tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80512729919947170112024-03-16T11:52:57.429-07:00The Rum CollectiveThe Rum CollectiveNickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-63706325710395975352016-09-07T08:03:00.000-07:002016-11-28T04:24:17.323-08:00Seattle Rum Drops: Tacoma Cabana's Sea Quest Of The Unknown Hippocampus<div><a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/">Home</a> >> Seattle Rum Drops: Tacoma Cabana's Sea Quest Of The Unknown Hippocampus</div>
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Sea Quest Of The Unknown Hippocampus</div>
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Tacoma Cabana</div>
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The morning chill is present and rain falls from the sky; but one must recall, Summer doesn't officially end for another two weeks. A double check of the calendar confirms it is still September and despite recent memories of warmth, the sun has forgotten to shine here in the Northwest. No problem, as they say in Jamaica, for another sort of tropical heat is now being served at our favorite local Tiki spot, <a href="http://tacomacabana.com/">Tacoma Cabana</a>. Their newest menu cocktail, <i>Sea Quest Of The Unknown Hippocampus</i>, has the contrasting ability to both unearth pleasant memories and subdue any unwanted ones. Its curious name has meaning, but let's just call it 'Sea Quest' for short, a more palatable title for the short term memory. Jason Alexander, co-owner and its creator, tells us the recipe was serendipitous. The first rift of ingredients used needed no further modifications. As he makes our <i>Sea Quest</i>, he mentions how a recent radio show discussed the hippocampus, notable for its role in memory. Jason recounted it was Latin for seahorse - the upper body of a horse and the lower body of a fish. Hence the fitting Tiki mug and brilliant name. Awesome! If you have tasted the memorable <a href="http://www.damoiseaurhum.com/">Rhum</a><a href="http://www.damoiseaurhum.com/"> </a><a href="http://www.damoiseaurhum.com/">Damoiseau</a><a href="http://www.damoiseaurhum.com/"> 110 proof</a> or <a href="http://hampdenrumcompany.com/products.html">Rum Fire</a> (126 proof), then you know to expect a incredibly aromatic and flavorful split base. Properly balanced and telling, one sip of <i>Sea Quest</i> unveils a flavor load driven by the Jamaican thoroughbred Rum Fire and illuminated by the charms of the Guadeloupe Sun-filled Rhum Damoiseau 110 proof. Genepy's floral and herbal notes compliment the agricole while rounding out the elemental sweet, citrus and spice blend. During Martin & Rebecca Cate's recent visit to launch their amazing new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Smugglers-Cove-Exotic-Cocktails-Cult/dp/1607747324/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473257111&sr=8-1&keywords=smugglers+cove+book"><i>Smuggler's Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum and the Cult of Tiki</i></a><i>, </i>the following accolade came after tasting the <i>Sea Quest.</i><br />
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"Delicious!"</div>
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<i>Rebecca</i><i> Cate, Smuggler's Cove</i></div>
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Sea Quest Of The Unknown Hippocampus</div>
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Tacoma Cabana</div>
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<b>Sea Quest Of The Unknown </b><b>Hippocampus</b></div>
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<i>by Jason Alexander</i></div>
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.75oz Rum Fire</div>
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.75oz Rhum Damoiseau 110 proof</div>
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1oz Don's Mix</div>
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.5oz Dolin Genepy des Alpes</div>
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.25oz Orgeat (house made)</div>
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.75oz lemon juice</div>
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It's on the menu, so head down to Tacoma Cabana and order a drink to remember. It might, no, it should become one of the timeless Tiki drink on bars across the USA and beyond. </div>
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Cheers!</div>
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<br /></div>Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-67511738548212792812016-08-17T13:19:00.003-07:002016-11-24T22:53:46.982-08:00Five of the Hottest Tiki Haunts from Seattle to Tacoma and A Chance to Win $250!<div><a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/">Home</a> >> Five of the Hottest Tiki Haunts from Seattle to Tacoma and A Chance to Win $250!</div>
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<i>Sea Quest of the Unknown Hippocampus</i> </div>
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by Jason Alexander, <a href="http://www.tacomacabana.com/">Tacoma Cabana</a></div>
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Ready or not, the Tiki scene is taking hold of the Northwest. Yeah, it's a thing; but knowing where and when to get your Polynesian-themed, rum fueled celebration on is important. Authentic Tiki drinks are thoughtful and delicious, best enjoyed with friends and thankfully, are now within arm's reach at select bars. Here's our list of the best spots to visit from Sea-town to T-town. Salud!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.tacomacabana.com/">Tacoma Cabana</a> Wed.-Sat. 5pm-12am<br />
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<a href="http://rumbaonpike.com/">Rumba</a> Wednesdays 5pm-1am<br />
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<a href="http://www.robroyseattle.com/">Rob Roy</a> Mondays 4pm-2am<br />
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<a href="http://essexbarseattle.com/">Essex</a> Tuesdays 5pm-10pm<br />
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<a href="http://www.dillerroom.com/">The Diller Room</a> Fri.-Tue. 2pm-2am<br />
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Tiki drinks, like <i>Sea Quest of the Unknown Hippocampus</i> (above photo) feat. <a href="http://www.damoiseaurhum.com/">Rhum Damoiseau 110proof</a> and <a href="http://www.hampdenrumcompany.com/products.html">Rum Fire Jamaican Overproof Rum</a>, will impress, but what about learning of cool new apps and winning some extra cash. Because, well, properly made Tiki drinks aren't cheap, right?!<br />
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Great News!!<br />
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In celebration of the launch of <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nightowl-find-bars-clubs-lounges/id937815391?mt=8">NightOwl 3.0</a>, Nicholas Feris, founder of The Rum Collective, has teamed up with an incredible roster of bloggers and nightlife luminaries that you'll want to know and follow. Be sure to visit and follow their sites:</div>
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John Romard of <a href="http://www.thebostonattitude.com/">TheBostonAttitude.com</a></div>
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Dara Pollak of <a href="http://www.theskinnypignyc.com/">TheSkinnyPig.com</a></div>
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Jess of <a href="http://www.jesshagadorn.com/">JessHagadorn.com</a> & <a href="http://www.youngwinosofdc.com/">YoungWinosofDC.com</a></div>
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Ryan Shea of <a href="http://www.manhattandigest.com/">ManhattanDigest.com</a></div>
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Terry of <a href="http://seductionmeals.com/">SeductionMeals.com</a></div>
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G-LO of <a href="https://boozedancing.com/">ItsJustTheBoozeDancing.com</a></div>
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Selena of <a href="https://thedizzyfizz.wordpress.com/">TheDizzyFizz.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://bellanyc.com/">Bella Magazine</a></div>
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Tara of <a href="https://thirstymag.com/">ThirstyNYC</a><br />
Jane of <a href="http://atasteofkoko.com/">ATasteofKoKo.com</a></div>
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AND WHAT ABOUT THE $250 YOU ASK?? </div>
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Just go to the entry links below. Each time you take an action listed - following a blogger, downloading the app, signing up for a newsletter - you'll get additional entries, increasing your chances of winning</div>
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<a class="e-widget generic-loader no-button" href="https://gleam.io/oOtFl/nightowl-august-giveaway" rel="nofollow">NightOwl August Giveaway</a></div>
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<script async="true" src="https://js.gleam.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
Rules: You must be a US resident and 21 years and older</div>
</div>Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-19702180212895510752016-06-27T20:56:00.001-07:002016-06-28T06:46:51.057-07:00Seattle Rumdrops: Rumba's Hot Mess Swizzle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Summer is officially here, but given Seattle's recent weather, the forecast calls for more Rum. If you're local, you know it's Junuary, and that means an unpredictable mixture of rain, clouds or Sun-filled skies with temperature ranges wide enough to give your mother's hot flashes a run for their money. Have no fear Seattleites, there is relief! <a href="http://rumbaonpike.com/">Rumba</a> offers up awesome under the umbrella of their new drink menu featuring a most fittingly named cocktail: Hot Mess Swizzle.</div>
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Stopping in to see Kate Perry, General Manager of <a href="http://rumbaonpike.com/">Rumba</a>, always brightens the day. However, being introduced to the Hot Mess Swizzle felt more like a daydream on the isle of Jamaica. Kate tells me Jim Romdall (no introduction needed here!) had been fine tuning this new menu drink in light of <a href="http://www.hampdenrumcompany.com/products.html">Rum Fire's</a> recent <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2016/02/rum-fire-arrives-in-washington-state.html">WA State launch</a>. Pop! Kate cracks open a new bottle of Rum Fire...ahh, the unmistakable funk of 100% Jamaican Pot Still Rum, well-endowed with esters, fills the air. If you've had the pleasure, then you know. But what of this Hot Mess? It's bright and mature, yet poorly mannered; charmingly attractive in its display, but get too close to the fire, or ice in this case and you'll get, well just what you ordered - fun! Literally, a cocktail temptress of sorts you cannot ignore. The tall glass is frosted, with crushed ice spilling out over its edges. No need for napkins with this one. Its more than less bothered looking presentation is what it is, but the character of what's inside will keep you in trance. I embrace the chilled vessel from which herbal aromas of mint and <a href="http://www.sazerac.com/cocktail.aspx">Peychaud's Bitters</a> create a lucid atmosphere below my nose. Before I place my lips around the straw, I pause at the snow-cone like appearance and can't help but cool off by slipping my tongue into the ice for a quickie with the bitters. Sorry, not sorry! <br />
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Now, it's well known, big flavor Jamaican rums go great with banana, and <a href="http://www.giffardusa.com/our-liqueurs#BANANE-DU-BRÉSIL">Giffard's Banane du Brésil</a> is arguably the top shelf pick for this flavor enhancer. My thirst was building and it was time for the main event. Suddenly, the mint sprig came off and fell to the floor. The sign, right?! The first sip is refreshing, beaming with hogo flavor and quality. The fresh lime juice and <a href="http://kinatonic.com/the-tonic/">Bradley's Kina Tonic</a> gives it balance and seems to cool the rather heated <a href="http://www.hampdenrumcompany.com/products.html">Rum Fire</a> and banana combination down a notch while adding a touch of complexity. I forget about the weather outside and recall Tarrus Riley's hit <i><a href="https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=cool+me+down&view=detail&mid=C4D2F1F576F0499BB2DFC4D2F1F576F0499BB2DF&FORM=VIRE">Cool Me Down</a></i> as I start feeling the effect from the potent 126 proof <a href="http://www.hampdenrumcompany.com/products.html">Rum Fire</a>. Impressive drink, but just to be sure, I order one more. Oh yeah!! I'm convinced, Summer in Seattle just got better with this one; but then I begin to wonder, was Jim really thinking about the weather or not...??<br />
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<b>Hot Mess Swizzle</b></div>
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<i>by Jim Romdall</i></div>
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1oz Rum Fire</div>
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.5oz Giffard Banane du Bresil</div>
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.75oz Lime Juice (fresh pressed)</div>
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.5oz Bradley's Kina Tonic</div>
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Swizzle</div>
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Crushed ice</div>
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Peychaud's Bitters on top</div>
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Mint sprig garnish</div>
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Go to Rumba, get yours, ask Jim and enjoy! <br />
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Swizzle Fo' Shizzle!!!!</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-56042414946801743372016-02-18T22:16:00.000-08:002016-02-18T22:18:07.634-08:00Denizen Rum Arrives in Washington State<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Denizen Aged White & Merchant's Reserve Rums</div>
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Leavenworth, WA</div>
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It's true, <a href="http://denizenrum.com/">Denizen Rums</a> are now stateside, Washington State side that is and it's about time. These two lovely blends of the <a href="http://www.rum.nl/">E&A Scheer</a> are an answer to a time past, but not lost and most definitely not forgotten. In fact, after tasting them, you might likely begin to question any previous ideas of using (or making) overly distilled rums, which have very little to no detectable flavor or that lack substance, well, like vodka. Sorry, not sorry! Each of Denizen's expressions are thoughtfully created for the purpose of mixing without losing the essence of the rum's character. The <a href="http://denizenrum.com/denizen-aged-white-rum/">Aged White Rum</a> consists of a blend of both aged and un-aged Trinidadian rums married with a small portion of high-ester Jamaican rums. Pot still with contrast, bingo! Almost sounds like medical speak, but rest assured, it's highly therapeutic. That's right rum lovers, they are freeing the funk out of it, literally! The <a href="http://denizenrum.com/denizen-merchants-reserve/">Merchant's Reserve</a> is the marriage of aged and un-aged Jamaican Rums with Rhum Grand Arôme from Martinique. This rum blend is a living reincarnation of the blend that Trader Vic Bergeron used to make his "second adjusted Mai-Tai"; a true homage to another blend and blender. So cool, not to mention tasty! A slow clap for the rum's founder, Nicholas Pelis of Citizen Spirits. Now, thanks to <a href="http://www.anwdistributors.com/">American Northwest</a>, these two amazing rums are being distributed here!<br />
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Join us for <a href="http://denizenrum.com/">Denizen's</a> Official Washington State Launch Party Events!</div>
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<a href="http://www.tacomacabana.com/"><span style="color: #be7c43;">Tacoma Cabana</span></a></div>
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Saturday, Feb. 20th 7-10pm</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/583265945154487/"><span style="color: #be7c43;">Details here</span></a>: https://www.facebook.com/events/583265945154487/</div>
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<a href="http://rumbaonpike.com/"><span style="color: #be7c43;">Rumba</span></a></div>
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Sunday, Feb. 21st 7-10pm</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1057873457592502/"><span style="color: #be7c43;">Details here</span></a>: https://www.facebook.com/events/1057873457592502/</div>
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<a href="http://www.libertybars.com/"><span style="color: #be7c43;">Liberty</span></a></div>
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Monday, Feb. 22nd 7-10pm</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1707124489532547/"><span style="color: #be7c43;">Details here</span></a>: https://www.facebook.com/events/1707124489532547/</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-47944970971314065422016-02-14T23:32:00.001-08:002016-02-15T08:57:32.688-08:00Rum Fire Arrives in Washington State<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Rum Fire at Liberty</div>
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Drink by Andrew Friedman</div>
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Rum is not dead. In fact, it's just starting to catch fire, particularly in Washington State. A new arrival has just hit the market with much to do; it's called <a href="http://www.hampdenrumcompany.com/products.html">Rum Fire</a>. Those of you who like that funky, hogo character in their rum are in for a treat. Straight out of Trelawny, Jamaica, in the Overproof (63% ABV) category, this rum, like its label, does not lie. No, we aren't talking flavorless, neutral, 151 proof formulations here folks, we are talking about mouth full of flavor, Jamaican pot still rum. Oh hell yeah! <a href="http://www.appletonestate.com/">J. Wray and Nephew Rum</a> might have been your go to workhorse up until now, but, let's not get confused, <a href="http://www.hampdenrumcompany.com/products.html">Rum Fire</a> is a thoroughbred. Well-endowed in all the right areas, <a href="http://www.hampdenrumcompany.com/products.html">Rum Fire</a> will improve your Tiki game, move your mixed drinks and simply take your breath away. Plus, a little goes a long way, so there is good value as well. For more information, take a look at our <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2012/01/past-and-present-tour-of-hampden-estate.html">article</a> recounting the historic Hampden Estate several years back to learn a bit more about how <a href="http://www.hampdenrumcompany.com/products.html">Rum Fire</a> is made.<br />
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Not surprisingly, this rum is already making a statement. Andrew Friedman, owner of <a href="http://www.libertybars.com/">Liberty</a>, one of the long-time respected cocktail bars in Seattle, has reported it to be one of the two rums used in their new 'house blend' well rum. In a recent post, Andrew writes: <br />
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"Next trend! House blends!"<br />
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Our new <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/houseblend">#HouseBlend</a> well rum? 5 parts <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-silver/">@Ron_Cartavio silver</a>/one part <a href="http://www.hampdenrumcompany.com/products.html">Rum Fire</a>. <br />
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Guaranteed better <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/daiquiri">#daiquiri</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgDbuMr_FQD357oR_gZJQey8m41TNjbI4ueigfF9yXVFUm9CoJxbE1YUNzE4q32Apk6FZDb7I6-2TmpNJGx7j6HM3CRGx02c-BZqhUv9dZTkS2o_IUAGvxcuaiVIIIuKbN9GgrkRh4oA/s1600/12670043_1071975526178126_8211101896704311329_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgDbuMr_FQD357oR_gZJQey8m41TNjbI4ueigfF9yXVFUm9CoJxbE1YUNzE4q32Apk6FZDb7I6-2TmpNJGx7j6HM3CRGx02c-BZqhUv9dZTkS2o_IUAGvxcuaiVIIIuKbN9GgrkRh4oA/s400/12670043_1071975526178126_8211101896704311329_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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Rum Fire & Ron Cartavio Silver</div>
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photo credit: Andrew Friedman, Liberty</div>
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Agreed!</div>
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Similarly, <a href="http://mojitoseattle.com/">Mojito Restaurant</a>, who recently launched their new cocktail menu, has made their decision as well. One of their new drinks is titled, TNT aka "Trelawny 'n' Ting" and it's dynamite alright. Luam Wersom, co-owner of <a href="http://mojitoseattle.com/">Mojito</a>, remarks, "this...oh man, this is my type of drink!". I doubt many will disagree either, just take a look, or even better, go have a drink!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhVmEaPZ1QM876KnCLZedDGZtGyDZz-Ke2QIHwyERefnKhR3JMEy5teIHilZ7IlXU1qFxPgzhE-gGPQJUgRMv9y6_UJIGUW7LCnbLif4KyaaRD-J6MrsxiKNy-2PFIiOsa3jDNYt4QCo/s1600/12715768_1016822591722594_8161553709220982644_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhVmEaPZ1QM876KnCLZedDGZtGyDZz-Ke2QIHwyERefnKhR3JMEy5teIHilZ7IlXU1qFxPgzhE-gGPQJUgRMv9y6_UJIGUW7LCnbLif4KyaaRD-J6MrsxiKNy-2PFIiOsa3jDNYt4QCo/s400/12715768_1016822591722594_8161553709220982644_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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TNT "Trewlany 'n' Ting"</div>
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Mojito Restaurant</div>
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<a href="http://hampdenrumcompany.com/products.html">Rum Fire</a> (like<a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-silver/"> Ron Cartavio Silver</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ting_(soft_drink)">Ting</a>) is being distributed by <a href="http://www.anwdistributors.com/">American Northwest</a>. You will soon find this Rum at retail liquor stores like <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/qfc-seattle-29?osq=U+Village+Liquor+Store">QFC University Village</a>, <a href="https://madwine.com/">Esquin</a>, <a href="http://www.westseattleliquor.com/">Capco</a>, <a href="http://www.bevmo.com/">Bevmo</a><span id="goog_914139717"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_914139718"></span> and <a href="http://www.totalwine.com/">Total Wine</a> among others. And if you don't see it at you local liquor store (or bar), that means something's not right. So, ask them to order the <a href="http://www.hampdenrumcompany.com/products.html">Rum Fire</a> and get your party started!<br />
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Join us for Rum Fire's Official Washington State Launch Party Events!</div>
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<a href="http://www.tacomacabana.com/">Tacoma Cabana</a></div>
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Saturday, Feb. 20th 7-10pm</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/583265945154487/">Details here</a>: https://www.facebook.com/events/583265945154487/</div>
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<a href="http://rumbaonpike.com/">Rumba</a></div>
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Sunday, Feb. 21st 7-10pm</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1057873457592502/">Details here</a>: https://www.facebook.com/events/1057873457592502/</div>
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<a href="http://www.libertybars.com/">Liberty</a></div>
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Monday, Feb. 22nd 7-10pm</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1707124489532547/">Details here</a>: https://www.facebook.com/events/1707124489532547/</div>
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Cheers!!</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com222tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-34513484500362205062016-02-09T08:09:00.001-08:002016-02-09T08:47:24.612-08:00Dictador Rums: From Colombia with Love...and Gin? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting Event at Liberty</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.dictador.com/">Dictador</a> is not your typical rum from Colombia, nor was this meeting typical for <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/">The Rum Collective</a>. Several weeks after we explored a full line of <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2016/01/ron-cartavio-recap-of-official-wa-state.html">rums</a> from Peru, we continued this South American tour into Colombia. Now, Colombia is well-known for many of its quality exports, but rum, and definitely gin, are not among them. So, what was so different, you ask? Instead of a full range of rums, from unaged to aged expressions, we tasted only well-aged, mature rums and a pair of gins. Yes, you read it right, GIN! But, but...this is a purely rum focused society, isn't it? True, but these <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-gin.html">Colombian Gins</a> are not only made from sugar cane honey (reduced sugar cane juice), but they are both aged, one of which is done in rum casks. So, technically, they're related to rum and quite interesting to contrast in this context. Intriguing, eh? Let's move on then. Here is a brand that didn't want to produce just another Colombian Rum; they wanted to change the way you think about Rums from Colombia. Their rums seem to transcend tradition without losing any of its class; from how it's made to how it's marketed. First, and most importantly, Dictador Rums are not government run or produced. I'm not going to mention names, but quite a few rums from this country are. Second, take a look at the photo (above), their bottles are visually attractive on the shelf. They could have simply used a plain-Jane transparent bottle and a paper label, but they didn't. They used a squat, tapered neck bottle and added a bold, black polymer coating from Japan giving it a hint of technology and style, not to mention a better grip for pouring. Its black, matte finish concealing the contents within is no nonsense and grabs your attention prompting the question, "I wonder what is inside?" Their age statements highlighted in color are distinguished. Seriously, before you pop the cork, rum lovers might as well admit crushing on their package (no pun intended, funny though:). The compliments paid to the bottles at our meeting were of that tone. But, let's get serious, it's what inside that counts, right? <br />
