New Hampshire Should Home Distilling Be Legal? Lawmakers Voted Last Wednesday.

     New Hampshire House lawmakers are expected to vote on a bill that would legalize home liquor distilling.  Booze enthusiasts are currently allowed to make up to 200 gallons of beer and wine at home - depending on the size of their household, but distilling liquor at home is against state and federal laws.  As of today, I haven’t been able to find the results of the vote last Wednesday.

     That doesn't make sense to Representative Scott Wallace of Danville.  "The natural progression of the hobby is you make some wine, if you'd like to turn that into brandy, that's not currently lawful.   This bill would allow for that."   Wallace says it could also help entrepreneurs who want to try their hand at distilling on a large scale - but are overwhelmed by the high cost of licensing a liquor distillation business.

     The bill is part of a trend across the country pushed by hobbyists who are trying to change both state and federal laws to allow for small batch, artisan distilling.   The Hobby Distiller’s Association was formed with the initial intent of working as a strong, unified voice in an attempt to change federal legislation in the United States, finally getting hobby distilling recognized and given the same legal standing that are afforded to hobby brewing and wine making.

     In the past there have been several failed attempts at legalization of hobby distilling. This is in great part due to the lack of support, lack of direction, and lack of unity. Too many previous movements have been derailed because of another small group of people competing for support. This results in too little support for any one group. The Hobby Distiller’s Association aims to change that as the first fully organized and fully financially supported organization to press for legalization of hobby distilling. Yes, it is unfortunate that money talks, but I am sure that you are not shocked to hear that. This is where the HDA stands out. We have a lobbyist in Washington, DC on our side. This is something that none of the small groups has been able to fund, and as we have found over the past couple of years, it is most likely the only way for us to win this fight. 

What Happens In Key West When Winter Sets In

     This cold spell here is Key West is really beginning to get to all of us.  The tour open buses have all of  of their windows and sides closed in to protect the tourists from the "freezing" cold.  The funny part most of us have heavy coats and shorts, now that is how I like spending my winter.  I hope the rest of you around this country can survive, tomorrow we are suppose to be in a balmy 76  for a high.

I guess I'll be able to the winter and I promise that I wont be complaining about the "summer heat".

Stinky Men Can Have an Effect on How Much Women Will Drink

     This should really have an effect on the sale of deodorant and hurt the rest of us males that bathe and use deodorant.  It will also mean that if really believed that many of us that can’t stand the stink of the unwashed will suffer so he can get some gal drunk to have some fun later.  This is really strange.

     A man’s scent can drastically affect how much a woman drinks when she is with him, and the smellier the man is, the more they drink.  This is the claim by psychologists at the University of South Florida, who looked into how much women imbibed after smelling pheromones found in men’s sweat. The researcher, who published their findings in the Journal of Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology in December 2017, assessed 103 women between the ages of 21 and 31.

     The women were told they were taking part in a consumer survey on mens’ fragrance. Half of the group were given fragrance strips sprayed with androstenone — a pheromone found in human sweat — while the other group were given strips sprayed with water. The women were then offered two glasses of non-alcoholic beer, which was offered for safety purposes.   The psychologists found that women who were exposed to the pheromone “drank significantly more than those exposed to the control prime,” and drank a tenth more of their beer on-average.

     The psychologists claim that this is because there is an intrinsic cultural link between drinking and having sex.  Additionally, the inhabitation-lowering powers of alcohol are well-documented. The scientists argued that women may reach for the bottle because lowered inhibitions can lead to an increased desire for sex.

     “Social and sexual expectancies taken subsequent to drinking were correlated with drinking in the primed group but not in the neutral group,” the study said, “supporting the idea that information-processing pathways related to alcohol use had been engaged in the primed group.”

The World Famous Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke Has Reopened

     The world famous Soggy Dollar Bar, a beach bar located on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, recently announced that it had officially reopened.   Bound to be welcomed news by the thousands of its fans who swim to the shores of White Bay with their soggy dollars to laze away the day while sipping on a copious amount of the beach bar’s famous “Painkiller” cocktails in their ubiquitous white plastic cups, after some “93 days after two Cat 5 hurricanes, the painkillers are flowing again and SOGGY DOLLAR BAR IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!”

