New Expressions at Down Island Spirits

DOWN ISLAND SPIRITS ADDS TWO NEW EXPRESSIONS TO THEIR LINE OF SINGLE CASK RUMS.

Miami, FL JUNE, 2023 – On the heels of their successful inaugural releases, Down Island Spirits is set to launch two new additions to their sought after line of single cask rums.  The latest expressions hail from Brazil and Martinique, and bring a wild array of fresh aromas and flavors.

Martinique 2017 and Brazil 2011, the latest expressions from Down Island Spirits

“We were thrilled by the reception of our first four rum bottlings late last year,” said Mike Streeter, the founder and owner of Down Island Spirits.  “Our brand aims to truly add to the availability of top-quality cane spirits in the US and we feel that our latest casks from Martinique and Brazil will do just that.  They are both exceptionally flavorful rums made by distilleries who have a long history of excellence in the industry.”

Down Island’s 100% cane juice bottling from Martinique was column distilled in 2017 at a well-established distillery in Sainte-Marie, a rural community on the French-Caribbean island.  It was aged for 6 years in once-used Bourbon casks and bottled in Florida without the use of additives, coloring or filtration.  Like the rest of the Down Island Spirits collection, this expression is bottled at cask strength, 58% abv.

On the nose, fresh aromas of ripe apples, black pepper and musty brine dominate the Martinique 2017, followed by more subtle earthy notes and oak.  On the palate, a play of cinnamon, black pepper, grass, vanilla and lemongrass dance on the tongue followed by a finish of allspice, tea and tobacco. 

The Brazil Rum bottling from Down Island Spirits was column distilled in Sao Roque at Epris Distillery in 2011.  It is an 80/20 blend of cane juice and molasses rum that was aged for 6 years in Amburana wood barrels and an additional 6 years in American Oak.  It is free of additives, coloring and filtration, and was bottled at cask strength, 55.1% abv.

The aroma of Brazil 2011 is full of lovely floral and tropical fruit notes with distinct black pepper, spice and brown sugar in the back.  The spice punch of the Amburana wood comes forward on the palate and is well-balance with notes of pineapple, breakfast syrup and burnt ginger.  The finish is a lovely frisk of Amburana spice, cloves and a hint of anise.

The new Down Island Spirits expressions have garnered early buzz from collectors and enthusiasts due to their origin and overall unique nature of the distillate. “We have been fortunate to draw a loyal group of fans and friends from these very early days of our brand,” said Streeter.  “We think that our Brazil and Martinique rums will meet and hopefully exceed the high expectations of our customer base.  Early feedback has been incredible.”

Distribution for Down Island Spirits currently focuses on Florida and Massachusetts with New York, Texas and California expansion in the works for late 2023/24.  Online retail orders and shipping to 40+ states is available at downislandspirits.com.

About Down Island Spirits
Down Island Spirits was developed in 2021 “by rum geeks, for rum geeks.”  Their Single Cask Rum Series enthusiastically focuses on unique, high-quality cane spirits from the best distilleries on the planet.  These limited edition bottlings are always presented at cask-strength and untainted by additives, coloring and filtration.  Discover more about the brand and upcoming releases at downislandspirits.com and across all social channels.

Appleton Estate Ruby Anniversary

Appleton Estate, a global leader in premium aged rums, is proud to announce the launch of Ruby Anniversary Edition, a limited-edition release celebrating Master Blender Joy Spence’s 40 years of craftsmanship with the distillery. Ruby Anniversary  Edition is an exclusive release unlike any before it in the brand’s 270-year history: it is a blend of 5 exceptionally rare Jamaica rums, aged for a minimum of 35 tropical years, and including rums as old as 45 years, resulting in a complex sipping rum like no other. With only 500 bottles available, this offer is a luxurious gem for rum lovers, a commemorative release for the first female Master Blender in the spirits industry, and a taste of decades of craftsmanship and dedication.

The Ruby Anniversary Edition is a limited-edition release celebrating Master Blender Joy Spence’s 40 years of craftsmanship with the distillery.
The Ruby Anniversary Edition is a limited-edition release celebrating Master Blender Joy Spence’s 40 years of craftsmanship with the distillery.

There can be only one woman to hold the title of “First Female Master Blender in the Spirits Industry,” and that woman is Joy Spence. Her trailblazing accomplishment is proof of her pioneering mindset and commitment to excellence in her work. An energetic, unbelievably skilled and deeply passionate force of nature, Joy has worked at Appleton Estate for four decades and proudly served as its Master Blender for nearly a quarter of a century, pouring her vast knowledge and perfectionism into every bottle of Jamaica’s most-celebrated rum. Joy’s unparalleled sensory skills, allowing her to detect the most delicate notes in her rums, are the crowning jewel of her dedication and expertise.