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The meeting started and one of <a href="http://www.libertybars.com/">Liberty's</a> rather quiet and humble bartenders, Andrew Dalan, brought out the greeting cocktail he created for this meeting. Now, if you have had a few of his inspirational cocktails before, there wasn't any surprise, he nailed it. Here's a look at his cocktail presentation and its recipe (see photo below).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW92IBmdFvLECbhN656dh5ZmlVXm0oF5yuHiklrx4RHabRseqgPrtYHazw0bm8T_0tBS3KYzu9hoYLKQKpQislVera_Bd3F1kZE8hujsODyETk75HWFy8X0robvel8G1gNem7PuqnfAM0/s1600/image2+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW92IBmdFvLECbhN656dh5ZmlVXm0oF5yuHiklrx4RHabRseqgPrtYHazw0bm8T_0tBS3KYzu9hoYLKQKpQislVera_Bd3F1kZE8hujsODyETk75HWFy8X0robvel8G1gNem7PuqnfAM0/s400/image2+%25282%2529.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
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Fitzcarraldo</div>
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by Andrew Dalan</div>
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1.5oz <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-gin/premium-colombian-aged-gin-treasure.html">Treasure - Colombian Aged Gin</a></div>
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1oz Grapefruit juice</div>
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.5oz Honey</div>
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.25oz Raspberry Liqueur</div>
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4 Dashes <a href="http://www.angosturabitters.com/">Angostura Bitters</a></div>
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Shaken and served up, orange peel garnish</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE1grR3IVPChOUssZ-1c6L0Q-M74RLRF1Q4sLD3Z1CGYLeEbz7Wq0yntDFYKLHuOwhfHLU7osYBrPAsK26NG3fmf7IyXjZ2h1gDKPbbEB85M1QN71T8FbeqHfcu0fLJcnp8uecKHBuHk/s1600/image1+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE1grR3IVPChOUssZ-1c6L0Q-M74RLRF1Q4sLD3Z1CGYLeEbz7Wq0yntDFYKLHuOwhfHLU7osYBrPAsK26NG3fmf7IyXjZ2h1gDKPbbEB85M1QN71T8FbeqHfcu0fLJcnp8uecKHBuHk/s400/image1+%25286%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our tasting began with the gins. The <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-gin/premium-colombian-aged-gin-ortodoxy.html">Ortodoxy - Colombian Aged Gin</a> (white bottle) is bright, with only a select few dominant aromas and flavors, notably, Juniper and mint. Of interest, it is made from fermented sugar cane honey, which is then five times distilled, extracting its fruits, spices and botanicals during the last distillation before ageing 6 months in oak casks. Its more aged sibling, <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-gin/premium-colombian-aged-gin-treasure.html">Treasure - Colombian Aged Gin</a> (black bottle), is rounded, more mellow in its bouquet possessing a gentle sweetness in its balanced aromas. It reveals a soft lemon zest and orange peel amidst hints of vanilla. It ages for roughly 35 weeks in previously filled <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums.html">Dictador Rum</a> barrels and its medium bodied mouth feel is appreciated neat. Remember, we are talking about Caribbean ageing, where spirits age 2-3 times faster than that of temperate weathered England. While many of the guests were enjoying the <span id="goog_70226859"></span><a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-gin/premium-colombian-aged-gin-treasure.html">Treasure<span id="goog_70226860"></span></a>, both in and out of the cocktail, other rum lovers commented on how they just found their go-to Gin for their next Caribbean Gin & Tonic!</div>
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Now, onward to the Rum!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTVuQ-IiHodIW2_yOdYXtci9M0fDCbrHaTb8etDvDTAIb3rVvP-SMzcJGGk9RVCGwSiOHfuaKGsyUfJzPkavXtDjZWk2poA5ZTLw93RGANw0wB2K-Qc4Nep7z8fb10kYFm-9Ed3smEZs/s1600/image4+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTVuQ-IiHodIW2_yOdYXtci9M0fDCbrHaTb8etDvDTAIb3rVvP-SMzcJGGk9RVCGwSiOHfuaKGsyUfJzPkavXtDjZWk2poA5ZTLw93RGANw0wB2K-Qc4Nep7z8fb10kYFm-9Ed3smEZs/s400/image4+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The transition from tasting Gins to their Rums required only an open mind and some hand-to-mouth that was found most enjoyable, particularly when starting off with their <span id="goog_70226871"></span><a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums/dictador-12-years-solera-system-rum.html">12 year old Rum<span id="goog_70226872"></span></a>. First, a discussion of <a href="http://www.dictador.com/home.html">Dictador's</a> history and brief orientation about their rum making process was due. <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums.html">Dictador Rums</a> are made at Distilleria Colombiana, located off the Caribbean coast of Colombia in the city of Cartagena de Indias. The distillery was founded by Don Julio Arango y Parra in 1913, when Colombia was known only as Nueva Granada. Legend has it, Don Julio Arango y Parra was the 3rd generation descendant of Severo Arango de Ferro, who emigrated from Spain in 1751 and became well known for making Cartagena the most important trading post for the Spanish Armada. Severo's duty there was to "increase trade" or in other words, improve tax collection, between Nueva Granada and the mainland. His reputation grew as did his power, which aptly landed him the name, Dictador. This nickname became branded and still remains today. </div>
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As the excitement to taste the rums grew, we paused to experience <a href="http://www.dictador.com/home.html">Dictador</a> on screen. </div>
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We tasted through the first two expressions and a few notes were taken... </div>
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The <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums/dictador-12-years-solera-system-rum.html">12yr</a>, a blend of alembic pot and column distilled rums aged 8-14yr, offered up a pronounced honey like sweetness amidst balanced aromas of roasted almonds, toffee and marzipan. In contrast, the <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums/dictador-20-years-solera-system-rum.html">20yr</a> was chock-full of raisins, vanilla bean, currants, cherry tobacco, oiled leather and aged port under the nose. Both expressions had a silky, medium bodied mouth feel, however the finish on the <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums/dictador-20-years-solera-system-rum.html">20yr</a> (blend of rums aged 14-24yr) was notably more extended as one would expect. These two rums have a certain elegance; sipping like a fine brandy, no doubt. </div>
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<a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums.html">Dictador Rums</a> are made from sugar cane honey that is pressed from cane grown in the area's surrounding fields. Use of sugar cane honey is relatively unique, so why not molasses? In Colombia, molasses is earmarked by the government for biofuel making it economically undesirable with practical challenges. They employ an alembic copper pot still and a column still to distill their <span id="goog_70226881"></span><a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums.html">12yr and 20yr Solera System Rums<span id="goog_70226882"></span></a>. Their rums are aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry oak barrels in a solera system, as Spanish sherry has been done traditionally in Jerez for years and are then blended by their master blender, Hernan Parra Arango.</div>
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The final two samples we tasted began with the <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums/dictador-xo-insolent-solera-system-rum.html">XO Insolent</a> and finished with the <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums/dictador-xo-perpetual-solera-system-rum.html">XO Perpetual</a>, both distilled using only alembic pot still. Rums aged up to 25yrs were selected from their finest barrels including ex-bourbon casks and ex-sherry barrels. </div>
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Although both XO expressions did not have the forthcoming bouquets as the younger expressions, the <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums/dictador-xo-insolent-solera-system-rum.html">XO Insolent</a> presented subtle aromas of sweet coffee cake, dark chocolate beneath oak-driven vanilla nougat and caramelized honey over marshmallows. The <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums/dictador-xo-perpetual-solera-system-rum.html">XO Perpetual</a> was overall more on the earthy side with notes of moist tobacco leaves, new leather, charred oak, dark cacao, vanilla nougat. The silky smooth mouth feel was present in both, however the finish of the <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums/dictador-xo-perpetual-solera-system-rum.html">XO Perpetual</a> was less drying and more pronounced in duration than the <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums/dictador-xo-insolent-solera-system-rum.html">XO Insolent</a>. These Rums would do well in cigar pairings, and despite attempts, <a href="http://www.dictador.com/cigars.html">Dictador's Cigars</a> were not yet available in Washington during our meeting. It is worth noting that each of Dictador's rums are distinctly different from one another and may be tasted individually or in another order just as well. Overall, our small sample of refined palates were partial towards the <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums/dictador-xo-perpetual-solera-system-rum.html">XO Perpetual</a>. However, both XO expressions are complex and well worth another visit to further explore their unique attributes.</blockquote>
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Andrew Dalan's closing cocktail was served just after we finished tasting our final expression. With his reported idea of a Cuba Libre, reconstructed for better (or worse, as they are very drinkable!), this cocktail far exceeded any idea of just 'free'. It's simple, classic presentation, yet rich flavors embodied living life in style, refined and sexy. Dictador style!!<br />
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The Rum Gods bless you Andrew Dalan for this thoughtful gem of a cocktail!<br />
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Cartagena Libre</div>
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by Andrew Dalan</div>
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1.5oz <a href="http://www.dictador.com/dictador-rums/dictador-12-years-solera-system-rum.html">Dictador 12yr Rum</a></div>
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.5oz <a href="http://pernod-ricard.com/218/brands/see-all-brands/local-brands/amaro-ramazzotti">Amaro Ramazzotti</a></div>
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4 Dashes <a href="http://www.angosturabitters.com/">Angostura Bitters</a></div>
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We sipped our Cartagena Libre while the next <a href="http://www.dictador.com/home.html">Dictador </a>video began...<br />
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The end. </div>
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But if you fancy more, there are a few additional videos on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a> </div>
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A big thank you to Andrew Friedman (owner of <a href="http://www.libertybars.com/">Liberty</a>) for his generosity and continued support of <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/">The Rum Collective</a>!</div>
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A round of applause to Andrew Dalan for a pair of rum-tastic cocktails!</div>
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Cheers to <a href="http://www.dictador.com/">Dictador Rum</a> for their support and to <a href="http://www.anwdistributors.com/">American Northwest</a> for making this remarkable brand available to rum-lovers throughout Washington State.</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-7445093568684698932016-01-31T21:11:00.002-08:002016-01-31T21:19:59.866-08:00Ron Cartavio: A Recap of the Official WA State Launch Party & Afterparty Events<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The series of <a href="http://roncartavio.com/">Ron Cartavio</a> official launch party events began at <a href="http://www.libertybars.com/">Liberty</a> in a similar style as many of our meetings. Rum-loving individuals slowly found their way to the back room and seating became scarce thereafter. This meeting marked <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/">The Rum Collective's</a> second "official" rum launch of the year in Washington State; however in this case, there was a whole line of interesting rums, instead of a single <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/847116388684710/">expression</a>. Rum from Peru, you say? Known more for its pisco and wine, rum didn't register yet as one of Peru's many fine crafts. Not surprisingly, guests left with a new perspective. This new view hastened by the refreshing greeting cocktail created exclusively for our meeting by one of <a href="http://www.libertybars.com/">Liberty's</a> (and Seattle's) more than talented rum-oriented bartenders, Megan Radke.<span id="goog_1044075975"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1044075976"></span><br />
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Delicious!</div>
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<b>Greeting Cocktail</b></div>
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by Megan Radke</div>
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2oz <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-silver/">Ron Cartavio Silver</a></div>
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.5oz Orgeat (<a href="http://www.giffardusa.com/">Giffard</a>)</div>
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.5oz Grapefruit juice</div>
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.5oz Lemon juice</div>
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.75oz Apricot Liqueur (<a href="http://www.giffardusa.com/">Giffard</a>)</div>
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<a href="http://roncartavio.com/">Ron Cartavio's</a> history surfaced as guests sipped their cocktail, looking over the five expressions in snifters set before them. This rum brand, although relatively new to <span id="goog_81739342"></span>Washington State (see our article from the WSCLB days <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2011/12/rum-at-wslcb-final-harvest.html">here</a>), is not new at all. In fact, it has been being produced commercially in Peru since April 29, 1929. The use of the term <i>Rum</i> is a bit more stringent in Peru. Fresh distillate or <i>aguardiente</i>, must be aged at least 1 year in a oak cask before it can be called <i>Rum. </i>This rum bears the name of el Capitan Español Don Domingo Cartavio, who acquired the land in 1675. Sugar cane began being harvested for refined sugar on the land shortly thereafter. This fertile area became known as the Chicama Valley named after the river running through it, located just south of the Ecuador border. Our meeting's discussion detailed everything from the brand's year-round harvesting of their sugar cane and scale of molasses production to their continuous fermentation and wood management program, including a most diverse portfolio of wooden casks for ageing. In conjunction with a slide show, guests got an inside look at their rum making process. To see a few of the photos from the distillery or more in-depth quality rum reviews, take a look at <a href="http://www.rumgallery.com/travel--life/distillery-tours/cartavio---peru/">Rum Gallery</a>. All of <a href="http://roncartavio.com/">Ron Cartavio's</a> sugar cane and the molasses, which they now use for their rums, is 100% Peruvian. That's important and not all brands can say that in today's rum business. The distillery, originally started by Jose Carnera, a distiller from Cuba, began producing their rum from fermented sugar cane syrup using a simple alembic still. Later, molasses became a more suitable base and the alembic was replaced with a 4000 liter John Dore Pot Still, made in England, circa 1953. Wait, Peruvian Rum from a Pot Still? Yes! Tell us more, the eyes in the audience nodded in approval. Today, with only a few exceptions, exclusive use of column stills are exceedingly the "norm" for most rum producers in countries colonized by Spanish. That isn't a bad thing, just a fact. In addition to Cartavio's pot still, they also employ a continuous vacuum column still in their rum making process. Here's the advantage of utilizing both column and pot stills, they can create "light" and "heavy" aguardientes, which they blend in various ratios and then age in selected casks to make each of their rums. A trivial question that was posed at the meeting regarding this was, "Which other rum brands do this?" Well, the time to taste had begun starting with their younger expressions, <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-silver/">Cartavio Silver</a> and <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-black/">Cartavio Black</a>. The age statements on their label reflect a weighted average of the rums inside. The color, aromas and flavors of these two expressions are mostly consistent with their age statements. Here's a few notes summarized from the tasting:</div>
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<i><a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-silver/">Cartavio Silver</a> reveals a light sweetness, a<span id="goog_81739474"></span><span id="goog_81739475"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>nise notes and hints of oak in its aromas that are again appreciated on the palate. Its unfiltered and clearly darker sibling, <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-black/">Cartavio Black</a> shows more caramelized sugar, vanilla, oak tannin and subtle baking spices of cinnamon and clove. Notable in these young rums is the front to mid palate mouth feel, pleasantly viscous, which transitions quickly to a mildly drying, heated finish.</i> </blockquote>
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During many of our tastings, one can often identify industry (bartenders, bar managers, retailers etc.) in the audience as they raise the question of price faster than others and for good reason. In Washington State, sticker shock and pricing disappointments in rum and all spirits, are quite normal due to our leading<span id="goog_81739479"></span><a href="http://liquorwa.appspot.com/"> tax and fee structure</a> <span id="goog_81739480"></span>nationally. However, at this meeting, the prices announced were stunning. "I'm sorry, could you repeat that?", several people replied to the price. In fact, the <span id="goog_81739366"></span><a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-silver/">Cartavio Silver<span id="goog_81739367"></span></a> (and <span id="goog_81739426"></span><a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-black/">Black<span id="goog_81739427"></span></a>) wasn't just priced competitively; it was priced to win the well and is arguably, one of, if not the best value, "light" or very young rums available by distributor in Washington State. Oh yeah! The <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-selecto/">Selecto 5yr</a> was the next expression on the itinerary and a testament to unique harmony achieved by the various types of wooden barrels employed in their ageing program. Rums from 9 different casks were blended to produce this rather unique 5 year old rum. The bouquet of the <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-selecto/">Selecto 5yr</a> opens up more fully after a few minutes offering soft vanilla, ripe tropical fruits (papaya, guava) and more pronounced spices amidst hints of leather and sherry. Its well-rounded flavors in the mouth progress evenly to a dry, sharper whiskey-like finish. Surprisingly, there are even soft cognac notes to appreciate, and after probing Federico Schulz, Cartavio's Master Blender, are due to the time in Slovenian oak casks. Clearly this is a rum full of potential for both classic cocktails or for simply pouring into a glass over ice. Like the <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-selecto/">Selecto 5yr</a>, the <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-solera/">Solera 12yr</a>, was a crowd favorite, and with the pricing, again, solid value. This rum is aged in a classic Solera system; it's rich, complex flavors (toffee, prunes, candied nuts, cocoa) are in balance with a lingeringly smooth, yet dry finish. It begs for another glass, or let's be honest, another bottle! The final expression, <span id="goog_81739375"></span><a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-xo/">Cartavio XO<span id="goog_81739376"></span></a>, is succulent, dessert-like rum of fine sipping quality with an elegant decanter to match. Released to commemorate their 80th Anniversary, it's a blend of rums with an average age of 18yr, that range from 10 years all they way up to 30 years! On any other night, the XO might be the choice rum for a nightcap, however, tonight, there was more on the agenda. Megan's closing cocktail was served straight away featuring the <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-solera/">Cartavio Solera 12yr</a>. Brilliantly boozy, stirred and full of big nut flavors. </div>
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Nuttin' but rum yum! </div>
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<b>Closing Cocktail</b></div>
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by Megan Radke</div>
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2oz <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-solera/">Cartavio Solera 12yr</a></div>
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3 dashes Black Walnut Bitters</div>
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The After Party part 1: Rumba</h4>
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Entering the hottest rum bar in Seattle, one will always find something new and attractive; on this day, it was an exclusive menu to further highlight some of <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/all-products/rum/ron-cartavio/">Ron Cartavio's</a> mixing potential. Jim Romdall, Rumba's bar manager and bartender extraordinaire, offers a simple, yet diverse array of cocktails to satisfy each palate in the crowd. Here's a couple of our favorites...</div>
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by Jim Romdall</div>
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Make oleo saccharum from peels of 4 lemons and 8oz sugar...</div>
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Add 32oz black tea and dissolve sugar...</div>
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40oz Cartavio Silver & Selecto 5yr blend</div>
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10oz Macchu pisco</div>
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10 dashes orange flower water</div>
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6oz lemon juice</div>
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6oz lime juice</div>
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750ml sparkling wine</div>
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(Note, when I asked Jim for the recipe afterwards, there wasn't total recall...but isn't this the case with all Incan secrets?)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Esoteric Industry Drink</td></tr>
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<b>The Esoteric Industry Drink</b></div>
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by Jim Romdall</div>
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2oz <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-selecto/">Cartavio Selecto 5yr</a></div>
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.5oz <a href="http://www.giffardusa.com/">Tempus Fugit Cacao</a></div>
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2 dashes <a href="http://www.angosturabitters.com/">Angostura Bitters</a></div>
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1 dash <a href="http://scrappysbitters.com/product/orleans-bitters/">Scrappy's Orleans Bitters</a></div>
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The After Party part 2: Tacoma Cabana</h4>
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Tacoma's Tiki game is strong and <a href="http://www.tacomacabana.com/">Tacoma Cabana</a> doesn't hold anything back. If you have been in to visit Jason Alexander, co-owner and<a href="http://www.irontikitender.com/#media"> 2014 Iron TikiTender champion</a>, then no introduction is needed. Jason went all out with the Cartavio cocktail only menu in light of Halloween. In fact, they were so spooky good, he literally ran out of a few of the rums to pour before the night was over!</div>
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Take a look at his menu!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ztUepfS8iTdY3IRjklcuMs-H7jccamBYutJfk_njidF9jLEvpIqv-aqoCnlbPYndLueXrpzY0SJI1H6Ml_Y_BrPGqS4TvKzysd5jKj2uoLUUl1IL8pvvXGeKk3s1IdDWMuxURbaiEO8/s1600/12196145_10207434012550329_584249110646485386_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ztUepfS8iTdY3IRjklcuMs-H7jccamBYutJfk_njidF9jLEvpIqv-aqoCnlbPYndLueXrpzY0SJI1H6Ml_Y_BrPGqS4TvKzysd5jKj2uoLUUl1IL8pvvXGeKk3s1IdDWMuxURbaiEO8/s640/12196145_10207434012550329_584249110646485386_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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They all looked as good as they tasted!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOL57AJqyEeSJK5RQDqxbR5vwbcuwVNzA5I0ewiePNVGLR-WwsiTe0HtVHro4cG8G5EFFUw8vok4xjTyQ-Datd78GqDBERjBiwfLaQu7hWi0aZoJ8w0P7EIMogYRxvbHGA6B_kqpZBDY/s1600/image5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOL57AJqyEeSJK5RQDqxbR5vwbcuwVNzA5I0ewiePNVGLR-WwsiTe0HtVHro4cG8G5EFFUw8vok4xjTyQ-Datd78GqDBERjBiwfLaQu7hWi0aZoJ8w0P7EIMogYRxvbHGA6B_kqpZBDY/s640/image5.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>Creepy Cartavio Cooler</b></div>
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by Jason Alexander</div>
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2oz <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/portfolio-items/cartavio-selecto/">Cartavio Selecto 5yr</a></div>
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.75oz lime juice</div>
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.5oz <a href="http://imbibemagazine.com/donns-mix-syrup-recipe/">Don's mix</a></div>
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A sincere thank you to everyone who came out to join us and learn about <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/all-products/rum/ron-cartavio/">Ron Cartavio</a>.</div>
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Big respect to Andrew Friedman, owner of <a href="http://www.libertybars.com/">Liberty</a> and the talented Megan Radke for their support and generosity.</div>
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Cheers to Jim Romdall (<a href="http://rumbaonpike.com/">Rumba</a>) and Jason Alexander (<span id="goog_81739404"></span><a href="http://tacomacabana.com/">Tacoma Cabana<span id="goog_81739405"></span></a>) for their time and dedication to awesome rum cocktails and their help in making the <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/all-products/rum/ron-cartavio/">Ron Cartavio</a> After Parties so much fun!! <br />