     They went on to thank the “Soggy crew who worked tirelessly demolishing, clearing, & rebuilding, Merus, Lovie, Prophet, Terro, & Daniel, Cheers to you!” Judging by the pic shared in the post showing the Soggy Dollar shortly after the hurricanes and now, the Soggy crew did an amazing job. Cheers to all of them, and so great to see it open again.

     While the bar has reopened, the kitchen and boutique remain closed with instructions to “stay tuned” which could be interpreted to indicate that those dates aren’t too far away.   The popular webcam, offering live streams of the beach at the Soggy Dollar, is also back in operation as of yesterday.  Offering the viewers a tropical rum escape from their screens, the return of the webcam couldn’t come at a better time, especially with the icy throes of winter upon so many.

Tales of the Cocktail Has Been Sold

     Founders Ann and Paul Tuennerman have reportedly entered into an agreement with two local entrepreneurs to sell annual drinks festival Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans.   Gary Solomon Jr, head of the Solomon Group, and Neal Bodenheimer, co-owner of cocktail bar Cure, have signed a letter of intent to purchase TOTC’s parent company Mojo911 LLC from founder Ann Tuennerman and her husband Paul Tuennerman.

     According to Neat Pour, the deal will see the company restructured as a not-for-profit.   Paul Tuennerman previously announced his resignation as TOTC’s Chief business officer last year following a row over a ‘blackface’ video of his wife, Ann. Both later apologized for the content.  This was followed by the Tuennermans announcement that they were stepping down from the company effective immediately in September 2017.  Co-Founders, Ann and Paul Tuennerman, will be transitioning away from their roles in producing the world’s renowned cocktail event, Tales of the Cocktail, effective immediately.   Melissa Young, who has served as Director of Operations for the past nine years will assume the reins of the operating company behind the event as President. 

      "We have devoted our professional careers to the hospitality industry even before the formation of Tales of the Cocktail and the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society. Our goal has always been to create something lasting that can benefit the industry and the people of New Orleans well beyond our years. This allows that to continue," said Ann R. Tuennerman.   “It has been an honor to spend the last fifteen years working within the industry to create something extraordinary. I am fortunate in that I have had the opportunity to work alongside some amazing bartenders, spirit producers, authors, and educators, from around the globe. While Ann and I have mixed emotions, we are excited about the next chapter in our lives, and look forward to watching the event continue to evolve and flourish,” said Paul G. Tuennerman.

     Founded in 2002, Tales of the Cocktail has grown from a small gathering of cocktail lovers into the world’s premier cocktail festival.   Each year the international spirits industry is welcomed to New Orleans for a week of seminars, tastings, networking events and much more. With 200+ annual events developed specifically for bartenders, distillers and other spirits professionals.   Tales of the Cocktail is the industry’s annual meeting place for exchange of new ideas, products and techniques. 

     Tales of the Cocktail® is produced by the New Orleans Culinary & Cultural Preservation Society, a non-profit organization committed to supporting, promoting and growing the cocktail industry in New Orleans and around the world. In addition to offering opportunities to learn and acquire new skills through Tales of the Cocktail® events and Tales 365®, for which the proceeds go back into the spirits industry. Since 2008, there has been more than $886,000 invested into programs like the Cocktail Apprentice Program, a tuition reimbursement program, the Apprentice medical aid fund, educational scholarships and a new health and wellness program for members of the hospitality industry.   According to a report from the University of New Orleans Research Department, Tales of the Cocktail 2017 generated a total economic impact of US$18.9 million for the city.

Rum is Making Strides Toward Growth at a Record Pace in the UK

      New Years Revelers in need of a festive spirit are reaching for rum in record numbers according to the new figures.  This suggests that the pirate’s tipple of choice is primed to mimic the ongoing resurgence of gin and whiskey.   UK sales of rum reached £991,000,000 for the first nine months of 2017, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, which expects the annual figure to top £1,000,000,000 for the first time before the fireworks ushers in 2018.   The sugar cane-based spirit is slated to hit this billion-pound watermark just a year behind gin.  

 

Ian Burrell

    Ian Burrell, the self-styled Global Rum Ambassador, a number of distilleries will move into rum-making, but not in great numbers.   “I can definitely see that happening but it will take time,” he said. “You can make a craft gin within a couple of days but with rum to get your consumer to pay a premium price, they want to see it aged.  “You need to stick it in a barrel for a few years to get some character and flavor.   Burrell is confident that, as far as consumers go, the moment in the sun has arrived for his favorite spirit.