“Forty years ago, I had the opportunity to channel my passion, talent, and knowledge into a role at Appleton Estate,” recalls Spence. “I was honored to join one of the most revered world-class brands, in the place I call home. Forty years later,” Spence continues, “from luxury editions to permanent expressions, I am still immensely proud to continue to innovate and produce luxurious aged rums at the highest quality standards, suited for every occasion. Since 1981, my goal has been to create the world’s most exquisite, refined aged rums and to share them with the world. This special edition marks a milestone for me and was created using some of the finest stock in our over 200,000 barrels.”

Produced at the oldest continuously-operating rum distillery in Jamaica,  Ruby Anniversary Editionis an exquisite blend of five hand-selected column and pot-still rums, crafted with Jamaican limestone-filtered water, with no added flavours, and aged in Jamaica – a taste of the excellence of the land and its people. Aged a minimum of 35 years, one of the charms of the Ruby Anniversary Edition is rooted in its strict ageing process. Each bottle contains liquid as old as 45 years and as young as 35 – a luxurious time capsule to taste the flavour of decades in the tropics. Due to Jamaica’s climate, Appleton Estate rums age nearly three times more quickly than spirits aged in cooler climates, allowing for richer, fuller flavors to develop in a shorter period of time – meaning that the minimum age of 35 years in the tropical climate of Jamaica is equivalent to over 100 years of ageing in a cooler climate, thanks to the significant loss of liquid by evaporation. “Heaven’s envy” is captured in the very limited quantity of liquid bottled for this release.

A truly unique collector’s item, Ruby Anniversary Edition is a true work of craftsmanship and expertise, an ode to the talent of iconic Master Blender Joy Spence. To mark such an occasion, a ritual must be encouraged for tasting. Best enjoyed neat or in a tulip-shaped Glencairn snifter, nosing the rum will announce the powerful aromas of cinnamon with minty orange bouquet. Next, airing the rum will reveal notes of delicate apple, overlaying rich vanilla, and continue with bursts of warm butterscotch, and rich coffee with toasted oak. Sipping this luxurious rum reveals on the palate with a delicate molasses and spicy honeyed taste. The finish is delicately smooth, with creamy dry oak– a complex sipping rum meant to be enjoyed slowly. 

Appleton Estate Ruby Anniversary Edition is a limited-edition release, with only 500 bottles available at the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Retail Rum Experience in Jamaica and at select premium retailers starting in January 2022.

Mount Gay Andean Oak Cask

Mount Gay, the world’s oldest running rum distillery dating back to 1703, announced the release of its newest expression as part of the Master Blender Collection: Andean Oak Cask, the fourth limited-edition in the exclusive series that celebrates over 300 years of expertise and innovation.

mount gay andean oak cask

Created as a celebration of Mount Gay’s heritage and tradition in rum making, The Master Blender Collection is released to showcase Mount Gay’s expertise and passion for innovation. The annual limited-edition series debuted in 2018 with the release of XO: The Peat Smoke Expression, created by former Master Blender Allen Smith. In the years following, current Master Blender Trudiann Branker released award winning expressions including ‘Pot Still Rum’ in 2019 and ‘The Port Cask Expression’ in 2020.

For the 2021 small-batch release, Branker turned to Andean Oak, a non-traditional wood choice, to explore another layer of aromatic complexity. The casks were used for 11 months to finish the ageing of a single batch of rums distilled twice in traditional copper pot still and aged 14 years in ex-Bourbon casks.

Branker’s innovation began once she had discovered that virgin Andean Oak Casks had never been used in any previous Mount Gay Rum expressions. Over the course of 11 months, she carefully nurtured a specially selected batch of rum until she reached a beautiful marriage of flavors and aromas imparted on the liquid by this unique oak tree, the only oak native to South America. Standing at nearly 82 feet tall, Andean oak trees are found across the mountainous ranges of 18 departments of the Colombian Andes at an altitude ranging from 1,000-3,200m.

Upon entering the bonds at Mount Gay, Branker was intrigued by the light-colored wood and the very subtle aromas of vanilla traditionally found in American oak, alongside the spicy and smoky notes found in Andean Oak. It was there that the idea for the newest expression in the Master Blender Collection was born.

“I was inspired by the incredible feedback we had following my release of The Port Cask Expression and I wanted to push my boundaries further,” remarked Master Blender Trudiann Branker. “Using a totally new cask paired with a traditional pot still rum created something entirely new, bold and layered that I think rum enthusiasts around the world will thoroughly enjoy.”