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Lastly, a big round of applause for <span id="goog_81739411"></span><a href="http://www.anwdistributors.com/">American Northwest<span id="goog_81739412"></span></a>, who distributes <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/all-products/rum/ron-cartavio/">Ron Cartavio</a> in Washington State and Jim Driscoll, owner of <a href="http://ekekowineandspirits.com/">Ekeko Fine Wines & Spirits, their importer. </a><br />
Thank you very much for your support!</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-27204442146628065152015-06-30T07:50:00.000-07:002015-06-30T08:11:09.090-07:00Unveiling Cuban Rum in the USA: The Private Sessions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The quintessential<i> </i>forbidden fruit of the American is now ripe for the picking. Sipping Cuban Rum, smoking a 'Cuban'; temptations that only a handful of US citizens seriously considered or acted on up until December 17th, 2014. That is the day when <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/president-obama">President Obama</a>, after earlier discussions with Cuban President <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ra%C3%BAl_Castro">Raul Castro</a>, broke the ice in US-Cuban relations with a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyw1iKif9Zs">formal statement</a> to ease trade restrictions and overall improve diplomatic ties with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba">Cuba</a>. Whoa! Yes, it was true and after 53 years, it seemed there might indeed be some thawing of the 1962 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_embargo_against_Cuba">Cuban embargo</a> that brought chills in the Cold War era. It was certain, effective January 16th, 2015, a <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/12/17/fact-sheet-charting-new-course-cuba">licensed US Citizen</a>, could spend money in Cuba and bring back up to $400 in Cuban made goods, of which up to $100 could be rum and cigars. So this meant you could now go, have your passport stamped legally (pretty cool if you are a US citizen) and not sweat the disposable Visa scenario, dread a lost passport or fear fines and imprisonment after spending a bit of money on daiquiris down in Cuba upon return. Oh yeah! If that wasn't enough of a confidence booster for securing your next travel date, on May 26th, 2015, US Secretary of State <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/30/us/us-removes-cuba-from-state-terrorism-list.html">removed</a> Cuba from the list of countries identified as being a "state sponsor of terrorism". Thank you <a href="http://www.state.gov/secretary/">John Kerry</a>! This was fantastic news and although it will take an act of Congress to lift the existing embargo, these friendly gestures have given hope to Cuban rum producers for increased trade and US citizens' more opportunities for future travel to Cuba to know more about this country and its people. Even <a href="http://www.bacardi.com/us/lda">Bacardi</a>, with its Cuban roots and precarious history there, voiced a magnanimous <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/12/19/why-congress-hates-your-cuban-rum.html">reply</a> to these developments, "We hope for meaningful improvements in lives of Cuban people and will follow any changes with great interest." Such a statement resonates with many and is worthy of praise. Today, despite these positive steps forward, Cuban Rum is not yet legally available for sale in the USA and is technically still illicit contraband unless procured in Cuba in accordance with the above regulations. However, the billion dollar prospect of selling Cuban Rum in the USA is not being taken lightly. One Cuban Rum brand, <a href="http://havana-club.com/">Havana Club</a>, owned jointly by <a href="http://pernod-ricard.com/">Pernod-Ricard</a> and government-owned <a href="http://www.cubagob.cu/ingles/des_eco/minal/cubaron/cuba_ron.html">Corporation Cuba Ron</a>, is<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/video/multimedia/100000003683670/havana-club-cuban-rum-ready-to-rediscover-america.html"> ready</a> to deliver. Until then, we will hope for more positive developments towards lifting the embargo. In the meantime, as America packs its bags for Havana, there's one question on everyone's mind.<br />
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Which Cuban Rums should I bring back?</b></i> </div>
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Well, soon after the news broke, a <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/102361188">CNBC video</a> surfaced about what your $100 USD limit could buy you in Cuba. Sadly, Eamon Javers' disappointing blurb on basically one brand and a few prices attempted to sum it up. Come on, seriously? If you are going to travel to Cuba, one would think a more informative production might arise. No, not so much. Then, there was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conan_O'Brien">Conon O' Brien's</a> fun <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diZWOBb_5j0">video series</a> on his trip to Cuba. Despite its comedic value, it wasn't really that helpful in regards to understanding or choosing a Cuban Rum. Honestly, nothing substitutes for first-hand knowledge gained from a personal tasting or a trip to Havana. So, how can we learn more before the flight? In light of the friendly open communication between our two countries, the time is right for taking the initiative to open up guided educational opportunities to learn more about this island's rum.<br />
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The Cuban Rum Initiative</b></div>
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This Initiative will be composed of a three-part series of private, educational Cuban rum tastings. This foremost comprehensive series will feature vertical tastings of various expressions from nearly every brand of Rum in Cuba. Its purpose is to promote awareness of and offer further insight into Cuban-style Rum. Seriously, who doesn't want to know more about, and better yet, actually personally experience Cuban Rum? <span style="text-align: center;">Well, naturally, The Rum Collective does!</span><br />
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The Cuban Rum Initiative tastings are private events.</div>
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Invites will go out to members of The Rum Collective. </div>
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There will be limited seating.</div>
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Reservations will be required.<br />
Cuban food, music and original cocktails will be present.<br />
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<u>Brands:</u><br />
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Edmundo Dantes<br />
Havana Club Rum<br />
Ron Arecha<br />
Ron Caney<br />
Ron Cubay<br />
Ron Mulata<br />
Ron Legendario<br />
Ron Santiago de Cuba<br />
Ron Varadero<br />
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Questions?</i></b></div>
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If you have questions or feel you should receive an invite as a guest member, please contact: nick@therumcollective.com</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-38106673474402377322015-03-19T09:44:00.001-07:002015-03-19T15:07:58.645-07:00Festival Rum Bahamas 2015: The Food<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul "Rhum Chef" Yellin</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.rumbahamas.com/">Festival Rum Bahamas</a> offered a menu featuring local cuisine, served up fresh with compliments by a couple world renowned chefs. It is not easy (or accurate) to talk local or authentic Caribbean cooking without talking about Rum. Each country has their own variation on a theme and from Bahamas to Barbados, rum is part of the social fabric that sets the table. Try talking French cuisine without cheese or Indian without mentioning a spice. Seriously, it's just wrong and plus, the thought of no rum? Yeah, let's not go there... One thing is certain, those who breached the walls of <a href="http://www.bahamas.com/node/50514#zoom=14&lat=25.08311&lon=-77.30667&layers=00B0T">Fort Charlotte</a> were in for a king's feast with a view! Our last article,<i> "<a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2015/03/festival-rum-bahamas-2015-all-rum.html">All The Rum</a>"</i>, showcased the liquid highlights in the Festival that is a celebration of <i>Rum, Food and Culture</i>. This article, the second of our three part series, sharpens the focus on <i>Food</i>. Separate them I try, but the lines of distinction often blur nicely, particularly after a few tasty rums, so I make no apologies for any 'off topic' photos along the way. Grab your glass, lick your lips and enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.paulfyellin.com/">Paul Yellin</a>, one of the chefs, is Bajan, trained and talented. If you were lucky enough to find a seat at the two rum & food seminars he gave at the Festival, everything else would have seemed like bonus. I have visited Paul several times now and each time we meet, I am more impressed; partly by his down-to-Earth nature, but mostly by how magical the hand-to-mouth experience is when the food is served shortly thereafter!<br />
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Paul prepared a rumtastic menu to enjoy. Oh, and his seminars were FREE...jus' sayin! Oh yeah!!<br />
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Take a peak at the selection of rums!</div>
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<h4>
The Menu:</h4>
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1st: <a href="http://www.jwrayandnephew.com/">J. WRAY & NEPHEW WHITE OVERPROOF RUM</a> and mint LIONFISH MOJITO CEVICHE</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMydxfQw1JvafZz2yNdCAe52qqQ1JD0HzI6SzfZ0LPfcdxDQCLgSnyuGh4mqZ2OCetp_Xiz2bbS-UQIhIAKTXlQpzQnyhKx53LPiKsv5s9UekOnLJL8fqRVc-yO260QRnKbUBhyphenhyphenFgtHM/s1600/IMG_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMydxfQw1JvafZz2yNdCAe52qqQ1JD0HzI6SzfZ0LPfcdxDQCLgSnyuGh4mqZ2OCetp_Xiz2bbS-UQIhIAKTXlQpzQnyhKx53LPiKsv5s9UekOnLJL8fqRVc-yO260QRnKbUBhyphenhyphenFgtHM/s1600/IMG_0377.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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2nd: COCONUT CURRY CHICKEN paired with <a href="http://www.plantationrum.com/en/pages/view/369">PLANTATION TRINIDAD & TOBAGO ORIGINAL DARK RUM</a></div>
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Good God Man! </div>
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It seemed as though each plate that arrived changed flavor, texture and tone, all the while improving on the previous and slowly, but surely building towards...</div>
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3rd: HERB BAKED LIONFISH in a rich seafood Creole sauce paired with <a href="http://theeldoradorum.com/fine-cask-aged/3-year-old">El DORADO 3yr RUM</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypbOhaGNbCj9PibZQSl7bq4AGYxQiKR45ZFL158Ryh-lWupXQRjaB8vLKt5cAufVMcH0E5skprZ1wEocjZHV1TkLRADKQBcYPDJ6XqNgcu_7udIatv1FHb9J58p0vdW6rYcM-kIwnCIQ/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypbOhaGNbCj9PibZQSl7bq4AGYxQiKR45ZFL158Ryh-lWupXQRjaB8vLKt5cAufVMcH0E5skprZ1wEocjZHV1TkLRADKQBcYPDJ6XqNgcu_7udIatv1FHb9J58p0vdW6rYcM-kIwnCIQ/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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wait for it.....</div>
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4th: RUM SOAKED STRAWBERRIES paired with DOORLY'S XO RUM</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS8TtE5C6ESdBBEru8H_NjGNbqRhZCNOQiGFFO_kp-GUsowSli9w6Xkvl1975NhMC0P-PCKKQ61t8E094Bj-ZDcyHpy8kW7wuqz4viiwrUuHYpSZxt76FpCxqd5k8HNxN9s-DO-cKjlY/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS8TtE5C6ESdBBEru8H_NjGNbqRhZCNOQiGFFO_kp-GUsowSli9w6Xkvl1975NhMC0P-PCKKQ61t8E094Bj-ZDcyHpy8kW7wuqz4viiwrUuHYpSZxt76FpCxqd5k8HNxN9s-DO-cKjlY/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<h3>
...MULTIPLE EDIBLE RUMGASMS!</h3>
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5th: CHOCOLATE RUM BALLS rolled in pralines paired with <a href="http://www.blackwellrum.com/">BLACKWELL RUM</a></div>
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6th: CHOCOLATE & BACON bites paired with OLD BRIGAND RUM</div>
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(sorry no photo: photographer was busy eating it! Tasty!!)</div>
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Thank you Paul Yellin for the exquisite pairing and hope to see you again next year!!</div>
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Ladies and gentlemen, this was but one of the rum and food pairing seminars to attend and I haven't even started on the food booths throughout the Fort! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLoQTmAq2ctTkENFBms5CtvT0e5uJCy2U262A12F_8BleqZ9HC2AgDB2aaiQ7HEhsgifiu1nySXy_c0BzgXG7GwpGP43AO4mMyjo3_kqxg3Fe5udcDalRvlZxBQMJ8063x5yHEEql39o/s1600/IMG_0386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLoQTmAq2ctTkENFBms5CtvT0e5uJCy2U262A12F_8BleqZ9HC2AgDB2aaiQ7HEhsgifiu1nySXy_c0BzgXG7GwpGP43AO4mMyjo3_kqxg3Fe5udcDalRvlZxBQMJ8063x5yHEEql39o/s1600/IMG_0386.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The bottles hanging in the trees created a wonderful ambiance surrounding the entrance to Alexandra's at the Fort. A loose collection of food booths featuring a variety of different delectable dishes, it was the beginning of the foodie trail. Fresh conch salads to grilled meat, this was the spot.<br />
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Yum!</div>
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Just a few steps away, the folks from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gonefishn242">Gone Fish'n</a> had grills on swole, Chicken, steak, pork and fish, all grilled up Bahamian style. Oh and did I mention all their house-made marinades. Boom!<br />
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Put it in my belly!!!</div>
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Care for a healthy serving of grilled salmon in a burger?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uPsJ_dGF2gdma4RY8ipku0DD8qOs6Xd1bv0ZCdQisZDrO1in9dvYgVyQqrlJ0JrmWLeElxWSFPdg4EgGQOzQMikEOsiSq5hm083Y9W_H8Evs7k4XZ9NMzgL6HN6FLCWQA8QVlENTC0g/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uPsJ_dGF2gdma4RY8ipku0DD8qOs6Xd1bv0ZCdQisZDrO1in9dvYgVyQqrlJ0JrmWLeElxWSFPdg4EgGQOzQMikEOsiSq5hm083Y9W_H8Evs7k4XZ9NMzgL6HN6FLCWQA8QVlENTC0g/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh, and an ice cold local craft beer didn't sound like a bad idea either. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PirateRepublicBrewery">Pirate Republic</a> is a new brewing company with a nice selection. I'm told by their CEO, Susan Larson, a few more styles are coming soon.</div>
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A few booths away, you could take your pick...</div>
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Whether you were interested in the savory or the sweet, Festival Rum Bahamas had you covered!<br />
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In the heat of the day, fresh pressed sugar cane juice or Guarapo is refreshing and delicious. Island Cane was crushing it up right. I didn't hesitate to mix it with a little rum!<br />
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Rum and desserts are notorious in these parts. However, when they are signed, Confectionately Yours, well...<br />
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You eat it happily!<br />
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<i>Drunken Guava: Guava cupcake infused with dark rum and </i><br />
<i>topped with guava rum buttercream frosting</i><br />
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Rum cupcakes are a perfect treat, but have you tried Rum Cakes from the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory?? Moist and full of love they stand out above the rest. More on this local shop coming soon...<br />
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Best enjoyed hot, sticky sweet...<br />
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Well, if one rum & food seminar wasn't enough awesome, there was another fabulous pairing offered, which one could simply sit in on. No registration, no lines, just grab a seat. I stress this, as these food & rum pairing seminars were free to anyone, included in your admission price. Seating was key, not surprisingly, for when Chef <a href="http://geoffreyblythe.com/">Geoffrey Blythe</a> and Carlton Grooms (Director at Papa's Pilar, co-founder of International Rum Council), the authors of the game-changing "<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/rum-contemporary-cuisine/id622819415?mt=11">Rum & Contemporary Cuisine</a>" took the stage atop Fort Charlotte, no seat was left unfilled. In fact, many simply stood to listen and look out for extras samples!<br />
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A perfect atmosphere for listening to a world-class chef and rum connoisseur/producer talk about what they love, whilst sipping rum and tasting their gourmet rum-focused cuisine. A light breeze caressed our backs under shade in 80 F degrees (27 C) heat.<br />
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The Rum Kitchen<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
1st: Agricole and shrimp chowder featuring <a href="http://www.rhumjmusa.com/verification.php">Rhum J.M</a> </blockquote>
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<i>Grassy herbaceous flavors of the rhum along with the heat from the white rhum merge wonderfully with the creamy flavors and richness of the pancetta without overpowering the subtle flavors in each.</i></blockquote>
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-Geoffrey Blythe<br />
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Yes Please!<br />
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In this brilliant four dish experience, the following pairings came next:<br />
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2nd: Roast Root Vegetable Salad paired with <a href="http://bambarrarum.com/">Bambarra Gold Rum</a><br />
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3rd: Five Spice Pork Belly paired with confit pineapple paired with <a href="http://afroheadrum.com/">AFROHEAD 7yr Rum</a><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The sweet caramel notes of the AFROHEAD and youth of the rum combine well with the richness of the pork and spice notes of the sauce. The tropical flavors of the pineapple further bring out the depth of the rum.</i></blockquote>
-Geoffrey Blythe<br />
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4th: Rum Marshmallow S'mores paired with Plantation Trinidad & Tobago Original Dark Rum<br />
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One of the guests figured it out alright!!<br />
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Well done Geoffrey Blythe and Carlton Grooms!!<br />
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After the seminar, I tried to gather my thoughts and emotions about the food I enjoyed and the superb quality of this event as I looked out over the Fort's wall.<br />
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Beautiful Bahamas!<br />
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As the sun went down and night took over, the real party had just begun!<br />
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Stay tuned for the final article, Festival Rum Bahamas 2015: The Culture<br />
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Cheers!</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-71063695523942763182015-03-10T23:28:00.000-07:002015-03-13T10:23:38.606-07:00Festival Rum Bahamas 2015: All The Rum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Center: Captain Jack (aka Rick Martinez)<br />
Bottom Right: Pepin Argamasilla</td></tr>
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The second year of any rum festival is often telling. Idealists, scoffers and onlookers alike may wonder, either she'll float and sail onward, or raise the white flag. <a href="http://www.rumbahamas.com/">Festival Rum Bahamas</a> left little to wonder as they once again took over <a href="http://www.bahamas.com/node/50514#zoom=14&lat=25.08311&lon=-77.30667&layers=00B0T">Fort Charlotte</a>; this time further grasping the imagination. For me, the anchor dropped when my eyes met those of Captain Jack. Needless to say, the search for my next rum delayed...at least for a moment. Honestly, I did a double take and questioned my senses. I had just tasted 50 Rums in the Tasting Competition, (oh, and a pair of refreshing <a href="http://www.bahamianbrewery.com/detail/sands.php">Sands Beers </a>over lunch) but nothing irresponsible. I looked again, could it actually be Cap'n Jack Sparrow!? Well, I wasn't seeing things. I was in the Bahamas, a home to many a pirate and by the looks of the Fort's decor, they weren't straying far from their history. In fact, after meeting him, his walk and talk were simply amazing, point on with the character played by <a href="http://www.johnnydeppweb.com/">Johnny Depp</a> in <a href="http://pirates.disney.com/">Pirates of the Caribbean</a>. Friendly and full of spirit (pun intended), Cap'n Jack, aka <a href="http://about.me/rick.martinez">Rick Martinez</a>, was the type of top notch entertainer, and literally, one of many, each visitor would have the pleasure to watch and interact with at the Festival. Awesome! So I filled my cup with the local swashbuckling <a href="http://www.johnwatlings.com/craftsmanship/rums/">John Watling's Amber Rum</a> and as day became night, my understanding became clear, Festival Rum Bahamas was not going anywhere, but rather they meant for the world of rum lovers to learn about and come to them. Some may recall my recent <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2015/02/a-festival-shines-in-nassau-look-back.html">article</a>, talking up the <i>promise</i> of last year's Festival; this year that <i>promise</i> was rendered.<br />
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Dead men tell no tales and I've returned from Nassau with some highlights of this epic three day Festival. <span style="text-align: center;">Feel free to grab a glass of your favorite rum, open another browser window and turn up the volume on the short video below for those pirates at heart!</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/JImcvtJzIK8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JImcvtJzIK8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Rum was well-mixed, but far from hidden at Festival Rum Bahamas. To find the next potation, one only had to choose whether to go left or right, up or down. There were rum & food lectures at the lookout up top and blind rum tastings in the dungeon below. I doubt Captain Jack had to say, "Why is the Rum Gone?" and mean it at this party. Let's take a look at a small sample of the rum booths where one could find quality cocktails and generous samples. Try it and if you like, you could buy a bottle to take home before you leave! Rumtastic!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFROHEAD Rum 7 year</td></tr>
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<a href="http://afroheadrum.com/">AFROHEAD Rum</a>, is a relatively new brand from Harbour Island, Bahamas, and with its impressive new logo and charming character, generated much attention. Crowds gathered around this conversation starter and everyone wanted to get a taste of their two aged expressions. If you don't know it yet, you will soon...</div>
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Let's head south to Panama. How about a little taste of Ron Abuelo?</div>
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Yes, please!!</div>
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In a prime location, the local <a href="http://www.johnwatlings.com/">John Watling's Rum</a> was offering their full line of rums and more. John Watling's Rum Distillery is also nearby and definitely worth a visit.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-llUWPNpIMMqIZoAq1hAtX3cpW1qGSPgZHPtjn8DYJQYiKKPGdrN4EIK5Rvbi4NAoX3vn7Sjgt_J5gXOfQzJCnv-CRqUTjIXZ5wtvVj6Uw7BlTgh0yuc3Xi8eURBB5zBNYxBSVLidX5Y/s1600/Watermarked+Photo+(8).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-llUWPNpIMMqIZoAq1hAtX3cpW1qGSPgZHPtjn8DYJQYiKKPGdrN4EIK5Rvbi4NAoX3vn7Sjgt_J5gXOfQzJCnv-CRqUTjIXZ5wtvVj6Uw7BlTgh0yuc3Xi8eURBB5zBNYxBSVLidX5Y/s1600/Watermarked+Photo+(8).jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Watling's Rum Booth</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://plantationrhum.com/en/">Plantation Rum</a> stand never disappoints. </div>
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They proudly display their well-deserved medals and a beautiful line-up of unique blends and vintages. </div>
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Brilliant!!</div>
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The judges of the Tasting Competition held public educational tastings deep inside the Fort. Guests could walk in and learn about each of the rums entered into the competition among many others, join in for a blind tasting or simply cool off from the outside sun. Rum tasting in the dungeon!<br />
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The charming Mike Streeter (<a href="http://rumconnection.com/">Rum Connection</a> and <a href="http://rumcouncil.com/">International Rum Council</a> co-founder) brought out the smiles of quite a few on their rum education journey (see photo above & right).<br />
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In addition to the public educational tasting, each of the brands that entered the competition were on display with their medals.</div>
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Here's a few to note for your next shopping trip.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2Pppbi-hH0hD4kGqS9lWx5LeAKLj902fGfYHyAXNK9LZS8SZnxTl2OkY75l7ZesHm7VSxockgDRc5nDscF7ymtsLXNtpyvY9JEkOjnli_YE7_Ftptcbn6YmZ3tFcXL6b3l4YCp2-EM4/s1600/Watermarked+Photo+(13).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2Pppbi-hH0hD4kGqS9lWx5LeAKLj902fGfYHyAXNK9LZS8SZnxTl2OkY75l7ZesHm7VSxockgDRc5nDscF7ymtsLXNtpyvY9JEkOjnli_YE7_Ftptcbn6YmZ3tFcXL6b3l4YCp2-EM4/s1600/Watermarked+Photo+(13).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron Abuelo 7yr, Ron de Jeremy, Plantation Nicaragua 2003</td></tr>
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Congratulations to all the winners! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFep_126-uvySCKhuiPPlz2F6jlL5UsFjlyH3YlZD9Is9UMuYP12H9HAiMm7O7Due-kewqBzS_3bylKWSWufUL1yFy3VWRMOFtz3c2U_QcWnu2T7ir2y3yhiOcH6Bo1-YNUN2veUmQTQ0/s1600/Watermarked+Photo+(15).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFep_126-uvySCKhuiPPlz2F6jlL5UsFjlyH3YlZD9Is9UMuYP12H9HAiMm7O7Due-kewqBzS_3bylKWSWufUL1yFy3VWRMOFtz3c2U_QcWnu2T7ir2y3yhiOcH6Bo1-YNUN2veUmQTQ0/s1600/Watermarked+Photo+(15).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron Abuelo 12yr, Plantation 20th Annivesary, El Dorado 15yr</td></tr>