     “Rum cocktails are some of the most popular ones like rum and coke,mojito and the daiquiri.  There’s a rise in Tiki-style drinks are on the rise as well with the Mai Tai, Pina Colada, Zombie and more.   “They not only use rum in abundance but may use several in each cocktail.”  He is also predicting an upsurge for spiced rums, usually made using imported spirits and infused with spices and other ingredients such as fruit peel.   The variety of flavor this offers, he said, echoes one of the advantages that gin has enjoyed in its rise in popularity.

     A century before William Hograth’s print depicted the moral turpitude that came to be associated with the spirit, rum was already corrupting souls and livers.   Its place in the canon of British inebriation was cemented thanks to the adventurous but often brutal history of imperialism.   Some of its earliest distillers were plantation slaves in the Caribbean, who fermented alcohol out of molasses from the sugar cane they were forced to harvest.   Kill-devil, as rum was often called, became intrinsic to Britain’s seafaring history, used as a way to stave off scurvy and as payment for thirsty sailors. The Royal Navy’s daily rum ration, or “tot”, wasn't abolished until July 1, 1970, a day known as "Black Tot Day".  When Admiral Nelson died, legend hs it that his body was soused in rum to preserve it for the voyage home.   Upon arrival the booze had already been drained by thirsty sailors who had drilled a hole in the barrel, earning rum the nickname, “Nelson’s Blood”.

     If the political and social turmoil of 2017 continues into 2018, it will be worthwhile keeping rum within easy reach, there is no spirit that calms the soul like rum and religion.

Read More at https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/dec/29/why-2018-will-be-a-rum-year-possibly 

No More Resolutions, Action is All That's Needed

2018 is a New Horizon, Make the Most of It

     Well the new year is here and it is that time for all of those ridiculous resolutions with all of the
good intentions to live up to, that never seem to be followed through with.  I've found it better to just keep trying to live right and not worry about making any resolutions that I won't live up to.

Your Actions are a Reflection of You

     Forgetting all of the resolution, but rather lets talk about making a effort to get out and do more of the things that make us happy.  Making life more fun and less of a burden.  Loose the drama and spend more time smiling and hanging with the people that make this happen for you.

     And finally the easiest way keep your world smiling is to ""Drink More Rum".  Remembering that "rum is fun and fun" is what life really needs.  You don't have to become a lush to enjoy yourself, but a little bit of libation doesn't hurt either.  All I ask is that when you drink, do it responsibly, and stay away from your motor vehicles when you have been drinking.

     Make 2018 one of your finest.  

Under Age Drinking, Less is Better

     As we begin the journey around the sun for 2018, I believe it is a responsibility of all of us that are in the alcoholic beverage industry to redouble our efforts to fight the problems of underage drinking.  Whether as a bartender by more carefully checking ID's or as a teacher or parent helping to educate our youth about the perils of under age drinking.  If we all redouble our efforts, we can save a lot of youthful and vibrant young people's lives.

     The short- and long-term consequences that arise from underage alcohol consumption are astonishing in their range and magnitude, the people around them, and society as a whole.   Adolescence is a time of life characterized by robust physical health and low incidence of disease, yet overall morbidity and mortality rates increase 200 percent between middle childhood and late adolescence/early adulthood   This dramatic rise is attributable in large part to the increase in risk-taking, sensation-seeking, and erratic behavior that follows the onset of puberty and which contributes to violence, unintentional injuries, risky sexual behavior, homicide, and suicide.

     Alcohol frequently plays a role in these adverse outcomes and the human tragedies they produce. Among the most prominent adverse consequences of underage alcohol use are those listed below.  Annually, about 5,000 people under age 21 die from alcohol-related injuries involving underage drinking.

     The most recent data from the government-led Monitoring the Future study shows “no significant changes” in alcohol consumption among teens in 2017 compared to the previous year.  The authors of the study wrote: “These are dramatic declines for such a culturally ingrained behavior and good news to many parents.”

Dr Sam Zakhari, senior vice president of science of the Distilled Spirits Council, said: “Key to further declines is educating parents and other adults about the seriousness of providing alcohol to teens.”

     The Distilled Spirits Council praised the distilled spirits sector’s role in combating underage drinking through programs such as the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility and support for the Federal Trade Commission’s We Don’t Serve Teens initiative.