The result is a delicate, yet opulent layered blend of spice, nutmeg, vanilla, ripe pear and toasted coconut on the palate. Dominantly vanilla on the nose, Mount Gay Andean Oak Cask offers a spiciness on the palate that perfectly complements the fruity notes of the aged pot still rum. This rum evolves as time goes by, revealing depths of flavor over the course of a tasting journey.

Andean Oak Cask is best enjoyed neat or with firm caved aged goat cheese.

Tasting Notes:

  • Appearance: Amber with golden hues
  • Aromas: Vanilla, candied fruit, floral
  • Palate: Oaky, spicy, nutmeg, almond, vanilla

The Master Blender Collection: Andean Oak Cask is bottled at 48% ABV and is non-chill filtered in order to preserve its rich aromas and precious natural color. This expression will be limited to 1,026 bottles in the USA and will be available at select premium retailers nationwide for $195 SRP in 750ml.

Foursquare Master Series


From our friends at Total Wine & More

FOURSQUARE RUM DISTILLERY, MASTER SERIES EDITION NO. 1, 12-YEAR PRIVATE CASK SELECTION

ST. PHILIP, BARBADOS

Labeled the ‘Pappy of Rum’ by Wall Street Journal bestselling author and rum authority Fred Minnick, Foursquare Rum Distillery has produced some of the rarest, most highly sought-after rums in the world and has been honored as ‘Rum Producer of the Year’ an unprecedented four years in a row by the prestigious International Spirits Challenge. After news broke that owner and master blender Richard Seale would be releasing Foursquare’s first ever Private Cask Selection for the U.S. this year, it would be an understatement to say the anticipation among spirit enthusiasts has been sky-high. We are happy to report the wait is over. Minted their ‘Master Series’, this collectible from Foursquare is a first edition like no other and today we are giving our Concierge customers first crack at one of the most anticipated prized possessions in the world of aged spirits.

Foursquare Rum Distillery is located in Barbados on a former sugar plantation dating back to the early 1700s, which the Seale family purchased in 1995, and is one of the last independent family-owned distilleries in the Caribbean. Taking the lead on capturing the purity of the spirit, Foursquare does not manipulate their rums with any additives, including coloring, and uses both traditional pot and column stills. Although rums are perceived as being sweet, this reputation is largely due to other producers adding wine, sugar, honey, or other sweetening agents to their product. For owner Richard Seale, crafting his spirits is an artform focused on the unique maturation and blending process, including “tropical aging” in which the spirit can mature two to three times faster than spirits from Europe. This allows for greater evaporation, and thus a greater concentration of flavors.

Seale began his aging experiments at the distillery, selecting some of his best ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks to showcase the art of rum maturation and blending. This venture turned into the one-of-a-kind expressions that Seale designated as his Exceptional Cask Selections which connoisseurs anxiously anticipate each successive release. Yet today marks a new chapter for Foursquare as Seale has taken his art a step further by producing a Private Cask Selection—a single blended rum that has an even more limited production than the Exceptional Cask series and only available through Total Wine. A first for the U.S., this Master Series Edition No. 1 is a blend of three rums all aged 12 years through a combination of ex-Broubon and ex-Sherry barrels. Available for a limited time at special Concierge pricing, this debut is not to be missed—so be sure to add a few bottles to your collection today before they’re gone forever!

New Drop from Holmes Cay

New limited editions of Fiji 2004 and Guyana Port Mourant Demerara 2005 rums will reach the shelves from premium importer, Holmes Cay Single Cask Rum, this week. Following up its acclaimed first edition, the Barbados 2005, these releases enable Holmes Cay to make good on its promise to bring a variety of international rums to US spirits lovers.

“We have selected two rums that are classic examples of 100 percent pot still rums, but each is different, a unique rum expression. Our goal with each Holmes Cay edition is to celebrate a great rum distillery. Holmes Cay exists to show spirits lovers the exciting diversity of quality rum at cask strength through the distinct flavor and character of each cask,” said founder Eric Kaye.

Holmes Cay Fiji 2004

The Holmes Cay Fiji 2004 is an exceptional example of the classic Fijian rum profile.  Tropically aged in an ex-bourbon barrel for 12 years with a further 4 years maturation in the UK in American oak casks, this 100% pot still rum was distilled in 2004 at the South Pacific Distilleries of Fiji and bottled in New York State.

No sugar, no color and no other flavors were added in the making of the Fiji 2004, bottled at cask strength or 58% alcohol by volume. Only one cask — 240 bottles — of this premium, 16-year old rum is available.