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For more on the tasting competition and results, <a href="http://rumconnection.com/rum-bahamas-awards-2/">Rum Connection</a> has the details.</div>
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<a href="http://www.bacardi.com/us/lda">Bacardi</a>, with its rich history in the Bahamas, could not be missed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HR6HyJ8FqT0X1ee4W3-sZNuEtkWi-yZvzLheCtZJ01cZpTq6V3LSJL-DVSSOnC2OdH9nldjDkfal3QdO82aq0vP8hDMrPHh1dfcWj5lDWv2YzD6XsJwmN1om_nXb0kA4-pxyxJVNILo/s1600/Watermarked+Photo+(9).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HR6HyJ8FqT0X1ee4W3-sZNuEtkWi-yZvzLheCtZJ01cZpTq6V3LSJL-DVSSOnC2OdH9nldjDkfal3QdO82aq0vP8hDMrPHh1dfcWj5lDWv2YzD6XsJwmN1om_nXb0kA4-pxyxJVNILo/s1600/Watermarked+Photo+(9).jpg" height="640" width="396" /></a></div>
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Tucked away and relaxed, enter <a href="http://www.zacaparum.com/">Ron Zacapa</a>...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEk_O2M26pcCTgkEdeDqsapFRv2HAiioV5Uzmw0briPJDn0Z9sCVeddzYozLE86sVRQr_FLcmJt6wc3JXFqbFIMZNazM-AUBveBU5WE-Tk8TiWc_xotueSLRsbFuBkTrsl_7bp32sg5Ec/s1600/Watermarked+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEk_O2M26pcCTgkEdeDqsapFRv2HAiioV5Uzmw0briPJDn0Z9sCVeddzYozLE86sVRQr_FLcmJt6wc3JXFqbFIMZNazM-AUBveBU5WE-Tk8TiWc_xotueSLRsbFuBkTrsl_7bp32sg5Ec/s1600/Watermarked+Photo.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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At the end of the day (or beginning), if you could find a table or a few inches of elbow room at the bar, <a href="http://havana-club.com/">Havana Club</a> <a href="http://havana-club.com/en/cuban-rum/seleccion-de-maestros-0">Seleccion de Maestros</a> was in full effect.</div>
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Nightcap! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8WII3uOQthLzBT7-hZEd0gg5ejhyphenhyphenmsUvf_7xxrdbVFZIiAhW75SX5w_1XAb1L68M-gIjE3HO8jhb2ChbiuSjN84ml0RgEEO34WwsZrlSgGLRWv98GWtE9xZN6xcUQtjXLiQ4Yaidkac/s1600/Watermarked+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8WII3uOQthLzBT7-hZEd0gg5ejhyphenhyphenmsUvf_7xxrdbVFZIiAhW75SX5w_1XAb1L68M-gIjE3HO8jhb2ChbiuSjN84ml0RgEEO34WwsZrlSgGLRWv98GWtE9xZN6xcUQtjXLiQ4Yaidkac/s1600/Watermarked+Photo.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Stay tuned for the next article of the series, Festival Rum Bahamas 2015: The Food</div>
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Cheers!!</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-27074317977546069112015-02-24T01:01:00.001-08:002016-11-24T22:59:54.716-08:00From Top-Shelf Sipper to No Thanks: The Fall of Zaya Rum<div><a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/">Home</a> >> From Top-Shelf Sipper to No Thanks: The Fall of Zaya Rum</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zaya Gran Reserva at <a href="http://rumbaonpike.com/">Rumba</a></td></tr>
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It is rare, for this site, that an article casts a rum into such a disheartening (and now perhaps sobering) light as this one. Don't fear dear readers, our <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/p/mission.html">Mission</a> still stands strong. However, there are times when balance and tough love is needed. It isn't without a bit of sadness that I declare <a href="http://www.infiniumspirits.com/brands/zaya_rum/zaya_rum.html">Zaya Gran Reserva</a> to be this rum. I can hear many rum lovers' responses now; "WAIT, WHAT!? Are you talking about the same Zaya Rum that I sipped years ago. The Zaya that opened my eyes and those of my friends to world of rum and how good sipping rums can be?" Well, if you are thinking something like this too, here is what I would say to you:<br />
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<b>Yes, same Zaya Rum, but...</b></blockquote>
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<b> H</b><b style="text-align: center;">ave you tasted it recently? </b></blockquote>
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No, I'm Not Talking About.... <i>Imported Rum from Guatemala</i></h3>
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Let's be clear, this article IS NOT talking about the differences between the Zaya Rum produced and bottled in Guatemala pre-2008 and the Zaya Rum from Trinidad. Now for a quick step back in rum history. In the early part of 2008, <a href="http://www.diageo.com/en-row/Pages/default.aspx">Diageo</a> realized the value of a certain rum and, no surprises here, they bought it. That Rum was the lovely <a href="http://www.zacaparum.com/">Ron Zacapa</a>. Bet that name sounds familiar, eh? Zaya Rum, along with <a href="http://www.botranrums.com/index.php/us/age-check?ref=1">Ron Botran</a>, were also being produced under the same roof by <a href="http://industriaslicorerasdeguatemala.com/">Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala</a>. At the time, Diageo's acquisition created an unfavorable situation for Zaya Rum production due to its similarities with Zacapa; both required a supply of limited aged rum stocks and both competed for more or less the same market share; rich, complex, sweeter style sipping rums. Hence, the brand was moved to Trinidad where it has been produced ever since. What this article IS talking about are the differences observed in Zaya Rum from Trinidad over the past few years.<br />
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A Rum's Blend May Change a Bit Over Time or....Metamorphosize </h3>
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Everyone with any common sense knew that Zaya Rum would likely taste a bit different after production moved from Guatemala to Trinidad. In fact, some thought it might actually improve! Consider its new location, Trinidad Distillers Ltd., the distillery that makes <a href="http://www.angostura.com/">Angostura Rum</a>, one of the best rum brands in the world. Okay, so Trinidad makes GREAT rum; but they have their characteristic style and that differs from Guatemala. Certainly it takes a lot of skill to come up with a blend of rums, using different molasses and water, different stills, barrels, climate, etc. for each rum, to smell and taste the same, right? Plus, consider that they probably didn't transport a sufficient supply (if any) of the aged rums stocks from Guatemala necessary in the blend to carry them over for another 12 years. So how did they do it? Well, when the first bottles of Zaya Rum from Trinidad came out, there were far more similarities in aroma and flavors to its Guatemalan version than differences. Vanilla and caramel were a bit more dominant in the aromas and flavor, but otherwise, it still maintained much of its complexity, mouth feel and enjoyable finish. Don't get me wrong, it was not the same rum. That stated, if you ask me, Carol Homer did a pretty damn good job with the new blend. What many people didn't expect was that Zaya Rum made in Trinidad would continue to change. Further, that new rum from Trinidad would change so much, that to some seasoned palates, it became unrecognizable to the Zaya Rum they had once loved.</div>
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It's Fall From Grace....and the Shelves of Rumba</h3>
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Zaya's fall from grace isn't meant to be interpreted literally, unless it happens to be at <a href="http://rumbaonpike.com/">Rumba</a>, one of the best rum-oriented bars in the country. Jim Romdall, their talented bar manager, not only boasts about their 400+ rums in stock but can show you how and what do with them. Bottom's up! More recently Rumba is faced with busier nights and limited shelf space and selecting new rums for their coveted "Wall of Rum" has become challenging. Jim announced to me he was pulling Zaya off Rumba's shelves after he had a taste of the most recent iteration of Zaya Rum. I went down to speak with Jim and after tasting and talking more, he admitted cold-sober, "If someone asks for it, I would recommend a different rum. If I have a bottle on our shelf that I can't recommend [anymore], then I shouldn't have it on our shelves." His words ring true from a business standpoint and from someone who loved what Zaya Rum once was and why it meant so much to so many rum enthusiasts. It was a gateway rum for many people who only knew rum to be <a href="http://www.bacardi.com/us/lda">Bacardi</a> and <a href="http://www.captainmorgan.com/">Captain Morgan</a>. Rumba, you may know if you'd had the pleasure, is filled with much respect and rumlove, and now, will no longer serve Zaya Rum. Let me repeat, Rumba is going to remove a luxury "sipping" rum from its shelf because they can no longer recommend it based off quality. This is saying something. Although, to be fair, there are lots of other rums that have changed for the worse over time that I won't mention here. So why make an example out of Zaya? Perhaps it is the gross difference between the quality perceived and/or expected of this rum, what it has become and the bartender's frustration on reconciling this disconnect with each patron of the bar. Regardless of the reason, the truth is difficult to swallow (pun intended) and now they have spared you that surprise at Rumba.<br />
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What Happened to My Zaya....and By the Way, You Forgot to Take Off the Petate!!</h3>
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So just what happened to Zaya Rum from Trinidad? A quick search indicates, that after the Guatemalan version received a "Double Gold" from the respectable <a href="http://sfspiritscomp.com/pdf/2007_SpiritsClass.pdf">2007 San Francisco Spirits Competition</a>, there are no such comparable "awards" for the Trinidad version to be found. This may be simply explained by whether or not it was entered into any competitions. Professional rum reviews also give some indication of changes witnessed. For example, well-respected rum advocates, such as Dave Russell was one of the first to post a formal <a href="http://www.rumgallery.com/zaya-gran-reserva---guatema.html">comparative review</a> of the Guatemalan and Trinidad versions on <a href="http://www.rumgallery.com/">Rum Gallery</a> in late 2008. He indicates subtle changes and their underlying explanations when factoring in working knowledge of some of characteristics of Angostura's aged rums. Nice! Then, another well-written and <a href="http://rumdood.com/2010/06/22/rum-review-zaya-gran-reserva/">balanced review</a> of the Zaya from Trinidad came out in 2010, from Matthew "<a href="http://rumdood.com/">RumDood</a>" Robold. He accurately noted, "Its intense vanilla and caramel flavors can either be very welcome or entirely-putting off depending on your palate". Even by the end of 2012, <a href="https://therumhowlerblog.wordpress.com/">The Rum Howler</a>, Chip Dykstra, found in his <a href="https://therumhowlerblog.wordpress.com/rum-reviews/dark-rums/zaya-gran-reserva-rum/">review</a> that Zaya Rum from Trinidad, "lacked balance due to the overabundance of vanilla". Despite its noticeably sweeter and unbalanced aromas and taste, each review noted some degree of complexity and character found in an aged rum. So what has happened since between 2013-2015? Bottle changes happened and so did the blend.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
It's Not You, Zaya Rum....It's Me</h3>
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After speaking with Jim and having some personal concern this new finding was a batch issue, I went out to purchase a few bottles at different liquor stores in the Seattle area. I also happened to have a bottle from 2010, before they changed the sticker on its crest to read "Producers of World's Finest Luxury Rum - Aged 12 years" and embossed "Zaya" into its side. It is worth noting that changes in bottle design have long been associated with changes to the contents inside. I tasted each of the 2015 iterations side by side with its earlier counterpart. I even brought out a Guatemalan version from 2008. The Zaya Rum from Trinidad has changed over time without question. I'm not trying to understand why they call this a <a href="http://handselectedspirits.com/zaya-product.htm">Hand Selected Spirit</a>, but why it has changed. Moreover, without transparency by the brand of such changes, it is arguably perceived as deception. But I'll admit, I'm no Rum Expert. Zaya Rum today offers a intense candy like sweetness and ripe vanilla and caramel aromas with subdued baking spices and cocoa giving the impression you are smelling a spiced rum, not a sipping rum. <a href="http://www.kilokai.com/">Kilo Kai</a> anyone? I note strong butterfinger candybar aroma. <i>I'm sorry <a href="http://www.infiniumspirits.com/index.html">Infinium Spirits</a>, I just don't like that much <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202677872645032&set=a.10201490978693425.1073741854.1144913552&type=3&theater">added sugar</a> and flavors.</i> The initial flavors that once developed towards the finish are more heated and hollow in the 2015 version, rapidly fading by mid-palate; the long complex finish, now mostly empty, offering a more astringent mouth feel as some lingering fusel alcohol and petroleum distillate like flavors come together to reveal cough syrup notes reminiscent of <a href="http://www.vicks.com.ph/products/formula-44">Vicks Formula 44</a>.<i> I'm sorry <a href="http://www.infiniumspirits.com/index.html">Infinium Spirits</a>, I just prefer honesty to the claim that this is still a blend of 3-5 rums each aged a minimum of 12 years. </i></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."<br />John Wooden</h4>
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<br /></div>Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-15298708802281836002015-02-17T08:05:00.003-08:002015-02-17T08:08:55.956-08:004th Annual 'Tis The Season for a Holiday Punch Competition & Toy Drive<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young St. Nicholas Punch - 1st Place</td></tr>
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Each December, <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/">The Rum Collective</a> joins forces with <a href="http://gin-society.com/seattle/">Seattle Gin Society</a> at <a href="http://www.libertybars.com/">Liberty Bar</a> and does more than just celebrate our respective spirits; we drink them from a punch bowl for a good cause. That is to raise money for the <a href="http://www.toysfortots.org/Default.aspx">Toys for Tots Foundation</a>. In fact, over the past four years, it is one of the highlights of the year where our mission becomes even better; it becomes philanthropic. The event's end effect not only "increases awareness and develops appreciation for rum" but also brings a smile to a few local area children that holiday season. If only every event could be more like this one! This year, guests brought either $20 cash or equal-valued unwrapped toy for a cup of each of the four different (two rum and two gin) punches in the competition. Seriously, "gin vs. rum punch", you ask? Is that even a fair competition? It is arguable that most well-made rum punches would win. However, this is all in good fun and more votes, made by poker chips deposited in to glasses, could be bought for a small fee. It became apparent (over the past three years) gin people have more money than rum people, but this year, attendees voted without their pocket books and guess what? The Rum Punches took 1st and 2nd place. Not to rub it in but well over half of the attendees were "gin people". Big surprise, eh!<br />
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Let's take a closer look at these rum punches!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young St. Nicholas Punch feat. Diplomatico Anejo</td></tr>
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This punch was created as the greeting cocktail for The Rum Collective's 3rd Anniversary event featuring Ron Diplomatico. It was well-received by guests then and now. Simple, refreshing and balanced, here is the winning punch of the event! </div>
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<b><u>
Young St. Nicholas</u></b></div>
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recipe by Rebekah Karnofski</div>
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(single serving)</div>
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1.5oz <a href="http://www.rondiplomatico.com/">Diplomatico Anejo</a></div>
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0.5oz lime juice (fresh pressed)</div>
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0.5oz <a href="http://www.giffardusa.com/our-liqueurs">Giffard Orgeat</a></div>
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0.75oz grapefruit juice (fresh pressed)</div>
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3 healthy dashes of <a href="http://www.angosturabitters.com/">Angostura Bitters</a></div>
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Yum!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiURiGKYgXWxnybe3kigMntIRjXE8uzS9OmNlLC3qk8WlQKVxdUTq15jvnXZSZxD9HJFjPzunksbacodUQCcIociiXltsAqTQyhHIa6LF7XEIylr_shjsJNY-NATnkxtBY4Ybx54UM9A4/s1600/image3+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiURiGKYgXWxnybe3kigMntIRjXE8uzS9OmNlLC3qk8WlQKVxdUTq15jvnXZSZxD9HJFjPzunksbacodUQCcIociiXltsAqTQyhHIa6LF7XEIylr_shjsJNY-NATnkxtBY4Ybx54UM9A4/s1600/image3+(1).JPG" height="370" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Korporal Krampus's Quarterdeck Punch - 2nd Place</td></tr>
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This year we had special guest, Jason Alexander, create the second rum punch. Hailing from <a href="http://www.tacomacabana.com/">Tacoma Cabana</a>, he tends and owns one of the best tiki bars in the country and it's located a convenient 40 minutes south of Seattle, Jason does tiki with the best of them. His tiki punch featuring the recently released<a href="http://www.lostspirits.net/"> Lost Spirits</a> <a href="http://www.lostspirits.net/#!about-us/zoom/cyh0/image_1mjj">Navy Style Rum</a> awakened many palates to the complexity of flavors found in this style of cocktails. A more or less magical potion overflowing with happy endings, his was the first punch bowl to go dry!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDb_sbpVv8ew7OyOhMXS3TjLwj8dk67igU5vCbpmJRV62JWOYcsFldHrmFAG7nHIDpkCQH6F5ruuIjI6QauP6DNhKl_oTgcVGBKvhq7wQC_2Agj4FJ_5ycRfacr6HlPC6J9T6Z0iY48U/s1600/image4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDb_sbpVv8ew7OyOhMXS3TjLwj8dk67igU5vCbpmJRV62JWOYcsFldHrmFAG7nHIDpkCQH6F5ruuIjI6QauP6DNhKl_oTgcVGBKvhq7wQC_2Agj4FJ_5ycRfacr6HlPC6J9T6Z0iY48U/s1600/image4.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jason Alexander serving it up</td></tr>
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It was the <a href="http://www.marines.com/home?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=G_Brand_Top_Perf1485">United States Marine Corps</a> who founded Toys for Tots, so military men and women are more than welcome at this event. In addition to a being an award-winning bartender and owner of one of the coolest up-and-coming cocktail bars in Washington State, Jason, also a marine, served his country prior to choosing a station behind the bar. Respect! Well, when some quality overproof rum flows, lips loosen, and soon the running joke of the evening recalled <a href="http://www.secret.com/deodorant?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Secret_Search_Brand+Awareness.Exact&utm_term=secret&utm_content=sYT8IDSPi_secret_e_24575899752">Proctor & Gamble's Secret</a> punchline and went something like this:<br />
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"Lost Spirits Navy Style Rum, Strong enough for a Marine, but made for the Navy"</blockquote>
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Probably good we didn't have any folks from the Navy there! Haha!!<br />
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If you make your way (and you should) to Tacoma Cabana, ask for this punch. Jason may serve it to you as he envisioned it (see photo below). </div>
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Awesome!! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCHGS3mHM2-jSoykTQGvbEFpbcvXvC7y5ESx1QrvDgcSzHQaaUhTgkkYnLTwzARDS8GAdCh6TeDfywMO5fQ_sc-EQQoVN8tS-V9Q7vyxhDnKq65YKnept3YrbcH5Xgr4HcqeGuClugMM/s1600/1959841_921574437853123_7988913569736123884_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCHGS3mHM2-jSoykTQGvbEFpbcvXvC7y5ESx1QrvDgcSzHQaaUhTgkkYnLTwzARDS8GAdCh6TeDfywMO5fQ_sc-EQQoVN8tS-V9Q7vyxhDnKq65YKnept3YrbcH5Xgr4HcqeGuClugMM/s1600/1959841_921574437853123_7988913569736123884_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Korporal Krampus's Quarterdeck Punch<br />
photo credit and permission by: Jason Alexander, Tacoma Cabana</td></tr>
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<b><u>Korporal Krampus's Quarterdeck Punch</u></b></div>
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recipe by Jason Alexander</div>
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1 bottle <a href="http://www.lostspirits.net/">Lost Spirits Navy Style</a></div>
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1 cup <a href="http://www.haleakaladistillers.com/5052/index.html">MAUI Okolehao Liqueur</a></div>
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1 cup <a href="http://cruzanrum.com/lpa/">Cruzan Blackstrap</a><br />
1 cup <a href="http://www.meletti.it/UK/products_amaromeletti.html">Amaro Meletti</a> </div>
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1.5 cups grapefruit juice (fresh pressed)</div>
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1 cup lime juice (fresh pressed)</div>
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1.5 cups vanilla spiced syrup (Tacoma Cabana house-made)</div>
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In addition to sampling punches, the night was filled with many raffle prizes and two silent auctions. Although we didn't meet the fundraiser goal, we managed to raise $736 dollars that night for local area kids! All of the money and toys raised at the event were donated. To collect the donation we had the pleasure of having a decorated marine, LtCol Michael J. Byrne present with us at the event.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfL_qCFNmG7Z7Fn-B8rYAFMYKtIyfGCp2-MNJoR2NGyRk6S0d9sZ6uC-1FjuDI6oRunbCp5e2DtgcfftfiMU2gbUoCxCjx0kYKrvt6nU2VTak60wgavUe4dhJGyPLghB79UMtJe2wyso/s1600/image2+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfL_qCFNmG7Z7Fn-B8rYAFMYKtIyfGCp2-MNJoR2NGyRk6S0d9sZ6uC-1FjuDI6oRunbCp5e2DtgcfftfiMU2gbUoCxCjx0kYKrvt6nU2VTak60wgavUe4dhJGyPLghB79UMtJe2wyso/s1600/image2+(1).JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to Right: Gene Shook, LtCol Michael Byrne, Nicholas Feris</td></tr>
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A big thank you to Ron Diplomatico, Lost Spirits (both distributed by <a href="http://www.anwdistributors.com/">American Northwest</a>), </div>
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Giffard and <a href="http://www.vinumimporting.com/?age-verified=6c9678ae60">Vinum</a> for their generosity and support!</div>
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A round of applause for Jason Alexander's service and skills!</div>
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Special thanks to Andrew Friedman of Liberty Bar for his continual support of our events!</div>
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Thank you to Toys for Tots for their commitment to helping children!!</div>
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Cheers and rumlove until next year!!!</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-67344269893660572662015-02-08T21:57:00.000-08:002015-02-08T23:48:25.511-08:00A Festival to Shine in Nassau: A Look Back at the Promise of Rum Bahamas 2014 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGawGWPZz-xlwXZUNy-Dc-PFsqy7Ijs3-gZ4JFcH6hjxH1qtb8LoZtSQQkqB9rnsn_TREZCdycKSfib6BiVvSFTX7ZDOMNjn-3Frq-ahd1qf0hjmuXnqTsmVKMVKACyJuGtTMOa_ua_w4/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGawGWPZz-xlwXZUNy-Dc-PFsqy7Ijs3-gZ4JFcH6hjxH1qtb8LoZtSQQkqB9rnsn_TREZCdycKSfib6BiVvSFTX7ZDOMNjn-3Frq-ahd1qf0hjmuXnqTsmVKMVKACyJuGtTMOa_ua_w4/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Festival Rum Bahamas 2014 Opening Ceremony</td></tr>
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Today, we are fortunate that there are many events happening around the world called, "Rum Festivals". They sell themselves on their name. Sometimes, they hold true to their namesake; sometimes they do not. Not surprisingly, people get excited about the Rum part, I mean, seriously, who doesn't? Rum conjures up scenery of the Caribbean islands surrounded by turquoise waters, pirates, beautiful people and that tropical heat. But what about the "Festival" part? Many who go to "Rum Festivals" more often find air-conditioned rooms, characterless banquet halls under fluorescent lights inside stuffy hotels and convention centers. Instead of the white sandy beach paradise they imagined, attendees are surrounded by carpeted walkways and sterile white rooms straight out of the sitcom, <a href="http://www.nbc.com/the-office">The Office</a>. Thank you, but no thanks, you can keep that type of festivity. For me, I'm headed to a Festival like no other. Where's there's hot sun overhead, the natural environs of the Caribbean, captivating water views among endless booths overflowing with exotic rums, island food, local crafts and plenty of live music. One needn't search any further for this sort of festival, for it's returning to Nassau at the end of February. Oh yeah! Set inside the stone interiors of <a href="http://www.bahamas.com/node/50514#zoom=14&lat=25.08311&lon=-77.30667&layers=00B0T">Fort Charlotte</a>, its charms will offer something special for each visitor who makes the trek. This historic venue will set the stage, but <a href="http://www.rumbahamas.com/">Festival Rum Bahamas</a> will flaunt more than just ruins and rum, it will inspire to re-capture the idea of what it means to be a 'festival'. Whether you prefer it shaken or stirred, this three day event showcases a delicious and rather intoxicating blend of rum, food and culture for any palate. Sound exciting?! Well, don't just trust my words, get a <a href="http://fest.rumbahamas.com/tickets/">ticket</a> and go see for yourself! In the meantime, here's a inside look at some of the rum-filled fun that happened last year.<br />
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Local rum and food pairings!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dbeVuNmludWqfEjwCrUtkjf17vbySJmxxr2t246M6LEh3XJD3Y3hnk7y6a0zOK5S4SuAveSOhJMDRPztgFRWKPA6mQAxjmffMXcLN1aiaF3jwRDlyuPfx5OO9cCa1qAX4-GhWn7YRbQ/s1600/photo+1(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dbeVuNmludWqfEjwCrUtkjf17vbySJmxxr2t246M6LEh3XJD3Y3hnk7y6a0zOK5S4SuAveSOhJMDRPztgFRWKPA6mQAxjmffMXcLN1aiaF3jwRDlyuPfx5OO9cCa1qAX4-GhWn7YRbQ/s1600/photo+1(2).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.johnwatlings.com/">John Watling's Pale Rum</a> & Conch Salad</td></tr>