Tonight Puts a Sunset on 2017

     Tonight puts 2017 to bed,  It has been a pretty strange year with all of the natural disasters nation wide.  For me it has been a great year with some strain on us from September until now trying to get things back together after the damage dome by Irma.  Things are getting back on track finally, and I'm looking forward to 2018 and hoping that it is a bit better.   I just want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year.

Still a Lot of Damage in the Middle Key s From Irma

Island off 7 Mile Bridge that Was Lush and Green

     Yesterday, I left Key West for the first time since Hurricane Irma.  I got a chance to see the massive amount of damage that Irma did in the rest of the Keys.  Key West has recovered for the most part from Irma, but the rest of the Keys haven't been Quite so lucky.

Big Pine Piles of Debris

     The area around Big Pine and Marathon are still recovering .  The sides of the roads are still covered with debris piled high in many places.   There are a number of places where the building of new buildings have been started.

Cabins Near Bahia Honda Being Repaired

     Because of the fast relatively, anyway repairs here in Key West I was a bit taken back by all of the remaining damage and debris that lay along side of the roads.  You can see a lot that has been done, but there is still a lot that hasn't been touched as well.

The Owner of a New Jersey Rum Distillery Burned in an Explosion at the Plant

     An explosion at the Island Beach Rum Distillery in Lacey Township, New Jersey this afternoon left Peter Martorelli , one of the owners with multiple burns to his body, Police Chief Michael C. DiBella said.   Peter Martorelli, suffered some first- and second-degree burns on his legs and was not severely injured the owner according to his wife and co-owner Tina Martorelli.

  The business was not destroyed and will be closed for a few weeks, Peter Martorelli said.  Tina Martorelli wrote, needless to say we will be closed until further notice.  Pete seems to be alright and I'll keep everyone updated as things proceed.   Martorelli who specializes in Caribbean style rum, was distilling at the time of the explosion.   "I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this trying time," he said. "We will be back and open as soon as we are able."   

     "Upon arrival, officers learned that a distillery within had exploded causing injury to the owner," the chief said. "The 38-year-old male from Forked River was conscious and alert, however sustained multiple burns to the lower half of his body. He was subsequently transported by Lacey EMS and MONOC paramedics to Saint  Barnabas Burn Center in Livingston, NJ."  The Forked River and Lanoka Harbor fire departments responded and extinguished the blaze.  The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and the Ocean County Sheriff's CSI Unit assisted in the investigation.  The Lacey Police Detective Bureau, along with the Ocean County Fire Marshal's Office are on the scene. The incident remains under investigation, according to the chief.

     Peter Martorelli was fortunate, but this emphasizes the reasons that Distilleries are so carefully regulated for safety.   When dealing with very flammable vapors like the ones that are a part of spirit distillation, you have to be extremely careful.  The fact that you can not see the flames of an alcohol fire making the issue even more dangerous.  This can happen at any still and if you haven't taken proper precautions, it could kill those around.

The Last Cocktail for 2017.

Here is the final cocktail for 2017, This year has produced a number of really fun and enjoyable cocktails and I hope that this one takes us out of a very rough year for so many of us with smiles on our faces.  Enjoy this one.

Bahama Bob's 2017 Winter Warmer

• 2 oz. Doorly’s XO
• ½ oz. Clove Honey Syrup
• Juice of ½ Lemon 
• 1 dash Ginger Bitters

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir to chill. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Honey Clove Syrup

• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup water
• 10 cloves

Place all ingredients into a pan on high heat and bring to a boil, then remove from heat and cool. Strain off cloves and keep refrigerated.

Poll Suggests the Number of Drinking Drivers Has Declining in the United States

     The number of people driving under the influence of alcohol in the US dropped in 2017, according to the results of a poll of more than 5,000 drivers.   The poll, conducted by The Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), found that the number of drink-drivers in 2017 was considerably lower than the previous year.  In 2016, the number of drivers who admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol was the highest ever collected from the survey, as was the number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities.   The results of the Anheuser-Busch sponsored study show that the number of fatalities as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol rose between 2014 and 2016, from 9,943 to 10,497.