Holmes Cay Guyana – Port Mourant Demerara 2005

The Holmes Cay Guyana – Port Mourant Demerara 2005 is a product of the legendary Port Mourant double wooden pot still. Now nearly 300 years old, it’s the only functioning double wooden pot still in existence. This 100% pure pot still rum was distilled at Demerara Distillers in Guyana in 2005 and bottled in New York State.

Aged for 15 years in the UK in American oak recycled rum casks, no sugar, no color and no other flavors were added in the making of this rum.  A single cask of the Guyana Port Mourant Demerara 2005 has been bottled at full cask strength of 56.4% alcohol by volume. Only 180 bottles of this premium, 15-year old rum are available.

“These rums at cask strength are the peers of the best aged Scotch whiskeys or bourbons, despite being neither as well known nor as easily available here in the US,” said Kaye. “Holmes Cay was created to celebrate the world’s best rums for distilling artistry and production transparency.  There are few opportunities in the United States to enjoy pure aged rum at full cask strength. Our goal is to make it a bit easier to find these treasures.”

Each Holmes Cay edition is chosen as an outstanding example of its type, from distilleries committed to the traditional distilling process, answering the call from sophisticated spirits consumers for high quality, unadulterated rums.

Both the Holmes Cay – Single Cask Rum Fiji 2004 and the Guyana Port Mourant Demerara 2005 editions are available for sale on May 20 in New York State. The Fiji 2004 release carries a suggested retail price of $159 (750ml bottle). The Guyana Port Mourant 2005 release carries a suggested retail price of $149 (750ml bottle.)  For more information email: media@holmescay.com.

ABOUT HOLMES CAY – SINGLE CASK RUM:

Holmes Cay – Single Cask Rum was created with one simple premise, to seek out the world’s best rums and release them unadulterated and at cask strength. Holmes Cay offers limited edition rums to US lovers of ultra-premium spirits.  To learn more, visit holmescay.com.

English Harbour XO

Our friend Dave Russell is back with more commentary about Endangered Rums.  Check it out.

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Endangered Rums
by Dave Russell

English Harbour Extra Old is where my passion for rum began.  It ignited my awareness for the fine sippin’ that goes on in the West Indies, and will always hold a special place in my heart.  Up until a few years ago, EHXO was Antigua’s top rum, and sold at prices so low it was easily the best bargain in the Caribbean.

Watching their aged stocks diminish faster than nature’s barrel time could replace them, Antigua Distillery Ltd. woke up and created several new blends, at higher prices.    Yet, the discontinued Extra Old is the original, and some say, English Harbour’s best. In its heyday, you paid less than $30 for a bottle of Extra Old, a blend of rums aged up to 26 years, and clearly the finest rum on Antigua.

Their current top of the line is an exceptional 25 year old beauty called 1981 that’s packaged like a King; the heavy bottle enshrined in a box that hinges open like a pair of saloon doors.  And it’s priced to match – 1981 sells for over $200.

Make sure your passport is up to date, because you must visit Antigua to collect 1981, the only place its sold.  And on the unlikely chance you stumble across English Harbour Extra Old, buy all of it.  Failing that, call me and I’ll buy it.  Extra Old or 1981 – English Harbour rum is the closest you can get to Antigua without actually being there, and you’ll dream of returning with every sip.

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To read more of Dave’s work, check out The Rum Gallery.

Touring Depaz

The Martinique rum tour continues with a stop at one of the most well known distilleries on the island, Depaz.

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Our tour of Martinique distilleries started once again bright and early as we navigated the rum bus through the busy streets of Fort de France and then up the island’s picturesque west coast to St. Pierre.  On the agenda was a look at Depaz, one of the most respected distilleries on the island and one of its most popular tourist attractions.

A bottle of Rhum Depaz can be difficult to find in the US, so when we arrived at their state of the art facility I had no idea what to expect.  We were greeted by Eric Lecoeur, GM at the distillery, and our tour quickly began with a history lesson about the brand.

The beautiful Depaz Estate sits at the base of Martinique’s tallest mountain, Mount Pelee. The origins of the property date all the way back to 1650 when Martinique’s first govenor built the original chateau.  It was later acquired by the Depaz family and a sugar manufacturing plant and distillery were constructed.  In 1903 a devastating volcanic blast from Mount Pelee killed nearly everyone in the town of St. Pierre and leveled every structure including the estate.  In 1917, Victor Depaz returned to Martinique to rebuild the chateau, distillery and the good name of the brand.

Blue Cane, which is known as the best, most flavorful variety of sugarcane, was planted on the property.  The stubborn crop grew well in the fertile volcanic soil and distinct micro-climate of northwest Martinique.  The quality of the rhum was quickly revered as among the best on the island and gained the Depaz brand a much deserved reputation once again.