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A quick sample of some of the goods from <a href="http://www.botranrums.com/index.php/us/age-check?ref=1">Ron Botran</a>...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7F_iDWC59Hd28f7V22_xCMfaHOrZS9FroggDmF_IbVS1RaWO_xU9iyNSg6FtNUnainUPJ403L0OQm3yFJiJDmM09hVs4YGI0BwsOmFNgPpYBsOMn_HjYAnx4P9qIdYCCNZNVG1jzPsQ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7F_iDWC59Hd28f7V22_xCMfaHOrZS9FroggDmF_IbVS1RaWO_xU9iyNSg6FtNUnainUPJ403L0OQm3yFJiJDmM09hVs4YGI0BwsOmFNgPpYBsOMn_HjYAnx4P9qIdYCCNZNVG1jzPsQ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron Botran booth </td></tr>
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...and smile or two from <a href="http://www.bacardi.com/us/lda?url=%2fus%2fhome">Bacardi</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkZxxWOeschG1bM7WkeSLqbpl3cDbsLxU5xtwvPMYr3tpxkMpgN4JMS1dh71eoe2fa5ykxISsyserRvWtdLmeb6bB2-ZOqC8u3NRXL-VglTZq-pe54ILcZFQfeh-1M-FMu2heSURtBmc/s1600/photo+3(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkZxxWOeschG1bM7WkeSLqbpl3cDbsLxU5xtwvPMYr3tpxkMpgN4JMS1dh71eoe2fa5ykxISsyserRvWtdLmeb6bB2-ZOqC8u3NRXL-VglTZq-pe54ILcZFQfeh-1M-FMu2heSURtBmc/s1600/photo+3(2).JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacardi booth</td></tr>
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Historical canons line the walls of Fort Charlotte....</div>
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....and in the distance the hip shaking rhythms of Cuban Music....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP996IqhtaxANgLgYPOOyVSWD5gzS7GusyzCVW8BIFxOfuo4FClAOu_tUEY5trXuxJyvfH5u4GXPoRm3kVCAOi5E2MFKx-xHFHyxE1_3KEA-jEFSf6BA0eutJkWzm1qBaMKeDOR4VluOQ/s1600/photo+3(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP996IqhtaxANgLgYPOOyVSWD5gzS7GusyzCVW8BIFxOfuo4FClAOu_tUEY5trXuxJyvfH5u4GXPoRm3kVCAOi5E2MFKx-xHFHyxE1_3KEA-jEFSf6BA0eutJkWzm1qBaMKeDOR4VluOQ/s1600/photo+3(3).JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Havana Club Rum and Cuban music</td></tr>
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....of course mixed with <a href="http://havana-club.com/">Havana Club</a>!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7ybFdOz_gI_XbfwU7IPvQm0mhoaXi_wpt4ESMhLXhbfJGKT7v-AxGO95n7GBCK_S1Yg3bD74y9eUpY6leS-U8ezfJB7Ynj7IBYJkmVlxzcOt45mNf-QaCnObGqcUF7aU610sHdgYfO8/s1600/photo+2(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7ybFdOz_gI_XbfwU7IPvQm0mhoaXi_wpt4ESMhLXhbfJGKT7v-AxGO95n7GBCK_S1Yg3bD74y9eUpY6leS-U8ezfJB7Ynj7IBYJkmVlxzcOt45mNf-QaCnObGqcUF7aU610sHdgYfO8/s1600/photo+2(3).JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Havana Club booth</td></tr>
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Walk around to see booths filled with local artists selling their crafts </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsQ-lab8VT_rnILULdpAOhlUw1524eC17aEOC3xZrCHnznQc6ibyoDmsfqGZW9n0GZOkxgxtdhUTNejyeIXk1bzi9jLGxHQIkYuUrOq1cYzMAusAdq-SdUmcatzGVYRkPZVIRFrby3WU/s1600/photo+4(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsQ-lab8VT_rnILULdpAOhlUw1524eC17aEOC3xZrCHnznQc6ibyoDmsfqGZW9n0GZOkxgxtdhUTNejyeIXk1bzi9jLGxHQIkYuUrOq1cYzMAusAdq-SdUmcatzGVYRkPZVIRFrby3WU/s1600/photo+4(3).JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local Arts and Crafts</td></tr>
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Decorative relics of yesterday...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTr6fw2iIe5Fr_U5c4fVHjyAquCKcrS4870FikW9e3kZAkQs0QVm_6pehpog192R4ea9Jv2TL5qeiL_JZA2o_cmKjW0xPUslxe2O4X4IDUDGIQR84OY9fs7v3AzhJ7MgV6aUgQXMnII0/s1600/photo+2(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTr6fw2iIe5Fr_U5c4fVHjyAquCKcrS4870FikW9e3kZAkQs0QVm_6pehpog192R4ea9Jv2TL5qeiL_JZA2o_cmKjW0xPUslxe2O4X4IDUDGIQR84OY9fs7v3AzhJ7MgV6aUgQXMnII0/s1600/photo+2(4).JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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How about a refreshing mixed drink, Caribbean style?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHOrfuxmk7PmKQgqsoqroWYB4kC4GgWmg3aKgvVPJT4b5h_KntPhYJ1ZsUH_6i0Tpqkw77BYXlSbtu-M5uAw0ZjLQ_AxhGDlB3fMs4JvVVqNq_quRRlQ5pRUCRQL22Y9MgeDxIy_wdMo/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHOrfuxmk7PmKQgqsoqroWYB4kC4GgWmg3aKgvVPJT4b5h_KntPhYJ1ZsUH_6i0Tpqkw77BYXlSbtu-M5uAw0ZjLQ_AxhGDlB3fMs4JvVVqNq_quRRlQ5pRUCRQL22Y9MgeDxIy_wdMo/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh coconut water and<a href="http://www.rhumclementusa.com/verification.php"> Rhum Clement VSOP</a></td></tr>
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Award winning rums and local beauty.<br />
You needn't read the shirt to understand such a combination produces "Body Solutions"</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fR6b9TtneFAN4Qr8u7QHuTAZ7o7lXDCbrG-a4iBdIwKYj_fMWcNpyuNswh11Gu03zvPa4sP4xPMu1gXKasRF7HFTmKs1BpBnr0WyGBMIHH5GyipUVN61MVRjBaF3oS8Ll342IdFuQOo/s1600/photo+5(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fR6b9TtneFAN4Qr8u7QHuTAZ7o7lXDCbrG-a4iBdIwKYj_fMWcNpyuNswh11Gu03zvPa4sP4xPMu1gXKasRF7HFTmKs1BpBnr0WyGBMIHH5GyipUVN61MVRjBaF3oS8Ll342IdFuQOo/s1600/photo+5(3).JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold medal winner <a href="http://plantationrhum.com/en/">Plantation 3 Stars</a> with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gspasolutions">G's Spa & Body Solutions</a></td></tr>
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Festival Rum Bahamas 2015 is coming soon. <span style="text-align: left;">Hope to see you there!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Cheers!!</span></div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-52567197504722855832015-01-21T06:21:00.000-08:002015-01-29T21:27:44.683-08:00World-Class Rum Tasting Auctioned Off to Benefit Children<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXp7hYAoqtWSNERGrC4ilB3XVMcVVgGsR6PIWjEEPtlkIVQJiDdX-bEiUlzyxK-YEhpkKsddUAPItKyilVofUIFgr4XbqsRoLfFC8WFyfPm5PiLm-Ij8q7bMUaqkyMipAm59ll5vTfigw/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXp7hYAoqtWSNERGrC4ilB3XVMcVVgGsR6PIWjEEPtlkIVQJiDdX-bEiUlzyxK-YEhpkKsddUAPItKyilVofUIFgr4XbqsRoLfFC8WFyfPm5PiLm-Ij8q7bMUaqkyMipAm59ll5vTfigw/s1600/image1.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row: Clement X.O. & Brugal 1888<br />
Bottom row: Mount Gay 1703 & Angostura 1824</td></tr>
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This holiday season began with a cocktail: goodwill mixed with rum. It started with a personal request from a friend, one of the <a href="http://www.boyercc.org/">Boyer Children's Clinic</a> Board of Directors, to donate a rum tasting for their annual <a href="https://boyercc.ejoinme.org/?tabid=535251">Inspiring Journeys Auction Gala</a>.<br />
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I believe if you can share 10 of the best rums in the world (and a cocktail) to benefit children with <i>neuromuscular diseases and developmental delays along with their families</i>, then this was a tasting worth donating and that is what I did...<br />
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Ten of the finest rums available from around the world have been selected. This one-of-a-kind tasting is to take place in a breathtaking Capital Hill condo with sweeping views of downtown Seattle. The evening includes complimentary valet parking by <a href="http://www.butlervalet.com/">Butler Valet</a>, catered food by <a href="http://mojitoseattle.com/MojitoSeattle/Welcome.html">Mojito</a> and a personally guided discussion through each of these world-class rums for 15 guests. If you have been to any of <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/">The Rum Collective</a>'s many educational events, you would know a greeting cocktail is compulsory. For this tasting, such a cocktail will be served as well. What to choose? A cocktail to begin an evening indulging in some of the most remarkable rums in the world must be of comparable quality. This cocktail, featuring <a href="http://papaspilar.com/#/ourrums/duality">Papa's Pilar Blonde Rum</a>, is the perfect choice (see photo below).<br />
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<b>May I interest you a Hemingway Daiquiri? </b></div>
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<b>Rest assured, it's made with only the finest ingredients...</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tAsSVBRWpPtBMBa_5-zyQ-T2EV-q0EmYsw-YM67su5rl1YE6y3jpQmnmuSq1sFrAEz4DROd5DAdgEIapcKVblsEaT4cVa7Zt_FQynExMSXD4ZDIInE1G_jSWmV-JrrkuX_WklJvZxMw/s1600/image1+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tAsSVBRWpPtBMBa_5-zyQ-T2EV-q0EmYsw-YM67su5rl1YE6y3jpQmnmuSq1sFrAEz4DROd5DAdgEIapcKVblsEaT4cVa7Zt_FQynExMSXD4ZDIInE1G_jSWmV-JrrkuX_WklJvZxMw/s1600/image1+(1).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hemingway Daiquri featuting Papa's Pilar Blonde & Luxardo Maraschino</td></tr>
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Oh yeah!<br />
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All of the rums selected for the tasting were chosen by the following order of criteria: quality, geographic representation and style, and availability in Washington State. Also, the rum must be donated by the brand. Well, guess what? "Big (and small) Rum" just gave back!! The list of rums in the tasting will include: <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2014/10/rhum-clement-xo-death-in-family.html">Clement X.O.</a> of Martinique, <a href="http://www.brugalusa.com/products/brugal-1888/">Brugal 1888</a> of the Dominican Republic, <a href="http://www.mountgayrum.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mountgay_sem&utm_term=mount%20gay%20rum#/products/1703-detail">Mount Gay 1703</a> of Barbados and <a href="http://angosturarum.com/Brands/Angostura_1824">Angostura 1824</a> of Trinidad (see earlier photo). The other six selections in the tasting represent some of the most eminent rums out of Spain, Panama, France, Venezuela, Guatemala and Puerto Rico and are <a href="http://pmspirits.com/press/ron-navazos-palazzi/">Ron Navazos Palazzi</a>, <a href="http://www.ronabuelopanama.com/category/brand/?lang=en&lang=en">Ron Abuelo Centuria</a>, <a href="http://www.plantationrum.com/en/pages/view/367">Plantation 20th Anniversary</a>, <a href="http://www.rondiplomatico.com/pages/rondetalle.php?menu=5">Ron Diplomatico Ambassador</a>, <a href="http://www.zacaparum.com/en-us/start/">Ron Zacapa XO</a> and <a href="http://donq.com/rum/gran-anejo/">DonQ Gran Anejo</a> respectively. This intimate, guided educational experience will feature these rums in a select order and presented in snifters donated by <a href="http://www.libertybars.com/">Liberty Bar</a>.<br />
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<b>Behold some more of the most prized rums on the planet.</b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYXG7OJ5Y-kP30m-qRy6s3augKlbzD4Vpb9H27-W-tueWXsZ2IgXVxs-ANO9oWg97js6GdnkxbPFkvCLG6yXdVKoOw02rHMCV1yEgNbwGKe9POK3qMBTpV0ubtBHIp4du0wGb2FY2iJ0/s1600/image3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYXG7OJ5Y-kP30m-qRy6s3augKlbzD4Vpb9H27-W-tueWXsZ2IgXVxs-ANO9oWg97js6GdnkxbPFkvCLG6yXdVKoOw02rHMCV1yEgNbwGKe9POK3qMBTpV0ubtBHIp4du0wGb2FY2iJ0/s1600/image3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The donated tasting was part of the <a href="https://boyercc.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2014InspiringJourneysAuctionGala/LiveAuctionItems/tabid/565654/Default.aspx">live auction</a> portion of the Gala. The bidding prices began at $500 and escalated rapidly. The tasting sold for $1600!! The winning bidder of the live auction was announced on stage and provided with a celebratory glass of Brugal 1888 to mark the occasion. Yum!!<br />
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<i>"Proceeds will provide direct services, such as therapies, special education preschool classes, medical consultations, and family resources for the 750+ children and families Boyer Children's Clinic serves each year</i>."</blockquote>
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A sincere thank you to the owners of the condo, Butler Valet, Mojito, Liberty Bar and each of the brands who donated their product to create a first-rate rum tasting to benefit Boyer Children's Clinic!!</div>
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<b>CHEERS!!!</b></div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-11270211255753618542014-11-30T22:55:00.000-08:002014-11-30T23:24:11.725-08:00The Rum Collective's Selection of the Season: Plantation Single Casks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLwOxeY2Dud0VDvXxRrQhC_s5bWjBcNXojZwBne762Iilaad-KMfMJ9Ep73vxaADr9cFF4DC11NIkdtKbHi6c-KePCGHvvRTo-Zz0LhcuBzjV82zDOu0jFmHN-ZBDnF9nL2kidI_Ix_c/s1600/IMG_9267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLwOxeY2Dud0VDvXxRrQhC_s5bWjBcNXojZwBne762Iilaad-KMfMJ9Ep73vxaADr9cFF4DC11NIkdtKbHi6c-KePCGHvvRTo-Zz0LhcuBzjV82zDOu0jFmHN-ZBDnF9nL2kidI_Ix_c/s1600/IMG_9267.JPG" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plantation Single Casks: Panama 8yr Old Reserve & Guatemala XO Extra Old Reserve</td></tr>
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Plantation Rums intrigue almost every passer-by with their looks and shine of artisan craftsmanship in the glass; just give them the opportunity. These Rums not only stand out in their respective categories when compared to their peers in tasting competitions, they win. Cream rises, right? If you are in love with the C. Ferrand's unique rum expressions already, then what I am about to tell you, may give you a reason to propose and tie the knot with Alexandre Gabriel himself. Kidding...kind of.<br />
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It is a pleasure to announce that these two gorgeous Plantation Single Cask Rums are now available in Washington State!! (see photo above)</div>
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Such wonderful news is not only a beautiful beginning to this holiday season (more awesome Rum!!), but a long-awaited, perfect ending to our fourth rum-filled year here in Seattle. It was an honor to have been approached by Plantation for such an opportunity and needless to say, the longest running rum society in the USA accepted. These two Single Cask expressions were "selected by The Rum Collective" for there rich and remarkably complex flavor profiles. Wait, what? New Plantation Single Casks coming to Seattle in time for the holidays? Yep, that's right, but here's the caveat; they are a "Limited Edition" release, as in once they are gone, THEY ARE GONE. Interested? Keep reading...</div>
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Let's take a closer look, shall we?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhVpmzVfNNM0r1R5OgnhWN5kO1_cgFgIMe9RqVSqCT_V4VGHO1NwgQdaev9xziWDkUie76mPyBNd7zgvsC_-klzGDw5z4BkZNNSFf5WJKgA0c0TL12H0biQbvoLtBQmQ4bA5IrrgXJRQ/s1600/IMG_9269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhVpmzVfNNM0r1R5OgnhWN5kO1_cgFgIMe9RqVSqCT_V4VGHO1NwgQdaev9xziWDkUie76mPyBNd7zgvsC_-klzGDw5z4BkZNNSFf5WJKgA0c0TL12H0biQbvoLtBQmQ4bA5IrrgXJRQ/s1600/IMG_9269.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plantation Single Cask: Panama 8yr Old Reserve / Cask 1/10; Bottle 394/450</td></tr>
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She's gorgeous alright! </div>
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Rums from Panama aged for 8 years in bourbon cask, then finished in Pineau Des Charentes Cask and bottled at 43% ABV. </div>
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Now, feast your eyes upon this...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzf3REHOmv8ALbu0H3H_K3h4gZN1Bz3a8bhOH2PWwyHPfAq_wV-OOwJJM_W-iuH7Ub8Knq-0k60Zx-Oio86HPDxRvmcjxZMQtxVbqWoKAk-_MTGcKPO9KOKHcquYGvWfde0F2RcyiQLo/s1600/IMG_9268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzf3REHOmv8ALbu0H3H_K3h4gZN1Bz3a8bhOH2PWwyHPfAq_wV-OOwJJM_W-iuH7Ub8Knq-0k60Zx-Oio86HPDxRvmcjxZMQtxVbqWoKAk-_MTGcKPO9KOKHcquYGvWfde0F2RcyiQLo/s1600/IMG_9268.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plantation Single Cask: Guatemala XO Reserve / Cask 12/16; Bottle 301/450</td></tr>
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Absolutely Stunning!</div>
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Old Reserve Rums from Guatemala, finished in Sauternes Cask and bottled at 40% ABV.</div>
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<b>CARE FOR A TASTE?</b></h3>
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You may find these rare gems at a few rum loving bars, like <a href="http://rumbaonpike.com/">Rumba</a> and <a href="http://www.tacomacabana.com/">Tacoma Cabana</a>. But don't wait too long...</div>
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However, if you want to buy a bottle (or four), they will be sold exclusively at <a href="http://wineworldspirits.com/">Wine World & Spirits</a>. The Rum Collective will be having a complimentary tasting at Wine World and all attendees will have an opportunity to buy them first at a discounted price. Buying is suggested! Please see the event below for details.</div>
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<b><i>PLANTATION SINGLE CASK: EXCLUSIVE TASTING & PRODUCT LAUNCH</i></b></h4>
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https://www.facebook.com/events/380267285431920</div>
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Don't miss it!!</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-44545853589683474242014-11-30T07:15:00.002-08:002014-11-30T07:15:29.256-08:00Master of Malt's 2014 Advent Calendar: The Coming of Rum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rum Advent Calendar (2014 Edition)</td></tr>
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Advent calendars, for many, give a sense of excitement of what is or is not to come. They often bring forth fond memories of childhood, filled with special surprises to keep you calm (or calmer) as the countdown to Christmas, although numbered, seemed like an endless period of time. The idea is perfectly simple. A box, more or less rectangle-shaped, made of cardboard, decorated with images of Christmas lore shrouding a series of small numbered demarcations which are opened to reveal something special. Inside you find an uncertain present, like a wrapped piece of chocolate or toy to open each day until December 25th. Fun, right? Don't you miss it?? Well, now, you don't have to; and we are not talking about chocolate here folks. Behold an adult-only calendar. Nice! No, not with nude photos or sex toys; come on now, keep it clean. We are talking about adult beverages, specifically, the sugar cane spirits kind. Oh yeah!! <a href="http://www.masterofmalt.com/">Master of Malt</a> has done it alright...and they did it right. Their <a href="http://www.masterofmalt.com/rum/drinks-by-the-dram/the-rum-advent-calendar/?srh=1">2014 Rum Advent Calendar</a> featuring their very cool <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2011/09/drinks-by-dram-novel-concept.html">Drinks by the Dram</a> concept has captured that innocent childhood-like fun and increased the proof. Naughty! That's right rum lovers, each day you can look forward to a new dram of quality rum (not to worry all you <a href="http://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/drinks-by-the-dram/the-whisky-advent-calendar/?srh=1">whiskey</a>, <a href="http://www.masterofmalt.com/tequila/drinks-by-the-dram/the-tequila-advent-calendar/?srh=1">tequila</a>, <a href="http://www.masterofmalt.com/cognac/drinks-by-the-dram/the-cognac-advent-calendar/?srh=1">cognac</a> and difficult to understand <a href="http://www.masterofmalt.com/vodka/drinks-by-the-dram/the-vodka-advent-calendar/?srh=1">vodka</a> types, they have you covered too). Hmm, what will today have in store, Jamaican or perhaps Bajan? Is tomorrow going to be filled with Demerara dreams or hot night in Trinidad? You never know what the next numbered box might have in store. Instead of reindeer, wrapped presents and elves in snow on its front, you get a member of the British Royal Navy, or perhaps a pirate-gone-privateer enjoying his latest rum booty with his faithful dog by his side. Check out the view of the sea and a bounty of rum bottles on the shelves. Seriously, how fun is that!? Well, after learning of this temptation last year, the opportunity to experience it this holiday season could not be missed. The holiday season just got better. Time to set a course for 24 days of rum and fun, so let the countdown begin!!<br />
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Starting December 1st, follow along each day on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rum-Collective/104935299577999">The Rum Collective Facebook page</a> as we journey through each offering from the 2014 Rum Advent Calendar!<br />
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Cheers!</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-78947134910264811182014-10-31T07:26:00.003-07:002014-10-31T20:18:27.646-07:00Rhum Clement X.O. - A Death in the Family<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NcdLOyr9ZCgCOhjkoLZCF2u0mewrmJJgbtxfJBqkUTB4VDWugBvw2vuWg0aM-2a4WWK9Iuf2e2-5ud-lPRI0ya7NFDcUZMr0Jw8J4Frpv5AqFBV9UMSMJQ8XrG7roT0Zg54w3go-bOA/s1600/IMG_9142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NcdLOyr9ZCgCOhjkoLZCF2u0mewrmJJgbtxfJBqkUTB4VDWugBvw2vuWg0aM-2a4WWK9Iuf2e2-5ud-lPRI0ya7NFDcUZMr0Jw8J4Frpv5AqFBV9UMSMJQ8XrG7roT0Zg54w3go-bOA/s1600/IMG_9142.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
We all imagine the time will come when there will be no more time. Like an older relative or loved one, we understand there will be a point at which, their life will end, when we will receive a phone call from a family member, informing us of the expected, yet otherwise unimaginable. We attempt to understand what it may be like, but don't really want to know. Then, that point arrives and the seemingly infinite amount of time on Earth is suddenly fixed; you hang up the phone and are left with memories and a void. You cannot change what has happened, but notice an ache deep inside, knowing such times will no longer be. This is how I felt after hearing that <a href="http://www.rhumclementusa.com/xo.htm">Rhum Clement X.O.</a> had died.<br />
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Composed of the best vintages (1952, 1970 and 1976) Martinique has ever seen, its aromas and flavors were well received and impacted many. These vintages, despite their most appealing qualities, were produced in limited quantities. We often take for granted those with so much meaning in our lives, and as a r(h)um lover, I am guilty of this as well. An amazing rhum comes along, however you don't fully appreciate it in the context of it never being readily available again. History repeats and this timeless story is told again. Its passing is a great loss to anyone who appreciates world-class spirits and it saddens me knowing the future of rhum agricole will no longer have one of its finest expressions at hand. In trying to relate what this rhum meant, I have requested comments from many of those in the rhum community about Clement X.O.'s passing. <br />
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Here are some of the comments from friends, family and those who have came to know and love this rhum agricole tres vieux:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>It's sad because it was the first agricole that visually (X.O./Bottle) connected itself with French brandy making for me. I think Martinique could benefit from that connecting and pedigree more. I typically avoid r(h)ums that have spent more than 15 years in a barrel. I have never avoided Clement X.O.</i> </blockquote>
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---Steve Livigni (<a href="http://ladescargala.com/">La Descarga</a>, <a href="http://scopaitalianroots.com/">Scopa Italian Roots</a>, <a href="http://thechestnutclubsm.com/">The Chestnut Club</a>)</blockquote>
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<i>We will remember it as one of the best of all the french caribbean. The last tears of it have already been consumed and our tears won't replace the pleasure and feelings we had to enjoy the last sips of it. Let it rest in peace alongside the master, the Dr. Homere Clement, for now and eternity</i> </blockquote>
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---Benoit Bail (Liqeuers et Spiritueux, <a href="http://zwazo.lu/">Zwazo Rum</a>)</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>So much more than a series of age statements, the X.O. straddled both brilliance and belligerence with sweet bright notes layered over a dense almost over charred, finish. </i></blockquote>
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---Chris Morales (<a href="http://www.rhumclementusa.com/">Rhum Clement</a>)</blockquote>
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<i>This won't be the last retired iconic spirit as demand for quality far exceeds the old stocks that exist to provide it. Drink the good stuff while you can!</i> </blockquote>
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---Jim Romdall (<a href="http://rumbaonpike.com/">Rumba</a>)</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I once traded a bottle of X.O. for an excellent bicycle. Now that bicycle makes me sad. </i></blockquote>
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---Wayne Curtis (Author - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/And-Bottle-Rum-History-Cocktails/dp/0307338622">And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails</a>)</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Clement X.O. was my introduction to aged agricole and has remained a favorite for many years. I started with the best and have never found a worthy substitute. It will be a very sad day in the rum world when it is finally....Until then I'm hoarding every bottle I find. </i> </blockquote>
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---Mike Streeter (<a href="http://rumconnection.com/">Rum Connection</a>, <a href="http://rumcouncil.com/">International Rum Council</a>)</blockquote>
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<i>I just can't believe X.O. is gone. It seems like only yesterday I was drinking X.O. out of a bottle in New Orleans with Jeff Berry and Blair Reynolds...the times we had, they will carry me forward. </i></blockquote>
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---Matt "Rumdood" Robold (<a href="http://rumdood.com/">rumdood.com</a>, <a href="http://www.320mainsealbeach.com/">320 Main</a>) </blockquote>
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<i>Well, I'm sad to see it go. It was a lovely rum, very austere and agreeably dry. Despite the advanced aged of the component rums, it never presented as over-oaked. Fortunately, the Clement range continues to expand with fine new offerings that help soften the blow.</i></blockquote>
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---Martin Cate (<a href="http://smugglerscovesf.com/trapdoor/">Smuggler's Cove</a>)</blockquote>
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<i>You were my first top shelf premium rum. Although you were excellent to sip on, your true calling was being paired up with Appleton 21yr for the luxurious Fifty Dollar Mai Tai that so many people enjoyed on their birthdays, anniversaries, promotions and holiday celebrations. The Fifty Dollar Mai Tai will never be the same and for that, you will be truly missed.</i> </blockquote>