     Dr Ward Vanlaar, chief operating officer of TIRF in Canada and a co-author of the study, said: "When asking US drivers why they drove when they thought they were over the legal alcohol limit, our data consistently revealed the number one answer is that they thought they were 'OK to drive'.   "Other top reasons include driving short distances, thinking they can drive carefully, and simply not thinking about it. In other words, a lack of appreciation of the dangers associated with this behavior."

     The poll also revealed a smaller percentage of drivers in 2017 thought they had no alternative to driving after drinking, indicating that drivers are using alternatives such as ride sharing apps and safe ride programs.   Vanlaar said: "While there is no perfect correlation between self-reported behavior and its consequences, our early warning system suggests there might be a decrease in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2017." 

Read More at https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2017/12/number-of-drink-drivers-declining-in-us-poll-suggests/

2017 Has Been a Great Year as Spirits Overtake Beer as Most Valuable Alcohol Category

      "In this modern, experience-driven on-premise environment, premiumization is evident in all categories, however no category highlights this more than spirits.”  "High-end" spirits now account for 55% of total spirits volume and 62% of dollar sales, a 3.2% increase from last year, bringing $807 million to the channel, according to Nielsen.   Ultra-Premium Spirits are growing at the fastest pace (+5% in dollar sales). Premium and ultra-premium rum, whisky and tequila have all added to the total spirits growth. In contrast, middle- and valued-priced spirits combined grew less than 1% in dollar sales in the period. 

     A similar trend is occurring in off-premise consumption where sales of spirits are registering good growth.   As more consumers shop and buy in different ways and in different places, discretionary categories like adult beverages have to work even harder to be as easily accessible and prominent in the newer channels and retailers where shoppers are shifting to.   Continued growth in spirits, the category has overtaken beer for the first time as the most valuable on-premise category."   Volume sales of beer struggled the most in the overall alcohol category with on-premise consumption taking the biggest dip over the same one-year period, with off-premise dollar sales of beer increased slightly for the past year.

  

   Wine has had a solid year of growth in both on-premise and off-premise channels.  France, New Zealand and Italy are the leading import countries, while Oregon is a top performer in domestic wine.  Wine is leading off-premise volume gains for at-home consumption. Red wine is also outperforming white in on-premise sales, but red blends have tumbled after several years of rapid growth in off-premise channels.

     The Nielsen figures cover US spending on alcohol in both the on- and off-trade setting between October 2016 and October 2017.  The report found that spirits were the ‘growth leader’ over that period, with sales increasing faster than wine and beer.   

Merry Christmas From Our Home to Yours

     

Merry Christmas to All 

and for all, the dream of

Peace on Earth

Merry Christmas Eve from the Tropics

     Christmas seems a little different this year as we are slowly recovering from the effects of Irma
and the recovery from her damage, but as we approach Christmas Eve and Day, people are climbing out of the lows and beginning to spread some Christmas cheer.

     I hope these holidays find you well and on the road to recovery from all of this years disasters of Hurricanes, Tornadoes and devastating fires.  Peace on earth and a hope for better times ahead.

8 Myths About Drinking That People Still Believe

     If you think a Lite beer has less alcohol, you believe one of the many myths about drinking.  The truth of the matter is that a standard drink has the same amount of alcohol whether it is light beer, wine or 80 proof spirits.  With the holiday season upon us, the parties, and family get-together's are in full swing. The party mood has taken hold, people tend to let their hair down and enjoy a few more drinks than normal.

     Having two glasses of wine is nothing to worry about, right? Many people believe men can have two drinks and women one and still be within the legal limit when they get behind the wheel of a car, it's much more complicated than that.  There are many myths surrounding alcohol consumption and drunk driving, you could be breaking the law without realizing it. 

     Rather than asking yourself how many drinks you can have before you go over the legal limit, rather ask yourself how many drinks you should have before your driving is affected?    The answer to that is none.   "The thought that you've taken or destroyed someone's life in a road crash could lead to psychological trauma even if you were within the legal limit".   "Your conscience may keep reminding you that the accident could have been prevented if you'd been 100 percent alert and capable of taking preventative measures."  Even though the “legal Limit ranges from .05 to .08 %/100 ml blood alcohol content these legal limits don’t take into consideration of how individuals will be able to handle their alcohol.

Here are the myths that are just not true, more like urban legends, they don’t exist.

