

·         Live music on stage on both nights of the Festival

·         A Creole Hog roast

·         Rum cakes & Chocolates

·         Local arts & crafts

 

     You can make the trip to Granada and have a dual fun time.  The unmatched beauty of Granada and the fun of getting to know the rums and the people that make it is an unforgettable experience.  Hopefully I'll see you at the Caribbean Rum and Beer Festival this year.  I'm looking forward to being a judge in this years CAB Tasting Contest .  I'll be issuing daily reports from Granada while I'm in country as usual.   ;o)