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---Jason Alexander (<a href="http://www.tacomacabana.com/">Tacoma Cabana</a>)</blockquote>
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<i>It belongs to the ages now... </i></blockquote>
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---Chris Carlsson (<a href="http://spiritsreview.com/">Spirits Review</a>) </blockquote>
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<i>It's the end of an era personally. The Clement X.O. was the first truly high end agricole I ever had and I will remember it always with its nod to Cognac.</i></blockquote>
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---Rocky Yeh (<a href="http://www.anwdistributors.com/">American Northwest</a>) </blockquote>
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<i>It's with great sadness mixed with warm emotions that Clement X.O. has depleted its rare stocks and has departed our rum cabinet for the great cellars in the sky.</i></blockquote>
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---Benjamin Jones (Family, <a href="http://www.rhumclementusa.com/">Rhum Clement</a>) </blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>X.O. we hardly knew ye, but your legacy lives on. Vive le Vieux!</i></blockquote>
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---Paul Clarke (<a href="http://imbibemagazine.com/">Imbibe</a>) </blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>It says a lot for Clement's integrity if they discontinue X.O. for a missing ingredient: most brands would just fiddle the formula!</i></blockquote>
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---Ian Williams (Author, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rum-Social-Sociable-History-Spirit/dp/1560258918">Rum: A Social and Sociable History of the Real Spirit of 1776</a>)</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The bottle that effectively pushed a certain Controlee brandy (au revoir Cognac) off the tiny Sambar shelves and solidified our Rhum-centric nature. It was all Agricole after that.</i> </blockquote>
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---Jay Kuehner, (<a href="http://www.seattlemet.com/bars-and-nightlife/sauced/articles/jay-kuehner-vessel-wednesday-nights-march-2013">Vessel</a>, <a href="http://seattletimes.com/html/restaurants/2017799943_happyhour21.html">Sambar</a>) </blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>There will be a void in my rhum cabinet after the death of the excellent Clement X.O.</i></blockquote>
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---Ian "Rum-Ambassador" Burrell (<a href="http://rumexperience.com/">The Rum Experience</a>) </blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>It's not often one's compelled to write about a rums passing. Most rhums, even great ones, simply....disappear...News of Clement X.O.'s pending extinction --barrel aged stocks of the 1952 vintage essential to its DNA are depleted - caused a tear drop as large as the shapely bottle it's presented in. No ordinary rhum, X.O. combines that elusive and exclusive complexity of aromas and harmony of flavors that other master blenders aspire to achieve. They will fall short. Clement's estate grown sugarcane and distillates are available only to them and to you in these always collectible yet soon to be extinct bottles. Hoard now, enjoy at leisure, cry later.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
---Dave Russell (<a href="http://www.rumgallery.com/">Rum Gallery</a>, <a href="http://rumcouncil.com/">International Rum Council</a>)</blockquote>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi082pcE7JvpCaz6SXRrV26Ru4QbNYjc2bZdPjT4Swn4tTe3vRvqtPTStekWqPeSWQe26Dqi08qC82NexYjPwZyolcmu6X3ZAz6u-ir5hlP515bLDOB1eJZaJq9vnKi-MXPkNByTrxECL0/s1600/Habitation+Clement+bottle+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi082pcE7JvpCaz6SXRrV26Ru4QbNYjc2bZdPjT4Swn4tTe3vRvqtPTStekWqPeSWQe26Dqi08qC82NexYjPwZyolcmu6X3ZAz6u-ir5hlP515bLDOB1eJZaJq9vnKi-MXPkNByTrxECL0/s1600/Habitation+Clement+bottle+front.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Habitation Clement and Rhum Clement X.O.</td></tr>
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Rest in Peace Clement X.O.</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-38812783795635807572014-05-17T23:47:00.000-07:002014-05-20T22:01:25.613-07:00Snuff the Rooster: A Cocktail and Closer Look at Cockspur 130 Overproof Rum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuff the Rooster</td></tr>
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The recently released <a href="http://www.cockspurrum.com/">Cockspur</a> 130 Overproof Rum will not only capture your attention, but may ruffle a few feathers. Distilled on the isle of Barbados, it's the prodigy of good rum genes and the only other Bajan overproof rum contestant in the US. Considering the number of great overproof rums in the Caribbean, it's exciting and quite refreshing to see another one enter a category of rather scant selection. Oh yeah! <a href="http://www.cockspurrum.com/">Cockspur Rum</a> has always had great brand appeal, from its uber fun logo and catchy marketing lines to those who have simply tasted and enjoy the Bajan style of rum. This isn't the first time mentioning this exciting brand here, for an article on touring the West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD), where their rums are born and raised, can be found by clicking <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2010/12/barbados-rum-tour-of-tours.html">here</a>. In Washington State, where Cockspur Rums have had patchy availability during the transition from a state controlled to a privatized system, the news of its release was right on time. To celebrate its arrival, a <em>cock</em>tail was in order. Although simple mixers, such as coconut water work well and are delicious, something with more local appeal was desired. Seattle's burgeoning interest in r(h)um and focus on quality cocktails and ingredients encouraged my underlying interest; celebrate the <em>cock</em> on its label. Make it about the rooster! So, using egg was a must, certified <a href="http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=organic-agriculture">USDA Organic</a> and <a href="http://www.nongmoproject.org/">Non-GMO</a> of course. This rum's forthcoming pot still aromas and flavors hold up nicely and are fully appreciated through the smooth merengue-like texture achieved by using an egg white. Having been attacked by a rooster as a young child (then seeing it put to death) and later witnessing cockfights in Mexico, I wanted the cocktail to be pleasantly intense; packing a bit of spicy heat for a memorable experience. <a href="http://www.huyfong.com/no_frames/sriracha.htm">Sriracha</a> hot sauce, boasting a rooster on the front of its bottle was perfect. The spicy note would contrast well with chocolate. What chocolate you say? <a href="http://www.feebrothers.com/products/bitters/aztec_chocolate_bitters.php">Aztec Chocolate Bitters</a>!! Keeping with quality ingredients, <a href="http://www.giffardusa.com/our-liqueurs">Giffard</a> makes a delicious grapefruit liqueur (nothing in their line is bad) and its recommendation by Andrew Bohrer (<a href="http://www.vinumimporting.com/">Vinum</a>) was spot on, pairing nicely with the chocolate. Working and reworking the ratios amidst rounding out the flavors with <a href="http://www.benedictinedom.com/lda/">Benedictine DOM</a> and <a href="http://bittermens.com/products/hopped-grapefruit-bitters/">Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit Bitters</a> completed the idea. Who doesn't like more bitters, right? But what about a name? If you know Seattle, then you know it has seen some talented musicians. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAE6Il6OTcs">Alice In Chains</a> helped out with that one. If you're a fan, then <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Layne_Staley">Layne Staley's</a> voice should be sounding inside your head right now. Please let me introduce...</div>
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<i><b>Snuff the Rooster</b></i></h3>
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1 1/2 oz <a href="http://www.cockspurrum.com/">Cockspur</a> 130 Overproof Rum</div>
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1 egg white*</div>
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1/2 oz lemon juice* (fresh pressed)</div>
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1/2 oz <a href="http://www.giffardusa.com/our-liqueurs">Giffard</a> <a href="http://www.giffardusa.com/our-liqueurs#CRÈME-DE-PAMPLEMOUSSE-ROSE">Creme de Pamplemousse Rose</a></div>
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1/3 oz <a href="http://www.benedictinedom.com/lda/">Benedictine DOM</a></div>
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3-4 dashes <a href="http://www.feebrothers.com/">Fee Brothers</a> <a href="http://www.feebrothers.com/products/bitters/aztec_chocolate_bitters.php">Aztec Chocolate Bitters</a></div>
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2 dashes <a href="http://bittermens.com/">Bittermens</a> <a href="http://bittermens.com/products/hopped-grapefruit-bitters/">Hopped Grapefruit Bitters</a></div>
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Place 3 lines of <a href="http://www.huyfong.com/no_frames/sriracha.htm">Sriracha</a> solution on top (1 part Sriracha: 3 parts water)</div>
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Preparation: Dry shake egg white only, then add all ingredients with ice (except Sriracha) and shake well. Strain into martini glass. Place 3 drops of Sriracha onto surface and make a rooster footprint (I used a toothpick).<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Organic and non-GMO</span> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cockspur 130 Overproof Rum</td></tr>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
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Cockspur 130 Overproof Rum: A Closer Look</h3>
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Bottle - Reminiscent of the <a href="http://cockspurrum.com/concocktions/">Cockspur Fine Rum</a> in its shape, its sets itself apart by an eye opening red banner across the label. This Rum's <i>proof</i> isn't hiding here folks and it's underlined in black in case you missed it: 130 proof = 65% ABV! The design is simple, easily recognizable and filled with a "Product of Barbados" that we all love called Rum!</div>
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Appearance - Transparent clarity. After swirling in the glass, many very tiny droplets bead up, coalescing and escaping downward into thin, little chicken legs.</div>
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Aroma - Mildly sweet without overtly noxious alcohol aromas. Subtle notes of ripe banana, tropical fruits (guava and passion fruit), vanilla and anise are appreciated. A notable pot still aromatic "hogo" with hints of fresh marshmallows are also pleasant and become more noticeable as it opens up over time in the snifter.</div>
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Taste - It's entry into the mouth is heated up to mid-palate; no surprise here. The taste confirms the aromas detected earlier with less distinction. Notably, it still maintains the backbone flavor found in the rest of the line. It's light bodied with a pronounced astringent effect. Again, no surprises. </div>
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Finish - Short and concise. The re-surfacing of that earlier heat in the mouth is noticed in the back of the throat as the dominant flavors fade from the palate.</div>
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Overall, the Cockspur 130 Overproof Rum has a surprisingly pleasant bouquet for its proof with flavors that hold up well in a cocktail. Its potential as a mixer is significant and it is a welcome addition to the Cockspur Rum line.</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-39737782412404938202014-04-25T08:05:00.003-07:002014-04-25T21:39:24.312-07:00Introducing Admiral Rodney and The Forgotten Casks to Seattle: A Chairman's Education and Afterparty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiral Rodney and Chairman's Reserve Finest - The Forgotten Casks<br />
The Rum Collective's launch party at <a href="http://wineworldspirits.com/">Wine World & Spirits</a>, September 2013</td></tr>
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The time was long overdue and the patience of rum connoisseurs around the US ran aground years ago. In fact, many had simply given up on seeing <a href="http://www.saintluciarums.com/admiral-rodney.html">Admiral Rodney</a> stateside. Would the <a href="http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/ttabvue-91193668-OPP-41.pdf">trademark trial</a> over its comparison to <a href="http://www.admiralnelsonsrum.com/">Admiral Nelson</a> be resolved? Would the US market hold enough interest to foster passage of <a href="http://www.saintluciarums.com/the-forgotten-casks.html">The Forgotten Casks</a> Rum? Last September, things done changed! Not only were they approved, (yes, the <a href="http://www.uspto.gov/">USPTO</a> has officially accepted that there was more than one admiral in the British Royal Navy!) but these world class rums were launched in three cities in the US. Seattle, with its rum-loving community, was one the chosen few along with Washington, DC and New York. For those of you who attended the launch party, the following should stoke the fire of fond memories gained (or lost) that night. For those that missed it, you can now taste these rums, as bottles have just arrived and will be available (finally!) at select locations in Seattle later this week.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiral Rodney Box</td></tr>
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The excitement and suspense surrounding the launch party events in Seattle complimented these two rums' turbulent history. First, <a href="http://www.liq.wa.gov/publications/board/Interim%20Policies/Interim_Policy_BIP_01_2013-2.pdf">legislation</a> had just went into effect a week prior allowing liquor retailers to hold spirit tastings in Washington State. So, this launch was to be a Washington premiere, not only for these two gems of the rum world, but also of legally "sampling" rum in a retail liquor store in our now privatized state. Second, Clyde Davis Jr., the gentlemen largely responsible for their US entrance and success, was flying in for the events. <a href="http://wineworldspirits.com/">Wine World</a>, a liquor retailer with spacious event rooms and a solid selection of rum, was an ideal location. That evening, guests continually arrived even after the seats filled for a taste of what was coming. The <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2013/09/a-chairmans-reserve-rum-punch-day.html">invitation</a> made clear to RSVP, but the love for rum overcame electronic formalities and many were content with standing, or should I say, sipping room only. Rumantic! The educational, guided tasting through the majority of <a href="http://www.saintluciarums.com/">St. Lucia Distiller's</a> finest rums had begun...<br />
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We discussed the rum's early beginnings, originating in 1931 at the Barnard Family-owned distillery (Dennery Factory Co.) up until the recent passing of their Managing Director and 3rd Generation family member <a href="http://stluciastar.com/passing-of-former-tourist-board-chairman-laurie-barnard/">Laurie Barnard</a> in 2012. Just as many of the Caribbean islands have gone, by the 1950's, the forces influencing the consolidation of rum producers were winning and only two distilleries, the Dennery Distillery (Barnard Family) and the Roseau Bay Distillery (Geest Family), remained. Today, rum making continues at the distillery in Roseau Bay only. As the majority of the cultivated land was converted to a banana from a sugarcane-based crop in the 1960's, the Dennery Factory Co. was forced to import molasses due to lack of availability on the island. Later in 1972, their merger with the Geest Family (Dutch Banana Co.) and formation of the St. Lucia Group consolidated the local distilleries, later branding their own rums, like Denros Bounty Rum. Chairman's Reserve was on the horizon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chairman's Reserve Finest - The Forgotten Casks Box</td></tr>
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Today, the family directed process and vision hasn't changed. Their rums are made from molasses, which is imported from Guyana and fermented by a separated yeast process for 24-30 hours. To achieve the distinct flavor marques, they employ four stills in their distillation process: three pots (two John Dore and one Vendome) and one single continuous column still. It's a pleasure to taste through the entire line at once, beginning with the <a href="http://www.saintluciarums.com/chairmans-reserve-white.html">Chairman's Reserve Silver</a>. The Silver is a blend of column and pot still rums aged 3-4 years and is charcoal filtered (don't let the transparency fool you!) revealing a medium bodied, dry mixing rum with a mild sweetness and subtle hints of banana. <a href="http://www.saintluciarums.com/chairmans-reserve.html">Chairman's Reserve Rum</a> was next up. It was conceived by the late Laurie Barnard in 1999, also a pot and column still blend that shows off a bit more of its aged maturity (~5 yr) with balanced aromas of baking spices, light hints of cocoa and vanilla arising underneath a more aromatic pot still hogo and oakiness. Clyde has many stories to share and gives a important perspective on importing and raising a brand in the US. We then entered <a href="http://www.saintluciarums.com/the-forgotten-casks.html">The Forgotten Casks</a>, which is a similar blend of rums as the Reserve Rum, but unintentionally* aged an average of 7-12 years. The Forgotten Casks reveals, without much effort, some of those deeper passionate notes; boasting raisins, chocolate and tobacco with hints of citrus under the nose and silky mouth-feel resonating soft sultans and toffee on the palate. The <a href="http://www.saintluciarums.com/chairmans-reserve-spiced.html">Chairman's Reserve Spiced</a> needs little introduction here. A leader in the spiced rum category that can be sipped or mixed. It stands up anyway you want it, with or without the help it's unique aphrodisiac-laden infusion of Bois Bande. Finally, we experience <a href="http://www.saintluciarums.com/admiral-rodney.html">Admiral Rodney</a>. It is also a blend of rums with an average of 12 years, however, in contrast to the others, it is from column still only. Well balanced and decorated with all the charms you would expect of a premium product. Needless to say, those who sipped it voiced their "oh, wows" and "yums" beckoning for more. While The Forgotten Casks won't let you soon forget what you've tasted, Admiral Rodney, will have you surrendering and quite possibly declaring it as your next favorite rum. I will state here, as I have <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2011/06/summer-in-seattle-brings-climate-of-rum.html">stated</a> about the Chairman's Reserve Rums before - they're <i>undervalued</i> and remain a great buy. Everyone knows the formula; high quality spirit divided by low cost equals great value. This is one of those rums where you can do the math and feel good knowing the answer!<br />
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*So what is the story behind the name, <i>The Forgotten Casks</i>?</h3>
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On May 2nd, 2007, a devastating fire set by arsonists, destroyed the blending, laboratory and administrative buildings on site. The cellar master, Cyril Mangal, had problems finding storage places for safeguarding the rums. Many of the once-used bourbon casks, held a blend of pot and column still rums. Some of the casks were placed in locations where they would be forgotten about for some time before being discovered.<br />
Hence, the name <i>The Forgotten Casks...</i></div>
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After tasting it, you'll want St. Lucia Distiller's to keep forgetting them!<br />
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Where did <i>Chairman's Reserve</i> get its name? </h3>
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Instead of re-writing it here, get the <a href="http://www.uncommoncaribbean.com/2010/07/30/chairmans-reserve-the-young-st-lucians-rum-of-choice/">full story</a> from our good friends at <a href="http://www.uncommoncaribbean.com/">Uncommon Caribbean</a>!</div>
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Onward to....</div>
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<b>The Afterparty at <a href="http://robroyseattle.com/">Rob Roy</a>!</b></h2>
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If you have been to<a href="http://robroyseattle.com/"> Rob Roy</a>, one of Seattle's favorite cocktail bars or have witnessed the talent of the owner, Anu Apte, then you are aware of the enjoyment that follows after ordering there. An exclusive menu of cocktails featuring Chairman's Reserve Rums was created for the event. Let's have a look!</div>
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<b>Gunpowder Punch</b></div>
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Chairman's Reserve Rum</div>
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Gin</div>
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<b>Rummin' with the Devil</b></div>
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Chairman's Reserve Finest - The Forgotten Casks</div>
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<a href="http://www.cocchi.it/eng/americano.htm">Cocchi Americano</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cherryheering.com/">Cherry Heering</a></div>
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<b>Islands in the Stream</b></div>
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Chairman's Reserve Rum</div>
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Dry Vermouth</div>
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Creme de Cassis</div>
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Orange Blossom Flower Water</div>
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<b>St. Lucia Oriole</b></div>
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Chairman's Reserve Finest - The Forgotten Casks</div>
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Apricot Liquer</div>
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Lemon </div>
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Falernum</div>
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ATTENTION READERS!<br />
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If you want to buy The Forgotten Casks and/or Admiral Rodney, they are now available in limited quantities at <a href="http://wineworldspirits.com/">Wine World & Spirits</a>.</div>
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A big thank you to Wine World for their support and providing the event space!</div>
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Cheers to Anu Apte and the barstaff at Rob Roy for a brilliant menu of delicious rum cocktails!! </div>
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Finally, thank you to everyone who attended to make this one of The Rum Collective's most historic events!!</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-21198853803166853632014-03-11T00:33:00.002-07:002014-03-11T16:36:53.351-07:00Angostura Global Cocktail Competition 2014 Highlights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATGHsWi2o4yQJ3p0eGM6u36Wx-QJ0JxHoQQE_nkBv3W9HDzTILLfIn5Wn9Oun0N26ddDBJI9e427yLBg9vK3948xJEFffVfKbTIk_0jqsIBdMsAyrsVdZ4ZZD386XanMjYpQywujIQFE/s1600/GCC+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATGHsWi2o4yQJ3p0eGM6u36Wx-QJ0JxHoQQE_nkBv3W9HDzTILLfIn5Wn9Oun0N26ddDBJI9e427yLBg9vK3948xJEFffVfKbTIk_0jqsIBdMsAyrsVdZ4ZZD386XanMjYpQywujIQFE/s1600/GCC+24.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angostura Global Cocktail Competition 2014</td></tr>
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The memories remain fresh in my mind after witnessing one of finest, if not the ultimate, rum cocktail competition known. Just over a week ago, 11 finalists, each representing the finest in their craft, from around the world, descended upon Trinidad. Their purpose? To compete in the highly acclaimed <a href="http://www.angostura.com/">Angostura Global Cocktail Competition</a> for $10,000 USD and a two year contract as Angostura's Global Brand Ambassador. Their showmanship and cocktail mastery may be best captured in their cocktail's aromas and flavors while experiencing the show from behind the bar. While this is not always possible, a series of photos highlighting the play-by-play action offers a teaser to and recap of the amount of awesome that went down, quite literally at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/arialounge">Aria</a>. Let's take a look!<br />
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<b>First up is James 'Sugarfoot' Goggin of New Zealand!</b></div>
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Not an easy position being first, but this was an impressive start for sure. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAbtVr-s3Zrxv8AA2U2IC8XjuF7-NKOrqoOii594bKwwIxpbBhKXSG4LLfu8H6X8YIADJMDc2y5DwoIDTNBE0ES717pD0ckREuenQk5ezbxLlyCOEDNBxpUdZhAcR__72m-0tRvSaHf0/s1600/GCC+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAbtVr-s3Zrxv8AA2U2IC8XjuF7-NKOrqoOii594bKwwIxpbBhKXSG4LLfu8H6X8YIADJMDc2y5DwoIDTNBE0ES717pD0ckREuenQk5ezbxLlyCOEDNBxpUdZhAcR__72m-0tRvSaHf0/s1600/GCC+4.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to Right: <i>Down the Islands</i> (Rum) & <i>Elementary</i> (Freestyle) </td></tr>
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Each competitor had to present two original cocktails containing <a href="http://www.angosturabitters.com/">Angostura Bitters</a>. One cocktail may include a base spirit of choice (Freestyle) while the second required use of an Angostura Rum (Rum). Additionally, two of each cocktail had to be prepared for submission to the panel of judges within seven minutes! </div>
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<b>Next up, Rohan Hackshaw of Barbados!</b></div>
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How about that beautiful zest?!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1Xd2OA7aWaTB96FUezMJRlCdVXE5-NeFlMvv8W9VxvHOXdLX3orMOE1IBtOukOwCNmOA51hTXbfZN9amAOJAOxqE4Pg48R22wcMdYPfdC1fmvZd3GX5SXu7gG1bCeaw_JXqwxdS2qys/s1600/GCC+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1Xd2OA7aWaTB96FUezMJRlCdVXE5-NeFlMvv8W9VxvHOXdLX3orMOE1IBtOukOwCNmOA51hTXbfZN9amAOJAOxqE4Pg48R22wcMdYPfdC1fmvZd3GX5SXu7gG1bCeaw_JXqwxdS2qys/s1600/GCC+8.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Passionate Thyme</i> (Freestyle)<br />
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<b>Third in line, was Mike Tomasic of Australia!</b></div>