Today, Depaz distills their signature brand of rhum agricole as well as a line for Dillon, another admired local brand.  Blue Cane remains a big factor in their signature flavor profile and more than a thousand hectares of the specialty sugarcane is planted on Depaz land.  It is harvested in the spring when its sugar content is highest, then crushed to extract the juice and allowed to ferment for 48 hours until the wash is roughly 6%abv.

The distillery is equipped with three column stills, two for the Depaz line of rhums and one exclusively for the Dillon brand.  Once it is distilled, the rhum is aged in French oak barrels, blended and bottled on premises.  Unfortunately, a fire in 1988 destroyed all of their aged rhum stock, but they have already assembled an impressive collection of nearly 5000 barrels that are resting in rebuilt aging warehouses.

Rhums by Depaz are very well known throughout the world and are widely available in Europe.  Unfortunately, many of their high end offerings are only distributed in Martinique and France.  They are definitely worth seeking out, so if you happen to see a bottle on the shelf of your local liquor shop, be sure to snatch it up.  If you want to score one of their more interesting offerings, you’ll just have to pay them a visit in Martinique.

Cheers!

Panty Rippa

Who says a cocktail has to be complicated to be tasty?  This one has two ingredients and has long been a Belizean favorite.  Enjoy!!

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The Panty Rippa may as well be the national cocktail of Belize.  They’re served everywhere and in mass quantity.  Tourists like them, locals like them, they’re inexpensive and taste great.  We like them because the local coconut rum is among the best on the market, the pineapple juice is fresh and everyone should have an easy-to-make tropical cocktail in their drink making bag of tricks.  Give it a try.  Cheers!

Panty Rippa

Fill a collins glass half way with ice

Add 2-3 oz. of coconut rum (we’re using Kaknat, but pretty much anything will do the trick)

Top off with fresh pineapple juice

Swirl glass to mix ingredients

Garnish with lime wedge

Crank up the tunes and enjoy!

North Pole Bar – Grenada

Shopping on the Spice Island becomes tolerable with a little help from the North Pole Bar.  Here’s more.

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St. George’s, Grenada’s capital city, offers just about anything you could want: good food, a scenic port and plenty of local flavor.

If you’re looking for brightly colored rasta gear, miniature steel drums, handmade jewelry or an assortment of typical souvenir items, you’ll find them from local street vendors near the cruise ship dock.

If cinnamon, nutmeg, lemongrass or other locally grown spices is what you’re after, head a block over to the Spice Market.  But if all you really want is a good drink while waiting for your shopaholic friends to get their consumer fix, be sure to take refuge in the nearby North Pole Bar for ice cold beers and Spicey Rum Punch.  You’ll probably see me there.

Have a great weekend, everybody.

Mr. Boston’s Summer Cocktails

Ok, it’s only May but down here in Florida it’s already Summer; that means that it’s time for Summer Cocktails courtesy of Mr. Boston!

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Summer Cocktails

When entertaining friends, it’s best to know what works when. Mr. Boston Summer Cocktails gives you tons of fresh ideas for keeping cool with refreshing cocktails that are perfect for warm weather.

Mr. Boston has been the go-to guide for bartenders since the end of Prohibition, so why would you turn anywhere else for the best ideas in summertime entertaining? Get your backyard barbecues cooking with more than 100 cool recipes to chill out with friends. Illustrated with beautiful photos that will leave you thirsting for more, these recipes range from classics like the Singapore Sling to contemporary drinks like the Cherry Caipirinha. Also, discover trade secrets from some of the best bar chefs to ensure that your drinks are perfectly prepared and served.

  • More than 100 drink recipes from dozens of the world’s top cocktail experts
  • Packed with innovative, uncomplicated recipes, simple instructions, and inviting photographs
  • Most recipes feature fresh seasonal ingredients and bright summertime flavors that make perfect thirst-quenchers

Fire up the grill and stock up on ice. With Mr. Boston Summer Cocktails in hand you’ll be ready to party, with recipes and serving ideas that will turn your backyard into everybody’s favorite destination.

Mr. Boston is part of the Sazerac Company and has been a widely recognized name in the bartending world for more than seventy years.

Anthony Giglio is the author of three editions of Mr. Boston, Cocktails in New York, and Food & Wine Magazine’s Wine Guide 2009. He is the wine correspondent for CBS News Radio and guest host of Boston radio’s daily “Connoisseur’s Corner” wine report. He also teaches at the De Gustibus Cooking School at Macy’s Herald Square, organizes corporate tastings, and leads wine tours of Italy.