1. Men can have two drinks and women one 

2. I had only one drink an hour

3. I drank beer, not hard liquor 

4. I'll be sober after a few hours of sleep

5. Coffee will sober me up

6. You can trick a breathalyser

7. I drive better if I've had one or two drinks

8. I'll just drive slower

     Here is how to have a good time and be safe, all you have to do is apply some of these things to be sure you don’t get into trouble if you have been drinking.

1. Appoint a designated driver

2. Use a public transportation like a bus, taxi service or Uber and Lyft

     Please have a really fun Holiday season with all the parties you can find.  The difference between going to parties and having fun and doing it safely is don’t drink and drive, it is really that simple.

The Cure for Cabin Fever

Hot Hawaiian Coffee Flavor without using any actual coffee,  Bahama Bob's Cabin Fever splashes together flavors a Hawaiian Koloa Coffee Rum with the with  Pilar Dark Rum  and Vanilla yielding this wonderful dark elixir that will warm you from your nose to your toes.   Served toddy style in a coffee mug, it’s topped with a cloud of whipped cream, lending this drink a silky texture with hints of a fine coffee house creation.

Bahama Bob’s Cabin Fever

• 1½ oz. Koloa Coffee Rum
• 1½ oz. Papa’s Pilar Dark Rum
• ½ oz. Le Sirop de Monin Vanilla
• Top with hot water

Place all ingredients in a mixing glass and stir, pour into a Coffee Mug and top up with hot water.  Garnish with fresh nutmeg and whipped Cream.

Vermont Rum Distillery Has Been Reportedly Forced to Close Due to an Issue a Name Change

     St Johnsbury Distillery, formerly known as Dunc’s Mill, was forced to shut down over its name change.  St Johnsbury Distillery, formerly known as Dunc’s Mill, was given a cease and desist order from the TTB, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau the federal agency that controls all distillery operations in the United States, last week.

     Owners Dan Hughes, Brendan Hughes and Brian Garvey, purchased the distillery from Duncan Holoday last month. As part of the deal, Holoday will continue in his role as master distiller for a year.   One of the new owners planned to move the distillery from Barnet to St Johnsbury in Vermont, hence the name change.  Dan Hughes, told the Caledonian Record, “We’ve been given a cease and desist order because we were under the impression that we could use and continue to operate under Duncan’s permits as long as we filed within a 30-day period from closing. Because of the name change, I guess that’s not true.”

     Skyler Genest, director of the compliance and enforcement division of the state Department of Liquor Control, says state licenses and federal permits are non-transferable.   Genest says the distillery can reopen once it gets authorization from the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.  

      The owners are awaiting approval from the TTB, before the cease and desist order can be lifted and they can reopen.   St Johnsbury Distillery produces four rums including Dunc’s Maple Rum, Dunc’s Elderflower Rum, Back Woods Reserve Rum and Vermont Rum.   Hughes calls the shutdown “devastating.” 

Musical Artists Trying to Ban Their Music for Karaoke

     Here is some news that really makes me mad, more than 100 artists are pushing for a ban on the use of their material for karaoke.  I guess that they don’t make enough for their effort and afraid that some bar singer might belt out a better version of their song.  It is a sorry day to see this happening.  It is my feeling that it is time to boycott the artists that that aren’t satisfied that they receive royalties for their works sung by karaoke singers even though they are not even a part of the performance.

     Karaoke singers have been banned by top stars like Abba and Adele and more than 100 bands and performers are no longer issuing new licenses for their music.   Don’t panic or anything, but your days of badly singing Hello and Dancing Queen at the top of your lungs during Karaoke could be over.   Adele, Abba, and Katy Perry tracks feature on a long list of bangers that have been banned from being performed on karaoke. We kid you not! No more Adele on Karaoke?  The London born star’s smash hit single Hello, Katy’s Roar and Abba’s classic Dancing Queen are sadly some of the legendary tunes that karaoke fans will be prohibited from belting out, as 100 bands and performers are no longer issuing new licenses for their music

     Bars and companies which re-create hits without the vocals are baffled by the move because it deprives the artists of royalties.  The ban already applies to online streaming services but will be extended to discs from January.  And future releases will no longer be available on any format.  Other artists on the list include the Bee Gees, Eurythmics, Katy Perry, Paul Weller and New Order.  He said: “We can’t understand why they’re doing it, it makes no sense.”  Jay Taylor, director of karaoke disc-maker Vocal-Star, said the move, which also affects home karaoke machines, will devastate the industry.     Rob Kempton of music rights consultancy Footprint Music said a variety of reasons could be behind the ban.  He said: “Artists might want to negotiate their own deal with karaoke companies, or it might be they don’t want songs overplayed and put people off.  "Maybe some just don’t like karaoke.”