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Muscatel clusters & tobacco leaves oh my!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_kECFyW88ukJwRljW1adunxEpEKrNvFpyVIQ3f3w_BWu66peHSdpfE78wLU4PXLnirIE9FWnDgEDx3sAR44HkaFEFxzBhkt7h4ygRpEcMcvGSqVdH_l2FYDIr26EmWo6_Ly_JS4Crig/s1600/GCC+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_kECFyW88ukJwRljW1adunxEpEKrNvFpyVIQ3f3w_BWu66peHSdpfE78wLU4PXLnirIE9FWnDgEDx3sAR44HkaFEFxzBhkt7h4ygRpEcMcvGSqVdH_l2FYDIr26EmWo6_Ly_JS4Crig/s1600/GCC+5.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Olympia</i> (Freestyle)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-5t4Uqi7MXjiNCTk-aBenTd85g_0CRL2EKBHFdFwrcWNKi408YM3zvccMVACAvgGtj_2l_M2wu4GiAPht0rCvtQOe5GjuIkVwlYGsZWJsm1ejiJOnz-u6qI3WXpA1ygn8AYnLwPeY98/s1600/GCC+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-5t4Uqi7MXjiNCTk-aBenTd85g_0CRL2EKBHFdFwrcWNKi408YM3zvccMVACAvgGtj_2l_M2wu4GiAPht0rCvtQOe5GjuIkVwlYGsZWJsm1ejiJOnz-u6qI3WXpA1ygn8AYnLwPeY98/s1600/GCC+25.jpg" height="400" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Big Bird</i> (Rum)</td></tr>
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<b>How about a look at the Judges!</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBaeOAaz4XwPmyzBrD4rlPemnx33lCIYOuEJlYeMqVqs1DhqBKtbhWaMT3Jyz1Yp_r9iSgQXxkjN_oTYyMxRbJz8Se1SkiGBRg2E_QzXwfPgdlGEnUg6XHg1B11mkSFnxFMmfa9VUqRI/s1600/GCC+38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBaeOAaz4XwPmyzBrD4rlPemnx33lCIYOuEJlYeMqVqs1DhqBKtbhWaMT3Jyz1Yp_r9iSgQXxkjN_oTYyMxRbJz8Se1SkiGBRg2E_QzXwfPgdlGEnUg6XHg1B11mkSFnxFMmfa9VUqRI/s1600/GCC+38.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to Right: Daniyel Jones, Ian Burrell, Julie Reiner, Philip Duff & Carol Homer-Caesar</td></tr>
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<b>Next up, Nazar Makarov of Russia!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM3ue0o4sPt2JCu37J8YZGxBq1a77uFMpKiuTqUCng07OIB8OVcq1hojRMRdTRlq_pmmxKy_cQxd9zcP1dRcpmUQzLlrpd5q2hO5DUgYVkcpotLgm0QI5LCMIqYaXc0cwHVoCUT9fpwQ/s1600/GCC+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM3ue0o4sPt2JCu37J8YZGxBq1a77uFMpKiuTqUCng07OIB8OVcq1hojRMRdTRlq_pmmxKy_cQxd9zcP1dRcpmUQzLlrpd5q2hO5DUgYVkcpotLgm0QI5LCMIqYaXc0cwHVoCUT9fpwQ/s1600/GCC+7.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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A brilliant performance set to music with flair bartending and more...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW3SaIJmGDERoW8kHnEn3oSYnFwNZ8iOD7I3eQCQJ_9DiDX5XrV7qSQWzCBUR8kjiKteWBk37dypczrdA7NOMyNidfSZ6jp1FuxPO2FKWm8-kcoKWJ6qkLQRqRoKyc-QT7Towe1PEuSU/s1600/GCC+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW3SaIJmGDERoW8kHnEn3oSYnFwNZ8iOD7I3eQCQJ_9DiDX5XrV7qSQWzCBUR8kjiKteWBk37dypczrdA7NOMyNidfSZ6jp1FuxPO2FKWm8-kcoKWJ6qkLQRqRoKyc-QT7Towe1PEuSU/s1600/GCC+10.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rum Story</i> (Rum)</td></tr>
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...like ristretto coffee, marchpan syrup and 100% cocoa. Yum!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqL57hkDT3ll6u3EKO5ZpO6yaA-7qjAgJptgtVT2hp3j6Yj7nKJs_8ML18EtDi0hlJqhkpCcEO0cQUfb63j4gD7pKUcNVBfBl6TqFqfJhjXOzX3dxvYEUW2k5xo2pViNVwJR6ErTKMhc/s1600/GCC+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqL57hkDT3ll6u3EKO5ZpO6yaA-7qjAgJptgtVT2hp3j6Yj7nKJs_8ML18EtDi0hlJqhkpCcEO0cQUfb63j4gD7pKUcNVBfBl6TqFqfJhjXOzX3dxvYEUW2k5xo2pViNVwJR6ErTKMhc/s1600/GCC+9.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tiramisu</i> (Freestyle)</td></tr>
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<b>5th in line and representing the USA was Yani M Frye!</b></div>
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He actually made four different cocktails representing sequential stages of attraction between two people; shaking four all at once! Oh, and this was under the seven minute limit!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtFZZhdB2U97FQirZO-qZtHlJ2hnrqX4CJvAuoyVRspaxk22mngvPZ3nfUZBuN-1f08-UskTR_xaWknbbel3bJRVDIu4SyiuLolHnilpZpzNRVdSpk2BReM6C8Is5aqUBBZQ9G7YZZWE/s1600/GCC+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtFZZhdB2U97FQirZO-qZtHlJ2hnrqX4CJvAuoyVRspaxk22mngvPZ3nfUZBuN-1f08-UskTR_xaWknbbel3bJRVDIu4SyiuLolHnilpZpzNRVdSpk2BReM6C8Is5aqUBBZQ9G7YZZWE/s1600/GCC+17.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Morning After, The Room Key, Lasting Impression</i> (Freestyle) & <i>A Kiss Goodbye</i> (Rum)</td></tr>
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Getting thirsty yet?</div>
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<b>Next up, Barbaro Giraldes Portieles of Cuba!</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Don Portieles</i> (Freestyle) & <i>Trinidad Farandula</i> (Rum)</td></tr>
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Admittedly, I was not able to taste all of them, but I did happen to taste a few in between some amazing appetizers compliments of Aria. Delicious!</div>
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<b>Next up was Panagiotis Giovanis of Greece!</b></div>
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Fire it up!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmo-317a25PyKKz4F_DQpcCMxeSPY2EZeUtP4RqiC3sNE0j0QDC_2JrMnPHrm6ibhe7KSHqqQY8Lnm9vkqySWo_RyxndcXJvIaj9dC0c8ZbB0-rxLAb_iZezBZP97ASFUnAFJ7jMWSWnY/s1600/GCC+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmo-317a25PyKKz4F_DQpcCMxeSPY2EZeUtP4RqiC3sNE0j0QDC_2JrMnPHrm6ibhe7KSHqqQY8Lnm9vkqySWo_RyxndcXJvIaj9dC0c8ZbB0-rxLAb_iZezBZP97ASFUnAFJ7jMWSWnY/s1600/GCC+15.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to Right: <i>Safe House</i> (Rum) & <i>Scarlet Ibis</i> (Freestyle)</td></tr>
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<b>Next up, Shane Mulvany of Canada!</b></div>
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Elegant presentation with a butterfly garnish...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSMRvil-BiIVIZnA8ShEgy87h0XYbupHIS98cWV9kJruz-yuKslDNl-LyN-_reEM8Wyu5d-kpdjQsHBiyLw11qwkP6IDSEmrZzOuiVAKJrrk_tpfgllsds4Ehgx6djsgijEeovhFW7So/s1600/GCC+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSMRvil-BiIVIZnA8ShEgy87h0XYbupHIS98cWV9kJruz-yuKslDNl-LyN-_reEM8Wyu5d-kpdjQsHBiyLw11qwkP6IDSEmrZzOuiVAKJrrk_tpfgllsds4Ehgx6djsgijEeovhFW7So/s1600/GCC+18.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kiss of the Butterfly</i> (Rum)</td></tr>
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<b>Mate Csaltos of the UK!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2G2ovwrEgZJEFIzn0IafRiUFJQlJiqGVJ6BevnAHbwS6LcJ5dgGLj4U3LeK1sZ8LK0wr7A3NJwVSNlA7Hs2TNmupm7Lmwu0Vn0l_T0xEoi_CkJ6aKMyGSp0D885Dah_dve73Jbf9ltp8/s1600/GCC+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2G2ovwrEgZJEFIzn0IafRiUFJQlJiqGVJ6BevnAHbwS6LcJ5dgGLj4U3LeK1sZ8LK0wr7A3NJwVSNlA7Hs2TNmupm7Lmwu0Vn0l_T0xEoi_CkJ6aKMyGSp0D885Dah_dve73Jbf9ltp8/s1600/GCC+20.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Artistic style and charisma!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFM0id5F7K0rDHVYU6MWjwBoTll7ZSQ-TqfmHHFrQfl3gx43V4h3Va7iIqcfqpkaADfbsKxCDh8pO5aw8HbpQIMnquOrgwDeCjH12gqxrSVrvG1q3L2PHc7KlJYRXOVTfgIIFzjAteALo/s1600/GCC+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFM0id5F7K0rDHVYU6MWjwBoTll7ZSQ-TqfmHHFrQfl3gx43V4h3Va7iIqcfqpkaADfbsKxCDh8pO5aw8HbpQIMnquOrgwDeCjH12gqxrSVrvG1q3L2PHc7KlJYRXOVTfgIIFzjAteALo/s1600/GCC+21.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beautiful Year</i> (Rum)</td></tr>
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<b>Next up, Denzel Heath of South Africa!</b></div>
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Wolverine? Perhaps, and a finely dressed one I will add.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKsGdc4S4waPx-PQM2_y7yXWaEFLQxs6Yo7zZHEdJl_OZSt3laj4Gvc_OncascDlcftfkNE8HbtfR-QGioyzJKyU4b5hTCnel4LIJ-s9tbuYgI89r1AO_8XV59uETEv-AW-fOtBQWeiE/s1600/GCC+33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKsGdc4S4waPx-PQM2_y7yXWaEFLQxs6Yo7zZHEdJl_OZSt3laj4Gvc_OncascDlcftfkNE8HbtfR-QGioyzJKyU4b5hTCnel4LIJ-s9tbuYgI89r1AO_8XV59uETEv-AW-fOtBQWeiE/s1600/GCC+33.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ribe's Cobbler</i> (Rum)</td></tr>
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It is amazing listening to the stories behind the ingredients used, let alone the attention to detail that goes into executing the elements of each cocktail. What a show!</div>
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<b>Last up, Kester Blake of Trinidad and Tobago!</b></div>
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This guy can shake it!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzEOGY232QTpYeRzsWHSX2uW8XW1-tX3WMocROk5K3wCmzDt9GyOaNciIxnHgFeHD0tkBJKMEH3PVFhcU9s_cWOvU7KmYgQ4zqKLcKk2nnyXVFSqvB05wKffOdOBY8Ya27ItmQObxVgI/s1600/GCC+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzEOGY232QTpYeRzsWHSX2uW8XW1-tX3WMocROk5K3wCmzDt9GyOaNciIxnHgFeHD0tkBJKMEH3PVFhcU9s_cWOvU7KmYgQ4zqKLcKk2nnyXVFSqvB05wKffOdOBY8Ya27ItmQObxVgI/s1600/GCC+27.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Calypso Rose</i> (Freestyle)</td></tr>
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The judges carefully deliberated and winners were announced. The professionalism and comradeship of the competitors were admirable. </div>
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And the winners are....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnQL-CM7cuMSErrYQsugha4OlAezC_7-bdtXSZkStGLyJ_1r3q7RC-Ol4xaA0lIbjmCiRl4Rnh99PONoJcn5Z-97dbWcqTxJYaafuBQUJPFlTo9HoR2muDK0wQ6jDpsLIq5JwKMQobsc/s1600/GCC+34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnQL-CM7cuMSErrYQsugha4OlAezC_7-bdtXSZkStGLyJ_1r3q7RC-Ol4xaA0lIbjmCiRl4Rnh99PONoJcn5Z-97dbWcqTxJYaafuBQUJPFlTo9HoR2muDK0wQ6jDpsLIq5JwKMQobsc/s1600/GCC+34.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to Right: Mate Csaltos, Michael Tomasic and Nazar Makarov<br />
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Grand Prize: Michael Tomasic - Freestyle Cocktail "Olympia" winner<br />
2nd Place: Nazar Makarov - Rum Cocktail "Rum Story" winner<br />
3rd Place: Mate Csaltos<br />
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Congratulations to all the winners!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrrMNr3B-RY2c_C_aSrabxsZZxr8DVVeOYuwXwkvjm3-o0kONjgijpBom2XSZs5m0GUmo2PIfSu9GSKiZcCIe2WnyPgU7YmpqHocMXAf3RSxp7r_lki5tc3ixSgvVr6chmh3C0L9bTjE/s1600/GCC+35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrrMNr3B-RY2c_C_aSrabxsZZxr8DVVeOYuwXwkvjm3-o0kONjgijpBom2XSZs5m0GUmo2PIfSu9GSKiZcCIe2WnyPgU7YmpqHocMXAf3RSxp7r_lki5tc3ixSgvVr6chmh3C0L9bTjE/s1600/GCC+35.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angostura CEO Mr. Robert Wong & Grand Prize Winner Michael Tomasic</td></tr>
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Afterparty!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oYTXx9gxefDbcABnHHIgH0iHbbFNTTnC006ezB4LHah_AA_bLwtXmc8TTYGzMfAn5zEfMbppBgUDPhDtuYlZdRlJ9uIAMHtAuSCYzteuX6_lUsBqnjg0X3TJkhwCcS0IcvqeNdRqFQo/s1600/GCC+36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oYTXx9gxefDbcABnHHIgH0iHbbFNTTnC006ezB4LHah_AA_bLwtXmc8TTYGzMfAn5zEfMbppBgUDPhDtuYlZdRlJ9uIAMHtAuSCYzteuX6_lUsBqnjg0X3TJkhwCcS0IcvqeNdRqFQo/s1600/GCC+36.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All 11 Finalists and the lovely Giselle Laronde-West</td></tr>
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Cheers!!!</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-22116500072755198492014-02-02T21:24:00.000-08:002014-05-02T23:27:48.491-07:00Limin' in the Spice Isle: Celebrating Rum of Grenada<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9oV09G3DC4GcvEg1Jm5jwMpVeoqQTQruOTIYeiZ-EN8qw1ndTDyEMyOjyleR2pN2eTlMkXHgJqFcpsc32Mxkwu9k_IVIHyJPgYeXz_fwPZW87FsRB1QnTMw96C9cuyqUq6fIWrhD_bU/s1600/Grenada+Event+Photo+-+Canon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9oV09G3DC4GcvEg1Jm5jwMpVeoqQTQruOTIYeiZ-EN8qw1ndTDyEMyOjyleR2pN2eTlMkXHgJqFcpsc32Mxkwu9k_IVIHyJPgYeXz_fwPZW87FsRB1QnTMw96C9cuyqUq6fIWrhD_bU/s1600/Grenada+Event+Photo+-+Canon.JPG" height="315" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grenada: Local Rum, Spices & Flora<br />
Select spices courtesy of <a href="http://www.worldspice.com/">World Spice Merchants</a></td></tr>
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Rum is a free spirit and throughout history has been at the forefront of several wars, some of which resulted in independence. In recognition, we mark our first event of 2014 by celebrating Grenada's Independence Day with an exploration of their finest rums. Also known as the Isle of Spice, Grenada is the home of three different distilleries, each boasting a range of unique rums. Most of these don't leave the island albeit in a tourist's luggage. There is even one brand that doesn't leave at all due to it's proof! This event we continue our mission to <i>enhance awareness and develop appreciation</i> <i>of rum </i>by bringing them to you for a first hand educational experience. Guests can expect an informative slide-show complimenting a guided tasting through a bouquet of hand-selected expressions, including the newly released Plantation Grenada 2003. Of course we will be integrating a couple of these into cocktails crafted by Liberty's finest bartenders. Please join us for an evening of Grenadian Rum!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.libertybars.com/">Liberty Bar</a></b></div>
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<b>Sunday, February 9th from 7-9pm</b></div>
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<b>$30 cash / person</b></div>
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<b>(bring a friend and receive $5 dollars off!)</b></div>
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<b>For further details and updates, please see The Rum Collective Facebook event:</b></div>
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https://www.facebook.com/events/242074455975592</div>
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See you there!!</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-6777991599774164352013-11-26T12:47:00.000-08:002013-11-26T12:47:28.069-08:00The Rum Collective's 'Hot' Harvest Cocktail Contest: The Winners<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXweaaMlkQLgqGkmVBy7k3hPxATP6HKkeWRQManmK8NtYHF3gi4zZHLsB9TzQtHsbeW0DwspKP1rUi2I-9cdZ2mkskyXpX2SR0EZ3LinF1zg2vxb2ltUN5egglg_SRuokNgQM6cuY4Dqk/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXweaaMlkQLgqGkmVBy7k3hPxATP6HKkeWRQManmK8NtYHF3gi4zZHLsB9TzQtHsbeW0DwspKP1rUi2I-9cdZ2mkskyXpX2SR0EZ3LinF1zg2vxb2ltUN5egglg_SRuokNgQM6cuY4Dqk/s400/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rumcouncil.com/">International Rum Council</a> Flag, <a href="http://imbibemagazine.com/">Imbibe Magazine</a> & <a href="http://www.rhumjmusa.com/">Rhum J.M</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thecoterieroom.com/">The Coterie Room</a> Bar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hot drinks featuring <a href="http://www.rhumjmusa.com/">Rhum J.M</a> was the theme of our <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2013/10/the-rum-collectives-hot-harvest.html">Contest</a> and the cocktails were a blazin'! Considering several of the rhums used were 100 proof, this may or may not be a surprise. The bar at <a href="http://www.thecoterieroom.com/">The Coterie Room</a> set the stage as the <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2013/11/the-rum-collectives-hot-harvest.html">finalists</a> prepared and the crowd gathered around the Macouba Punch bowl to refill their cups just prior to showtime. The panel of judges gave the sign and the first contestant was called. What were the cocktails, who won and what were their prizes? <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a look at all that steaming hot agricole action...</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTvBgcVaa5vuzY6zJY1e4l12UmEdKnZnfCa-NFnO9MGZJhs9TnDHBxXlIoN_DIL2fdoUE_bdHuiapu47teDGKBfcMu270M-vke1Gnt8fBD0nQycyUojq_C16A6R5NkK85w8kAc2LW2L0/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTvBgcVaa5vuzY6zJY1e4l12UmEdKnZnfCa-NFnO9MGZJhs9TnDHBxXlIoN_DIL2fdoUE_bdHuiapu47teDGKBfcMu270M-vke1Gnt8fBD0nQycyUojq_C16A6R5NkK85w8kAc2LW2L0/s400/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+7.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macouba Punch w/ <a href="http://www.rhumjmusa.com/">Rhum J.M Blanc</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Macouba Punch</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(single serving)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.5oz <a href="http://www.rhumjmusa.com/">Rhum J.M Blanc</a> (100 proof)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5oz <a href="http://www.blackwellrum.com/">Blackwell Jamaican Rum</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1oz grapefruit juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5oz lime juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5oz passionfruit juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5oz blackberry brandy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 dash <a href="http://www.angosturabitters.com/">Angostura Bitters</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6 drops Herbsaint</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Recipe adapted from <a href="http://cocktailchem.blogspot.com/2012_01_01_archive.html">Chemistry of the Cocktail</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<u></u> </h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<u>The Hot Cocktails</u></h3>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finalist Emily Mistell presents...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Lord Grantham</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.5oz brown butter fat-washed Rhum J.M Blanc</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6oz brewed Assam black tea (hot)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2-3/4oz sweetened condensed milk</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 dash <a href="http://scrappysbitters.com/">Scrappy's Seville Orange Bitters</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prepare by steeping 2 tsp of tea in 6oz water for four mintues. Pour Rhum J.M, sweetened condensed milk and bitters in a cup and stir in the hot tea. Serve in a tea cup with a russian tea cake made with the brown butter fat that washed the Rhum J.M.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em></em></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXI6rAsbwjO1Gl7XYLb901WvFip863QFwjHD7lRC6QrYsoQqOjEGruvMoThZ-QCRxByO5VxHa6EM12DYjrBuuW0X200ycpEuti3FP_Dw3IA3SJHjnabAex7LU8c1mlYmxfaY6GBGKXLI/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXI6rAsbwjO1Gl7XYLb901WvFip863QFwjHD7lRC6QrYsoQqOjEGruvMoThZ-QCRxByO5VxHa6EM12DYjrBuuW0X200ycpEuti3FP_Dw3IA3SJHjnabAex7LU8c1mlYmxfaY6GBGKXLI/s400/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Lord Grantham</em> by Emily Mistell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finalist Nathan Layman presents... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>A Christmas Travesty, Green Cale Edition</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.5oz Rhum J.M Gold (100 proof)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1oz Pineapple Gomme Syrup</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3/4oz <a href="http://www.bodegas-williams-humbert.com/">Williams & Humbert Don Guido PX Shery</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5oz <a href="http://www.becherovka.com/">Becherovka</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2oz Hot Water</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 dash of <a href="http://www.feebrothers.com/">Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prepare Blue Blazer Style, served up in an appropriate hot mug with a large orange zest. Cale Green Edition includes a ham and pineapple garnish.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCOGeNSBZT-pr_KgNBR5MXOqtbC_zrn-RagZ4LhQgE8VxhsacQYphegoF3sJxWB3AN5_TQO3DJk-WROyVx44cXpz10qZGUXIVWuONs5vqsNQi_stSRr-qnV9iszFlrpUi2rRyk1T90ko/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCOGeNSBZT-pr_KgNBR5MXOqtbC_zrn-RagZ4LhQgE8VxhsacQYphegoF3sJxWB3AN5_TQO3DJk-WROyVx44cXpz10qZGUXIVWuONs5vqsNQi_stSRr-qnV9iszFlrpUi2rRyk1T90ko/s400/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>A Christmas Travesty</em> by Nathan Layman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finalist Jason Saura presents...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Le Rayon Verte</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1oz Rhum J.M Gold (100 proof)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1oz <a href="http://www.lairdandcompany.com/products_applejack.htm">Laird's Bonded Applejack</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5oz Green Chartreuse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2oz Hot Green Tea</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5oz Honey syrup (2:1 Honey to water)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prepare by adding the first three ingredients into a silver Tankard and the last two into another. Light alcohol on fire, then pour back and forth 4 - 5 times in the style of the Blue Blazer. Pour into a tempered wine glass, garnish with apple slice and fresh, grated nutmeg </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0rCCEolrfoJuXaBnxfTlXTRuAdjIT9pQEPMwCdMuGwvi2BuSfFmdPLprDfADelAJKhnwNRE4dyPy30yqHwfoPZOWGgVMfJXzx9xw_X_WJg8XTmNjmXkuZPgxMxPMvJTb0YEY2w_Rgog/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0rCCEolrfoJuXaBnxfTlXTRuAdjIT9pQEPMwCdMuGwvi2BuSfFmdPLprDfADelAJKhnwNRE4dyPy30yqHwfoPZOWGgVMfJXzx9xw_X_WJg8XTmNjmXkuZPgxMxPMvJTb0YEY2w_Rgog/s400/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Le Rayon Verte</em> by Jason Saura</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finalist Kristen Burns presents...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Smoked Caramel Rum Cider</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2oz Rhum J.M V.S.O.P</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4oz ruby port (Porto Defino)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4oz pressed Braeburn Apple cider</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1oz house-made smoked sea salt caramel sauce</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prepare by placing Rhum J.M and port to a glass mug, then add heated cider and stir in house-made caramel sauce. Garnish with a house-made rumball using Rhum J.M Gold (& spoonful of caramel)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6AVXjferQAfygBPgWaxvyx62swpnvwAMYDy4GQKikQd79r1wV1IDAzF1gz_6-F6uNARIpVc3jeqeqPlXFloiOHroqOiaK9FEGIRJYIqbB3OsA0gh6VzLdiFlsZpFyVT8lp3tWvz_k-w/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6AVXjferQAfygBPgWaxvyx62swpnvwAMYDy4GQKikQd79r1wV1IDAzF1gz_6-F6uNARIpVc3jeqeqPlXFloiOHroqOiaK9FEGIRJYIqbB3OsA0gh6VzLdiFlsZpFyVT8lp3tWvz_k-w/s400/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Smoked Caramel Rum Cider</em> by Kristen Burns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
Finalist Casey Robison presents...<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Horchata & Rhum Milk Punch</strong></em><br />
2oz Rhum J.M 10yr. '97'<br />
4-4.5oz home made "Horchata Milk Punch Mix" <br />
(rice, milk, vanilla, condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, agave, aromatic bitters, chocolate bitters)<br />
<br />
Prepare in a tea kettle, heated up and served with a stick of Mexican cinnamon<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWExoE_uyJzw7EF-WZQ8TNP8_4hzs2qG6PZnek_FPCvXZlz3QtlpVAWeRD7fxTUH_b9XtKjBZfgsz7aYTxICt_fGxTWNFDkfj9MFOOAOo9iVztYhH8KjYI8bk5iYJd_tJlt6jFhyphenhyphenApX7Q/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWExoE_uyJzw7EF-WZQ8TNP8_4hzs2qG6PZnek_FPCvXZlz3QtlpVAWeRD7fxTUH_b9XtKjBZfgsz7aYTxICt_fGxTWNFDkfj9MFOOAOo9iVztYhH8KjYI8bk5iYJd_tJlt6jFhyphenhyphenApX7Q/s400/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Horchata & Rhum Milk Punch</em> by Casey Robison</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<h3 align="center">
<u>The Prizes</u></h3>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Take a look, they're vintage... Oh hell yeah!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong>1st Place Prize:</strong> Rhum J.M 1994, 1997 & V.S.O.P, <br />
'Ti Punch gift set and a 2yr Imbibe subscription<strong> </strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong>2nd Place Prize:</strong> Rhum J.M 1994, <br />
'Ti Punch gift set and a 1yr Imbibe subscription</div>
<div align="center">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong>3rd Place Prize:</strong> Rhum J.M 1997, <br />
'Ti Punch gift set and a 1yr Imbibe subscription<strong> </strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<br />
<h3 align="center">
<u>Winners</u></h3>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong>1st Place:</strong> <em>Horchata & Rhum Milk Punch</em> by Casey Robison</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong>2nd Place:</strong> <em>Smoked Caramel Rhum Cider</em> by Kristen Burns</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong>3rd Place:</strong> <em>Le Rayon Verte</em> by Jason Saura</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddgM_FvpEYGMLviGEOndFkvbiohjj6r1OE9J5MIKxMx3USJJ68mxVnCK61m4E_xkFISsafdLyp8SHozj-NXtvOLglsUg3t87xPtD1ScnR04tC2CW4-q2ZELLuvnzRI79i_U2VXf6TmnU/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddgM_FvpEYGMLviGEOndFkvbiohjj6r1OE9J5MIKxMx3USJJ68mxVnCK61m4E_xkFISsafdLyp8SHozj-NXtvOLglsUg3t87xPtD1ScnR04tC2CW4-q2ZELLuvnzRI79i_U2VXf6TmnU/s400/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to Right: Jason Saura, Kristen Burns & Casey Robison</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<br />
<strong>How About a Big Round of Applause for the Winners!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
Thank you to the judges, <a href="http://www.rhumjmusa.com/">Rhum J.M</a>, <a href="http://imbibemagazine.com/">Imbibe Magazine</a> an <a href="http://www.spurseattle.com/">Spur Gastropub</a> for your support!<br />
<br />
Rhum on!!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyWBl1J8q3-3a46ahZeYW5nJEzeMWhDqcCC-FqaqUU5ebTNxzqbNO8V7HcOshiR_JBDaOHhiKGwgbmCm3HbEeN6BFqZj5xvBUvwMuMSaADRXNzFUoPJa0hww2QDKKVabPdw17sV4f8As/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyWBl1J8q3-3a46ahZeYW5nJEzeMWhDqcCC-FqaqUU5ebTNxzqbNO8V7HcOshiR_JBDaOHhiKGwgbmCm3HbEeN6BFqZj5xvBUvwMuMSaADRXNzFUoPJa0hww2QDKKVabPdw17sV4f8As/s400/Watermarked+Image+JM+CC+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rhumjmusa.com/">Rhum J.M Blanc</a> & <a href="http://www.rhumjmusa.com/">Rhum J.M Gold</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<br />
Cheers!!!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