Jim Meehan’s career behind the bar spans fourteen years, from Madison, Wisconsin, to New York City. He compiled the latest recipes for Mr. Boston and Food & Wine’s annual cocktail book, and he writes a monthly column for Sommelier Journal. He is a managing partner of PDT, a cocktail lounge in Manhattan’s East Village.

You can find Mr. Boston Summer Cocktails at most good retail book stores or online at Amazon.com.

Antigua Distillery Ltd.

How about a tour of Antigua Distillery Limited and a visit to their tasting room for a sample of the English Harbour Rums. Come along.

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We pulled slowly into port at St. John’s, Antigua and waited anxiously for another great day of distillery touring and rum drinking.  We all knew that this day would be special.  We were about to tour Antigua Distillery Limited (ADL), makers of the famous English Harbour Rums and a place that the general public doesn’t normally have access to.

We load into a small, hot, overcrowded mini-bus and we all grumble as we roll slowly through the morning traffic.  We anticipate a long, uncomfortable ride to the distillery, but we’re pleasantly surprised when we arrive at the front gate of an industrial site no more than 5 minutes later.  The sign reads “Antigua Distillery Limited.”  This is it!!

We’re met out front by Anthony Bento, Managing Director of ADL.  He welcomes us and describes the interesting history of the facility.  Like most islands in the Caribbean, Antigua once had a plethora of sugar plantations and each had their own brand of rum.  Estate rum production decreased in the early 20th century and rum shops took over the tradition.  In 1934 several of these shops joined forces and developed Antigua Distillery Limited.  

Over the years, the new company acquired several estates and a sugar factory.  Their own unique, high quality molasses gave their rum a distinct taste and their first official brand, Cavalier, was launched in the early 1950s.  Cavalier remains a popular local label on the island, but today ADL is best known for their premium line of English Harbour Rums.

After donning hard hats and hair nets our tour of the distillery began.  Following visits to several tourist-friendly sites, it was interesting to see how this one worked, a plant that is admittedly not prepared for tours.  We walked single file on steel walkways through tight corridors and passageways to view the fermentation and distillation areas.  

One of the more interesting aspects of the plant is their unusual column still.  Because of height restrictions, it is stacked in segments, four sections wide, but operates the same as a traditional set up.  It is a one-of-a kind piece and shows just a bit of the innovation of everyone involved in this distillery.

We made a brief pass through the rum lab where new blends are designed and current products are tested for quality control.  We continued on to the bottling area which consists of a very simple and efficient line that was running full blast with just two employees manning the operation.

We finally congregated at an offsite tasting room where we had a chance to sample all three rums from the English Harbour line.  The 5 and 10 year aged varieties are amazing, but the 1981 vintage blew everyone’s mind.  At $225us, this is certainly a bottle of rum that belongs in the super-premium category, but our crew saw it as a worthy investment and bought nearly every bottle they had in stock.

English Harbour 5 Year has long been a favorite sipper at Rum Connection headquarters and it was a pleasure seeing where it is made.  ADL is an extremely understated distillery.  They are low on the usual tourist glitz and glam but heavy on what counts – consistently making wonderful rum.  

Thanks to all of our new friends in beautiful Antigua.  We will definitely be back to swim in your blue waters, mingle with your friendly people and, of course, drink more of your outstanding rum.  Cheers!!

Rum Fire Rises in Seattle

Rum Fire Jamaican Overproof Rum is launching in one of the west coast’s hottest rum markets, Seattle. Wait..huh?! Known by many as the city of Starbucks, Microsoft and Amazon, it has been gaining more and more attention for its cocktail bars and more importantly, rum scene.

imagePerhaps it’s the weather that keeps people inside bars drinking away feelings associated with so many gray, rain filled skies that drives this market? However, Seattle is also home of the longest-running rum society in US, The Rum Collective and this just might have something to do with it too. Nick Feris, its founder, gives us the story. Several years ago, he visited the historic Hampden Estate Distillery in Jamaica where Rum Fire is made. He wrote about his experience and he tells us, “I always hoped for it to find its way up to the Northwest, but that day never came.” He tells us it was like a “continually frustrating long-distance love affair.” Recently, Nick reached out to the brand and did something about it. Nick says, “Today, Seattle and its surrounds have great cocktail bars like Rob Roy, Liberty, Canon, 99 Park, La Isla, etc. that care about quality rum. We now also have some pretty awesome bars that specialize in Rum, like Rumba and Tacoma Cabana. This market is ripe for Rum Fire and it will be well-received here.”

Rum Fire has a long unique fermentation and is 100% pot still rum giving it’s bold funky flavor. This rum is bottled at 126 proof and it packs a punch!