Jamaica’s Long Pond Distillery Has Resumed Operation

Long Pond Distillery    Photo by Cocktail Wonk

      The Long Pond Distillery located in Clark's Town, Trelawny, Jamaica, resumed operations after being closed for four years.   Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Colin Gager said the reopening of the 264-year-old distillery is welcomed, and is important for the economic viability of the parish.  Mayor Gager was representing Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Karl Samuda at the official recommissioning ceremony on Wednesday.   He expressed the Government's support and commitment to the restart of operation at the distillery.

     The Long Pond Distillery which enjoyed a long and rich history dating back to 1753, has been closed since 2012 due to waste disposal issues.   Chief Executive Officer of National Rums of Jamaica, Winston Harrison said 22 residents from Clark's Town are now employed at the distillery and the company is currently of completing several orders for Europe, including for their long-standing customers in Germany.

     Harrison said the distillery is a historical landmark in Trelawny, producing rums for some of the finest and renowned brands worldwide over the past two-and-a-half centuries.  He said that during the four-year closure, the management of Long Pond worked with the authorities to ensure that the necessary practices and policies were put in place for the resumption of operations.  “As an organization, we have taken all the necessary steps to deal with the disposal of waste issue.  We now have the requisite approval to ensure that we can operate. Essentially, the world is breathing a sigh of relief, Long Pond Limited is back,” he said.  Andrew McBean, Process coordinator also expressed his pleasure at the reopening.  Noting that “good things will happen for Long Pond and the citizens in and around will benefit” from Long Pond’s reopening.

Siesta Key Spiced Rum Wins ‘Best Spiced Rum’ in Caribbean Journal’s Rum Awards 2017

     Drum Circle Distilling is going to need a spare room to show off all of the international awards Siesta Key Rums have won since it opened six years ago.   The latest of these is the Caribbean Journal’s Rum Awards 2017 where the won “Best Spiced Rum”.

     The judges’ comments made it very clear as to Troy Roberts’ mastery of this category. “Only one rum company has ever appeared on every Rum Awards since its inception.   Drum Circle Distilling, a Sarasota, Fla. craft distillery produces the best spiced rum on the planet,” the judges said. “It’s called Siesta Key Rum, and its recipe of authentic spices and honey makes for an almost impossibly delicious expression.”

     Congratulations to Troy Roberts and his crew for winning this award for the sixth year in a row.  My friend Troy Roberts is one of the masters of innovation when it comes to spiced and flavored rums.  His Toasted Coconut Rum is another example of his fine craftsmanship and innovative mind when it comes to rum making.

Our Home Has Been Put on the Hard

     Marta and I are Temporarily  on our camper for the next couple of months.  Sanity Too has been put on the hard for the next couple of months.  She is getting some needed services and her Irma damage repaired.   We are aboard Lil Sanity, our "camper" until the work is completed.

2017 Caribbean Journal Rum Awards

Rum Journal’s Rum Awards is now in its sixth year, having grown into one of the world’s most important and influential measures in the rum category.  And every year, the judging by the Rum Journal special panel of judges gets more difficult, as rum continues to grow both in diversity and quality.  The most striking advancement of late has been the rum world’s renewed focus on the art of barrel aging, from special finishes to long-term aging.  This year’s final judging, performed at the terrific Casa de Montecristo by Prime Cigar in Miami, was the product of a year’s worth of tasting and research that ultimately evaluated more than 200 rums from the Caribbean and around the world.

Rum of the Year: Angostura No. 1, Trinidad

The premium aged rum category gets almost exponentially more competitive each year, but this year an old favorite returned to take back the Rum Awards crown. Trinidad’s Angostura No. 1 series, which won Rum of the Year with its first edition back in 2014, simply wowed this year’s panel of judges.

Rhum Agricole of the Year: La Favorite Privilege 1999 Cuvee Andre Dormoy

 This magnificent expression is the result of a blend of 15 casks aged for at least 17 years at La Favorite’s cellars on the outskirts of Fort de France, Martinique. The rum, a production of just 3,500 bottles sealed with gold-colored wax, is a tribute to the last harvest of venerable rummaker Andre Dormoy, then patriarch of the family that owns La Favorite. It’s an elegant rum with notes of pepper, cacao, licorice and apricot, and the latest example of the overwhelming quality and thoughtfulness of La Favorite. The Agricole of the Year.