</div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-3966861393760239652013-11-20T08:01:00.000-08:002013-11-20T08:51:22.370-08:00The Rum Collective's 'Hot' Harvest Cocktail Contest: The Finalists<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4N4PDTHgz_sTyXGcXpvSkoYRyM0FMKX3-G2GGGkQOl3LZXmeENxBvsrJ97gUX52t4X1HAQslLgzvEviTlpOrLXX6ipJ1qj1n5g6WW2jAgUXZYxuSNz4D0q9VNpIzRSFqB6m24p0eNZk/s1600/Cocktail+Contest+Rhum+J.M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4N4PDTHgz_sTyXGcXpvSkoYRyM0FMKX3-G2GGGkQOl3LZXmeENxBvsrJ97gUX52t4X1HAQslLgzvEviTlpOrLXX6ipJ1qj1n5g6WW2jAgUXZYxuSNz4D0q9VNpIzRSFqB6m24p0eNZk/s400/Cocktail+Contest+Rhum+J.M.jpg" width="400" /></a>One of Martinique's most celebrated rhums is about to spill out of its typical <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2013/04/ti-punch-in-martinique-more-than-just.html">'Ti Punch</a> role into the realm of hot toddies, warmed punches and coffee drinks. That's right, <a href="http://www.rhumjmusa.com/verification.php">Rhum J.M</a> is breaking away from its historic mold. Wait, what? Aren't rhum agricoles just for making 'Ti Punch? Perhaps, but not if we have something to say about it! Just as other lesser-known spirits have come to achieve over time, rhum agricole will expand out of its traditional cocktail like tequila to the Margarita, c<span class="st">achaça</span> to the Caipirinha and pisco to its Sour. This contest is set to expand the agricole envelope and after reviewing many amazing entries, it's clear there are many talented individuals capable of this. We are pleased to announce the following contestants have been selected to present their cocktails in a live competition at <a href="http://www.thecoterieroom.com/">The Coterie Room</a> on November 24th, 2013 from 5-7pm just following our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/487415581357420">tasting event</a>. Outstanding!</div>
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<u>The Finalists</u></h4>
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<strong>Casey Robison</strong></div>
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<em>Spirits Director, <a href="http://www.heavyrestaurantgroup.com/">Heavy Restaurant Group</a></em></div>
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<strong>Emily Mistell</strong></div>
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<em>Bar Manager, <a href="http://rumclubpdx.com/">Rum Club</a></em></div>
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<strong>Kristen Burns</strong></div>
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<em>Bartender & Owner, <a href="http://www.cleverbottle.com/">Clever Bottle</a></em></div>
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<strong>Jason Saura</strong></div>
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<em>Bar Manager, <a href="http://chantanee.com/">Naga Cocktail Bar</a></em></div>
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<strong>Elizabeth Powell</strong></div>
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<em>Bartender, <a href="http://www.libertybars.com/">Liberty Bar</a></em></div>
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<strong>Nathan Layman</strong></div>
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<em>Bar Manager, <a href="http://www.thetintable.com/">The Tin Table</a></em></div>
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<strong>Want to experience this steaming hot agricole action live? No problem. Grab a ticket to our meeting, </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/487415581357420"><strong>Giving Thanks to Rhum J.M: Tasting the Harvest</strong></a><strong> and receive a complimentary VIP Pass!</strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/512587">BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE!</a></h4>
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Cheers!</h3>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-60344390839774421302013-11-13T21:28:00.002-08:002013-11-14T08:55:10.055-08:00Rhumerie de Fonds-Préville: A Journey to the Center of the Agricole World part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhum J.M blanc and sugar cane: The Harvest<br />
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Less than 48 hours in Martinique and intoxicated by its nature and the spirit of Agricole it yields, quite literally, I begin again. Today, we were off to see the harvest at <a href="http://www.rhumjmusa.com/">Rhum J.M</a>; those robust agricole legs viewed inside my glass last night, now, firmly underneath me. The journey up north is post card perfect; spectacular cliffs and ocean views to your right, long sugar cane stalks blowing in the wind to your left. The truth is, Martinique views demand a leisurely journey and suggest that stop-off for a <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2013/04/ti-punch-in-martinique-more-than-just.html">'Ti Punch</a> is more than necessary. Oh yeah!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhum J.M sugar cane fields beneath Mt. Pelee</td></tr>
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The arrival to the cane fields of Rhum J.M is magical. We drive up an unmarked pathway into what resembles more of a sugar cane labyrinth at the base of Montagne Pelée. Our first stop is at the water source, an underground volcanic spring. This mineral laden spring water is used periodically to water the crops but has significant influence on the soil below. <br />
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We all stop to taste the holy water as the clouds pass quickly above almost dancing with the light of the Martinique sun. The climate at the North end of the island is noticeably more arid than its southern parts. If the powerful view of tall sugar cane going up to the footings of Mont Pelée doesn't make your mouth open wide in awe, the view of it directly behind you may pull on a few heart strings and confirm you have found some sort of heaven on Earth. Indeed, one need not die to experience such bliss, simply visit the region of Martinique known as Habitation Fonds-Préville.<br />
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The view<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhum J.M sugar cane fields above the Atlantic Ocean</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana bushel</td></tr>
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There is a small factory located just before entering Rhum J.M's sugar cane fields; however, it is processing the fruit of a different sort of crop, bananas. One can see banana trees growing adjacent to the sugar cane fields; their bushels wrapped up in blue bags. It is between the sugar cane and banana plants that a synergistic microclimate exists. The soil's composition and water are influenced by the banana plants which positively influence the sugar cane quality and quantity each year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Premium Banane</td></tr>
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The sugar cane and banana crops are rotated every few years to create optimal soil conditions. One can plainly see how sugar cane, growing in this unique environment, impacts the character of fresh-pressed cane juice and its subsequent distillate known as Rhum Agricole. <br />
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Tally me bananas!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana trees at Rhum J.M</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvest time at Habitation Bellevue, Rhum J.M</td></tr>
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We arrive just in time to witness the harvest. The scene is rather impressive and slightly terrifying. Up until 1998, the fields were harvested the old fashion way; men baring machetes. Now, The Harvester is employed. A machine to improve efficiency of the process for sure; cutting low to the ground while simultaneously decapitating the cane's grassy head. It moves forward capturing each sugar cane stalk, cutting them into shorter segments before being emptied into the container following the tractor behind. This machine not only decreases the amount of time it takes to cut the sugar cane, but more importantly keeps cane cutting in pace with the distillery tempo. This sort of control, in effect, improves the quality and quantity of the sugar cane juice yield. Wow!<br />
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Let's get a closer look!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Harvester</td></tr>
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Take a look at The Harvester in action during the Harvest!</div>
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We followed the truck full of fresh cut sugar cane stalks through the dense foliage down the hill to the distillery. The sugar cane was emptied into a gravity-fed holding bin just before it was pressed. I will note here that it took around 30 minutes from when the sugar cane was cut until it was pressed. Rhum J.M's sugar cane is fresh-pressed without a doubt!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Distillerie du Fonds-Préville</td></tr>
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Today, their distillery, which began in 1845 by Jean-Marie Martin, is alive and well. Sugar cane stalks are first shredded before they are pressed for their juice. Water is used throughout to maximize the amount of sugar cane juice obtained during the three cycles of pressing. The juice or <em>vesou</em> is collected and pumped into containers for fermentation. It takes 2 hours to fill each container holding 23,000 liters. If you do the math, that's 3.2 liters per second. There are 11 containers on site. We are told that baker's yeast is added to each container before being filled to agitate the mixture amidst plenty of oxygen. This ensures the proper conditions for fermentation.<br />
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Below are a few moments capturing the Distillery scene up close</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tUGfx6gy4hdfx1C6q8Tw6HF8Sc0JBQZTJLh0GAlhwpmGcHmnR4waKNl_YBztNon_prx-xhOO6dAZvQcd5XjzkpjusrqOLLByiCgsm2BiKYx0ilEQrWbv5JXJv8GszPsrrOVDWlN_fK8/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tUGfx6gy4hdfx1C6q8Tw6HF8Sc0JBQZTJLh0GAlhwpmGcHmnR4waKNl_YBztNon_prx-xhOO6dAZvQcd5XjzkpjusrqOLLByiCgsm2BiKYx0ilEQrWbv5JXJv8GszPsrrOVDWlN_fK8/s320/Watermarked+Image+JM+22.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water irrigation in sugar cane press</td></tr>
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Sugar cane juice collected before fermentation</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2DiTKWgV0_HpaM7Ysz25HFo06sCCmffZ1YV8DoHZb0Jujp8rv_zPp_GYEZBCrjXkSVWZo-KH69DZEIIs5nLsy-TL8P7dPcoZYdhBCZKE3F6lu7xv6d3cZ2ye4W-DPUTAbZ-cDT-NnkA/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2DiTKWgV0_HpaM7Ysz25HFo06sCCmffZ1YV8DoHZb0Jujp8rv_zPp_GYEZBCrjXkSVWZo-KH69DZEIIs5nLsy-TL8P7dPcoZYdhBCZKE3F6lu7xv6d3cZ2ye4W-DPUTAbZ-cDT-NnkA/s400/Watermarked+Image+JM+21.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh-pressed <em>vesou</em> or sugar cane juice</td></tr>
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Fermentation occurs for 36-48 hours yielding a <em>vin de canne</em> (sugar cane wine) of 5-7% ABV.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zsNgwzLlpGcOc0FmkJiPLxgROJSH5ebr48KeUnioUbzfURgCAtVuuerVFUCiYuYhZ58HfYF7yUUKUSKN8n4DtlQcJw4bRTtYICeYP67IRufV_9HRCvY9W9fusIHCxPSsCTSr8cqDKuc/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zsNgwzLlpGcOc0FmkJiPLxgROJSH5ebr48KeUnioUbzfURgCAtVuuerVFUCiYuYhZ58HfYF7yUUKUSKN8n4DtlQcJw4bRTtYICeYP67IRufV_9HRCvY9W9fusIHCxPSsCTSr8cqDKuc/s400/Watermarked+Image+JM+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fermentation</td></tr>
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Where Rhum Agricole is made!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGjznoiVydTWwyy4nsRH3Fc8rZNEq1KrE-Q7HbdwHjbSV2eII1T6vQ9ydRKRMYtl7_TxZ9uokyOWyBaqXKVJrGCkJO6yZr7gv2RU11Cq_fJf_qjNdveTAXntKYf1NS7CTdik7elc_P9w/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+14+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGjznoiVydTWwyy4nsRH3Fc8rZNEq1KrE-Q7HbdwHjbSV2eII1T6vQ9ydRKRMYtl7_TxZ9uokyOWyBaqXKVJrGCkJO6yZr7gv2RU11Cq_fJf_qjNdveTAXntKYf1NS7CTdik7elc_P9w/s640/Watermarked+Image+JM+14+(2).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhum J.M Créole Copper Column Stills</td></tr>
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A tasting directly off the still? </div>
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Well, alright, if I must!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Distillate</td></tr>
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We have discussed that Agricole must be distilled to between "65 and 75 degrees" per AOC requirements. But, just in case, here's the proof...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklRCXZ8Zp4pjq0HYFZsjudLjc80n-xz5xIipPfhTlMYE3bJUqqmiFrRt5kC0tCm4lT_j3Gqm6_yICavccYvLh-Xwnrd8z0ME8uMQ-Tafs7WFDFUCSf_9-NdlD5yK-tO3pjgrBRMvKNB4/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklRCXZ8Zp4pjq0HYFZsjudLjc80n-xz5xIipPfhTlMYE3bJUqqmiFrRt5kC0tCm4lT_j3Gqm6_yICavccYvLh-Xwnrd8z0ME8uMQ-Tafs7WFDFUCSf_9-NdlD5yK-tO3pjgrBRMvKNB4/s640/Watermarked+Image+JM+12.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself and Mr. Nazaire Canatous, Master Distiller (right)<br />
Rhum J.M Creole Copper Stills</td></tr>
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I don't generally include photos of myself in reviews but here is a special story necessary to appreciate the continuity of care found in the distillation of Rhum J.M. Their Master Distiller, Nazaire Canatous, can be seen in the photo on the right. Rhum J.M has been distilled by him and his father, <em>Pascal</em> (aka Emile Bolnet), continuously for the past 83 years. His father, nicknamed, "Misie Paco" meaning <em>Mister Pascal</em> in Creole, distilled 40 vintages. His son, Nazaire, began working at the lowest level cleaning bottles and has risen in rank to fill his shoes. Today, he oversees his 43rd vintage of Rhum J.M this year. Knowing that the knowledge and skills of this art has passed from father to son over this many years is remarkable. We taste the distillate and it speaks for itself. It is wonderful learning that Rhum J.M is not only the oldest "single-domaine" rhumerie remaining in Martinique, but that its distillation may be regarded as "single-family" too. It is clear the brand's owners appreciate time and tradition. The golden idea set forth by Jean Marie-Martin continues today. Respect!!<br />
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Now off to the aging cellars...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retrieving barrels at the Rhum J.M Aging Warehouse</td></tr>
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Aged rhum in caks are being pulled down and drained for bottling</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhum J.M cask being emptied</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcDMmmkeJB-1TzWMRYs_TEVbgfifp0me80mGu1jI6TX8a-mZvCD4vuQrK0haZBu2CK8Gmr7cXYMLTg2ZJoW9ddakw8W5LnH3nMCdvNzJgtVtupc1f0dz8wMxnvvItJBAXJy-L6JaKUTU/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcDMmmkeJB-1TzWMRYs_TEVbgfifp0me80mGu1jI6TX8a-mZvCD4vuQrK0haZBu2CK8Gmr7cXYMLTg2ZJoW9ddakw8W5LnH3nMCdvNzJgtVtupc1f0dz8wMxnvvItJBAXJy-L6JaKUTU/s400/Watermarked+Image+JM+14.jpg" width="300" /></a>The cellar was noticeably humid, but not muggy in a bad way, for the air was concentrated with aromas of aging agricole and wood, almost drinkable. Despite what one learns about osmoreceptors in medical physiology, another thirst meter was at work and I was overwhelmed with an intense urge to satisfy it with all the agricole before me. We enter one of two aging cellars each holding 1700 barrels. Yes! Emmanuel Becheau of Rhum J.M interjects how they label the casks as we try to decipher which vintage is in which cask while making our way deeper within the cellar. At the other end, tulip shaped glasses are passed around for a tasting. My mouth slowly opens. Wait, what's this going on in front of us? Casks are being pulled down by several men to be emptied prior to bottling. Emmanuel tells us that each year rum is being set aside for the 10yr and 15yr vintages to be bottled at cask strength. The tasting commenced with samples taken straight from the cask. We begin with younger rhums, moving on to 10yr and finishing with the oldest vintage (1996) in the cellar. The rhum enters the barrels at 60% ABV; first in new barrels, then finished in once used bourbon. The wood is all American Oak. We are told the angels share includes a 8% volume loss annually with a change of 1 degree alcohol due to humidity loss. It doesn't need to be stated, but the angels are rather spoiled here at Rhum J.M. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhumerie J.M<br />
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We finish the straight-from-the-cask tasting and proceed down to the boutique tasting room. Inside one finds a thoughtful design. The entry includes education on the history and production of Rhum J.M as well a channel to display the spring water. The action, however, is over to the right, wherein lays the tasting room and retail area. Bottles line the display encompassing an entire wall. Once distilled, each vintage is rested for four to six months in stainless steel containers. Then, It may be reduced by approximately 2 degrees (percent ABV) every 2 weeks to bottling strength in the case of rhum blanc or go directly into casks for aging. My eyes, slightly overwhelmed by the range of expressions on display, begin to focus on Emmanuel as he started discussing 'Ti Punch blanc, then "Ti Punch vieux and then, more mature rhum education ensues...<br />
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'Ti Punch o'clock!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTu-dAG4nLtnXuV02gOrbvkI22uvOVxVfB0FabD2oDXDnzVY2BZHInt3SBX-ukPv4GIqC1xt6cXOn7taeqf_nF72zIEIYDUkMZ-DI2wqvLjujrX30cIPZcnccQBBBxDGk5_C-5wCErck/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTu-dAG4nLtnXuV02gOrbvkI22uvOVxVfB0FabD2oDXDnzVY2BZHInt3SBX-ukPv4GIqC1xt6cXOn7taeqf_nF72zIEIYDUkMZ-DI2wqvLjujrX30cIPZcnccQBBBxDGk5_C-5wCErck/s400/Watermarked+Image+JM+19.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emmanuele Becheau preparing 'Ti Punch Blanc</td></tr>
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For the full story (with video presentation) on 'Ti Punch, read our article <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/2013/04/ti-punch-in-martinique-more-than-just.html">here</a>.</div>
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The display of Rhum J.M bottles for sale is brilliant!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elegant Rhum J.M display</td></tr>
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It isn't enough to end with another round of 'Ti Punches. We sample them all....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5t2S5vL7t8TQUW4Ymx0Y2SKT97jGhyhlddykej8glDysIg2uvFQfNlMF3Qz2F8ExKF11HeZK0HqA7Ya5Cag5fSL6u8tJcBRGM64mB3Gs7hf757e-R6DeZ7pyOXe1_MAgKHBd90V2Q8U/s1600/Watermarked+Image+JM+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5t2S5vL7t8TQUW4Ymx0Y2SKT97jGhyhlddykej8glDysIg2uvFQfNlMF3Qz2F8ExKF11HeZK0HqA7Ya5Cag5fSL6u8tJcBRGM64mB3Gs7hf757e-R6DeZ7pyOXe1_MAgKHBd90V2Q8U/s400/Watermarked+Image+JM+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhum J.M tasting bar</td></tr>
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Seeing first hand, this unique mountain-side climate, is believing. It is in fields of volcanic soil and mineral rich springs, co-habited with banana plants under the tropical Martinique sun, this rhum's true character is born. It is in this unique microcosm of Martinque terrior their famous sugar cane rises and Rhum J.M is grown. It would seem, even on Martinque, we are not just talking about "Rhum" any longer, but of a special variant where the parallels with wine and terrior are much more heavily involved. Folks, let us be clear with our words, we are talking about a certain Rhum Agricole; specifically that of the J.M lineage.<br />
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I enjoy another sip of the Rhum J.M Cuvée du Fondateur (only available on site) before departure.<br />
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WINNING!!</div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8051272991994717011.post-47171235801380935302013-10-21T07:48:00.001-07:002013-11-20T21:41:46.864-08:00The Rum Collective's "Hot" Harvest Cocktail Contest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Iw6jIvlOsGy5C6met-2MBZoo_DJBTwH8R3r9Bpspo5fXmGjXclp6faK8IcOOjn1gEFZ19PPLk0J71ovnAJvOaVrBuAMff8V_bqspz-qLRO7IsGARoI4j5IbUgxpWAOy9Ylq1uqUXv5E/s1600/Cocktail+Contest+Rhum+J.M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Iw6jIvlOsGy5C6met-2MBZoo_DJBTwH8R3r9Bpspo5fXmGjXclp6faK8IcOOjn1gEFZ19PPLk0J71ovnAJvOaVrBuAMff8V_bqspz-qLRO7IsGARoI4j5IbUgxpWAOy9Ylq1uqUXv5E/s400/Cocktail+Contest+Rhum+J.M.jpg" width="400" /></a>It's about that time of year when the weather is cold and hot cocktails are all the craze. This harvest season we celebrate with a cocktail competition. Yeah, that's right. The Rum Collective is holding a contest to see who in Seattle can make the best hot cocktail with <a href="http://www.rhumjmusa.com/">Rhum J.M</a>. Seattle likes to pride itself with some of the best bars, bartenders, cocktail writers and spirits' enthusiasts in the country, but does Seattle know rhum agricole served hot? Any Seattleite can enter and every Rhum J.M expression is fair game. There are a few rules to read (see below) and finalists will present their cocktail to a panel of judges at The Rum Collective event on November 24th. Who will rise to the challenge? </div>
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The Rum Collective's 'Hot' Harvest Cocktail Contest: </h3>
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Official Rules</h3>
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<strong>Contest Period:</strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cocktail entries will be accepted
from October 21<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> 9:00 AM PDT to November 18<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9:00 AM PST. No entries will be accepted before
or after this period of time. Entries must be submitted to the organizer’s
email (<a href="mailto:nick@therumcollective.com">nick@therumcollective.com</a>). A response by email stating “entry accepted” will constitute as an official entry
acceptance.</span></div>
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<strong>Entries:</strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Limit 1 entry per contestant; contestant must be 21 years of age</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Entries must be original; Note, any entry thought
to be stolen from or plagiarizing an existing cocktail will be disqualified</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Base spirit must be Rhum J.M (any expression)
containing a minimum of 1oz (30ml) base spirit</span></div>
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</span></span></span>Long or short drinks only; no shots accepted</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Cocktails prepared to serve at a warm-hot temperature</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Cocktails should be related to the harvest
and/or fall season emphasizing seasonal ideas or characteristics by their ingredients, presentation, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Judges may not enter</div>
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</span></span></span>Entries must include:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Contestant name, age, place(s) of work and contact (email and phone)</span></div>
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</span></span></span>Cocktail name, recipe ingredients including proportions,
garnish and glassware</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Ingredients must be expressed in ounces or
milliliters (ml), dashes or drops in terms of bitters</span></div>
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</span></span></span>Ingredients including premixes must obtain and
receive written authorization from organizer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Garnishes should be edible and not poisonous</span></div>
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</span></span></span>Preparation method & instructions</span></div>
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</span></span></span>Reason why it should win</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finalist Notification Period:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Finalists will be announced on Friday,
November 20<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> at 9AM PST</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Judging Period:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Drinks must be assembled and presented to the
judges at The Rum Collective event on Novermber 24th, 2013 </span></div>
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</span></span></span>Competitors must bring all of their own
barware/glassware</span></div>
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</span></span></span>safe and hygienic please</span></div>
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</span></span></span>Points will be awarded on presentation and taste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Creativity, communication, preparation time within 5
minutes, working methods, cocktail characteristics (originality, presentation, taste, etc.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Competitor must prepare enough cocktail for 5 judges to sample</span></div>
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</span></span></span>Glassware may be provided by organizer/bar for
judges evaluation</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>A group of 5 judges will decide the winners including:</span></div>
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</span></span></span>Nicholas Feris, <a href="http://www.therumcollective.com/">TRC</a>/<a href="http://rumcouncil.com/">IRC</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Rocky Yeh, Cooper and Sons & <a href="http://www.anwdistributors.com/">ANW</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Jen Boelts, <a href="http://imbibemagazine.com/">Imbibe</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Keith Waldbauer, <a href="http://www.libertybars.com/">Liberty</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Paul Clarke, <a href="http://www.cocktailchronicles.com/">Cocktail Chronicles</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Winners will be announced at the competition following The Rum
Collective event, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/487415581357420">Giving Thanks to Rhum J.M: Tasting the Harvest</a> on November 24th, 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Copyright:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">By entering
this competition, competitors agree to assign copyright of cocktail to organizer. Copyright
of photos (or video) of winning cocktails at the event, for any use including
advertising, will be retained by organizer.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Awards:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> Place – Rhum J.M 3 pack (V.S.O.P. / 1997 / 1994) & 'Ti Punch gift set</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> Place – Rhum J.M 1994 & 'Ti Punch gift set</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> Place – Rhum J.M 1997 & 'Ti Punch gift set</span></div>
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Any questions? Contact: <a href="mailto:nick@therumcollective.com">nick@therumcollective.com</a></div>
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Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10743036086110906796noreply@blogger.com1