If you are in Washington State, check out The Rum Collective’s launch events!

Holiday Drinking

Happy Thanksgiving!  Today will surely be filled with hours of football watching, turkey eating and quality time with loved ones.  So, what are you drinking?

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imageThis time of year I always find myself trying to locate an appropriate holiday cocktail to serve at parties and family get-togethers.  It can be tough.  Does anyone really want a pumpkin pie martini after a giant Thanksgiving meal or a muddled turkey mojito with cranberry rum?  I don’t think so.  How about a peppermint candy infused rum swizzle for Christmas?  Mmmm, probably not.

This year I’ve decided to keep it simple.  During today’s game I’ll be drinking a few beers and with my meal, maybe a glass of wine.  But for dessert I’ll be enjoying a glass or two (maybe three) of one of my favorite American Rums, Siesta Key Distiller’s Reserve!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Have a great day and have fun, whatever your holiday drink of choice may be.

Bayou Rum Partners with Stoli USA

New York-based Stoli Group® USA, LLC and Louisiana Spirits, LLC announced the start of a long-term partnership.

imageAs of January 1, 2016, the multi-year agreement will see Stoli Group USA become the exclusive national distributor of the award winning Bayou Rum® and its family of America’s Rum®, and will enable Bayou to grow internationally in the future.

“Stoli Group USA is proud to partner with Bayou Rum and is looking forward to bringing the vision of its founders and shareholders to life in the U.S.,” said Patrick Piana, President and CEO, Stoli Group USA. “As a best-selling craft American Rum with a fantastic heritage and superior taste, Bayou Rum is the perfect addition to the Stoli Group USA portfolio.”

“In just two years, Bayou Rum has received more than 65 awards and accolades,” said Trey Litel, co-founder and president, Louisiana Spirits, LLC. “Our rum is handcrafted from Louisiana sugarcane and distilled and bottled at the largest private rum distillery in the U.S. The opportunity to partner with a powerful, brand-focused organization like Stoli Group USA will help us achieve our long term vision of establishing Bayou Rum as the leading American Rum on the market.”

Added Litel, “The Stoli team’s passion for craftsmanship and authenticity, the importance of superior premium quality and the commitment to long-term brand building and business development with distributors and retailers is what brought us together in this partnership.”

Patrick Piana and Trey Litel added that they were “looking forward to working together to expand the distribution of Bayou Rum and its family of America’s Rum nationwide beyond the borders of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Maryland, DC and Georgia so all consumers can enjoy the best craft American Rum.”

Bayou Rum is the first spirits addition to the Stoli Group USA portfolio of premium brands, which includes the flagship Stoli® Vodka brand and the ultra-premium luxury vodka, elit™ by Stolichnaya®. The Bayou Rum family consists of four offerings: Bayou Select Rum, Bayou Silver, Bayou Spiced, and Bayou Satsuma Rum Liqueur.

Next Generation No. 1

The House of Angostura launches a new limited edition rum in the exclusive Cask Collection range

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imageKnown for their iconic bitters and rum‐making heritage, the House of Angostura – with the only rum distillery in Trinidad today ‐ announces the release of No. 1 Once Used French Oak, the second edition of The Cask Collection – a limited‐edition range dedicated to rums aged in special casks.

“The Cask Collection limited edition range is a celebration of the House of Angostura’s rich heritage and artistry in blending some of the world’s finest rums. We’re thrilled to share the second edition to the range – No. 1 Once Used French Oak ‐ with rum aficionados and enthusiasts worldwide to show that the craft of rum‐making has no boundaries.” – Master Distiller, John Georges

Bottled at 40% and the first Angostura rum finished in French oak casks, No. 1 Once Used French Oak is an exquisite, silky smooth complex blend – created with a fusion of techniques learnt from the Old World and perfected in the New World. Only 15,030 bottles will be available in Europe, the Caribbean, Australia and the USA in autumn 2015.

The No. 1 name conveys the spirit of the rum being one‐of‐a‐kind. Each limited edition introduced into the range offers the recipient a joyous experience, one that can’t be replicated after the bottles have been sold. For this reason, The House of Angostura has chosen to name every new release No. 1, paired with a sub‐title that states the special cask used to mature the blends.

No. 1 Once Used French Oak is a 16 year old blend. The rums were aged for a minimum of 10 years in American Oak casks. The rums were then artfully combined by The House of Angostura’s Master Blender and re‐casked into carefully selected French Oak casks that were once used for aging cognac. The rum was left to mature for additional 6 years in the French Oak casks. The French Oak barrels infuse the luxurious oak‐driven flavours of nuts, dried fruit such as dates and figs with subtle floral qualities.