Best New Rum: Papa’s Pilar Sherry Finish 

Rum Journal has long been a fan of now Key West-based Papa’s Pilar Rum, thanks to a decidedly drinkable profile. But the newest expression of Papa’s Pilar takes an already great rum and turns it into something more, thanks to an extra 30 days of final finishing in French Limousin Oak sherry casks from Spain. The result? A rounder, even better balanced Pilar with a richer, sweeter edge.

Best New Rhum Agricole: Rhum Neisson Collection Armada Millesime 1991

 This is as ultra-premium as a rum can possibly get. The just-released, out-of-this-world Rhum Neisson is the most perfectly harmonious rum you will ever taste, a symphony of flavor notes all playing together. This 1991 vintage is the championship work of a legendary distillery.

Rum Company of the Year: Habitation Saint Etienne, Martinique

 Our new award for 2017 honors rum producers who are excelling in the field, whether by innovation, branding or pure quality. And Martinique’s HSE is doing so at all three, but with a particular skill in the art of barrel aging. No producer on the planet is looking at the science of barrels like HSE is, with a level of expertise and specificity that’s unmatched. It manifests itself in a broad range of world-class rums, from special-finish agricoles using sherry, port and even whisky casks and even advanced techniques in selective barrel charring. They’re at the forefront of what’s possible in rum, and it’s an exciting thing to see..

Best White Rum: John Watling’s Pale Rum, Bahamas 

 Finding a drinkable molasses-based white rum is never easy, but the Bahamas’ John Watling’s Distillery has turned out an excellent product with its two-year-old John Watling’s Pale Rum. While it’s just about drinkable neat, it’s great in a mojito or a daiquiri.

Best White Rhum Agricole: A1710 La Perle Rare B69-56 

This boutique rum distillery on the Atlantic coast of Martinique is producing some seriously intriguing expressions after launching last year. The latest? This organic white rhum agricole made from a single variety of “blue” sugarcane grown on a specific portion of the plantation. A fascinating, raw, authentic white rhum.

Best Gold Rum: Island Company Rum 

The Island Company has long been known for its Caribbean-style fashion. So when we read this fashion house was launching a rum, we were a bit skeptical. Consider us converted. This rum delivers the goods. The Trinidad-sourced rum is remarkably smooth for a mildly aged gold rum, with an exceptional drinkability, even neat. In other words, it’s the perfect rum enjoyed on an afternoon boat ride in a linen shirt.

Best Spiced Rum: Siesta Key 

Only one rum company has ever appeared on every Rum Awards since its inception: Drum Circle Distilling, a Sarasota, Fla. -based boutique distillery that, simply put, produces the best spiced rum on the planet. It’s called Siesta Key Rum, and its recipe of authentic spices and honey makes for an almost impossibly delicious expression.

Best Overproof Rum: Rivers Rum, Grenada 

Produced at the venerable River Antoine distillery that dates back to the late 18th century is a local favorite that lives up to the hype. Bottled at 69 percent ABV, it’s a robust but smooth expression — just don’t bring it with you on the plane.

Best Bottle Design:  Rhum JM Edition Limitee 

Martinique has long been at the forefront of bottle design in the rum world, but we simply love this year’s lush, rainforest-inspired bottle, a nod to the company’s home at the base of the Mont Pelee volcano. (There’s also a world-class white rhum inside).

Rum Bar of the Year: Rhum Room St Barth

 It’s the Caribbean’s newest rum bar, but it’s already right at the top of the pack. The new Rhum Room in Gustavia, St Barth, which had its soft opening this month, is already home to the single-largest rum inventory of any bar in the Caribbean, with more than 400 rums, and it’s just the beginning. Even better? Its not just about supply – this is a full-fledged speakeasy accessed through a kitchen door of the 25 Quarter bar. It doesn’t get any better.

Read More at https://www.caribjournal.com/2017/12/12/rum-journal-rum-awards-2017/?utm_source=Caribbean+Journal&utm_campaign=71632ac659-Caribbean+Journal&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ea4e1e4090-71632ac659-188868865