“The overwhelming response we received to the first No. 1 released in 2013 was a strong indication of the appetite our consumers have for artisan spirits, which the House of Angostura is passionately committed to offering. No. 1 Once Used French Oak is an outstanding example of the tradition, philosophy and talents of the House of Angostura,” said Genevieve Jodhan, Executive Manager, International Sales & Marketing.

Blending rum is an art ‐ acquired from years of experience. Angostura’s blenders have been trained on original traditions and are celebrated experts who closely maintain guarded formulas and techniques. For No. 1 Once Used French Oak, Angostura produced a one‐of‐a‐kind recipe with mature, high‐quality aged rums ‐ each chosen for their unique flavour and characteristics. The colour is beautiful amber with superb clarity and the aroma offers notes of subtle peach and candied apricot, macadamia or almonds, with hints of oak. The finish is dry with a soft fade.

The Cask Collection is a testament to Don Carlos SIEGERT, son of the brand’s founder, whose vision continues to inspire the House of Angostura’s blenders today.

TGIF #103

After a busy week at Rum Connection Headquarters it’s time to find a beach chair and a strong rum & Ting. This spot in front of Coyaba Resort on beautiful Grand Anse Beach in Grenada would work just fine.  Enjoy your Friday everyone. Cheers!

Lost Spirits Aging Reactor

Lost Spirits Technologies develops a patented process utilizing its THEA One reactor to create a superior new generation of spirits.

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imageLost Spirits Technologies announces today that it has successfully scaled its experimental distilled spirits aging system and is preparing to begin a nationwide rollout of the revolutionary new technology in October 2015. The system will be implemented through the use of small, portable aging reactors dubbed the THEA One. THEA One offers a revolutionary, state of the art way of designing and engineering the quality of aged spirits, and will be installed in craft distilleries across the country.

In April of 2015, Lost Spirits announced that it had successfully replicated the chemical signature and taste profile of 20-year-old rum in a laboratory setting. Since then, the engineering team has been working around the clock to create a scaled working reactor that is capable of producing spirits at commercially viable quantities. Today this task has been accomplished.

Lost Spirits currently has 65 distilleries on its waiting list and is in talks to potentially implement the technology on a grand scale with multinational spirits partners.

Lost Spirits will be hosting private media tours to showcase the THEA One and her capabilities at the notoriously secretive Lost Spirit hilltop laboratory throughout September. Interested parties may inquire for a sneak peek at the first THEA One models. For those who cannot attend, media kits can also be requested which contain samples and equipment overview using Google Cardboard in VR.

For more information, visit the Lost Spirits website.

Rum Day Cocktails

Break out the party hats because Sunday is National Rum Day. Here’s the drink that we’re celebrating with.

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imageNational Rum Day is this coming Sunday and we’re sure that you are planning a big party to celebrate the occasion, right? This year, instead of working behind the bar or in the kitchen, take a simpler approach by batching pitcher cocktails ahead of time.

Here is a unique pitcher drink recipe from our friends at Brugal Extra Dry Rum, a cask-aged white rum that eschews the typical sweet profile associated with rums, for a drier style. So whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasers, kick back and make it the best Rum Day ever. Happy Holiday!!

The Mary Isa-Basil
Created by Justin August Fairweather, Evelyn Drinkery NYC

24 oz. Brugal Extra Dry Rum (approx. one 750 mL bottle)
9 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
9 oz. Simple Syrup
36 torn Basil Leaves
24 Kiwi Slices
Cracked fresh pepper

Mix all ingredients together in a pitcher and stir vigorously with ice. Strain into glasses. Garnish with freshly cracked pepper and a basil leaf.

National Daiquiri Day

Get ready! Sunday is a national holiday celebrating one of the most refreshing and simple to make rum cocktails out there, the Daiquiri.

If you’re reading this article and digging through this website, you probably already know that a Daiquiri is not red, does not involve a slushy machine and should never be served in a bar logo-printed plastic cup.  A “real” Daiquiri only consists of three simple ingredients: lime, sugar and rum.

Here’s our non-scientific approach to this classic:

In the company of friends, preferably in a warm climate near water and boats, squeeze the juice of half a lime into a cocktail shaker.  Add an oz. of simple syrup and 2 oz. of white rum.  Fill shaker with ice, shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass.  Garnish with a lime wheel, crank up the tunes and enjoy.  If a martini glass is a little too high-brow for you, no problem, feel free to use any clean rocks glass.  The lime wheel and music, however, are a must.

Have a Happy Daiquiri Day!!