Robs Rum Guide

your guide to the world's finest rums

Category: distillery (Page 2 of 3)

news about notable distilleries

Florida A1A Cocktail Trail offers tropical libations

Tuesday, August 2, 2016 / / 0 Comments

In North Florida, take the A1A Cocktail Trail when you want to enjoy a leisurely drive along the coast. The route combines amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean with stops at popular watering holes that feature tropical cocktails made with fresh Florida citrus and local craft spirits from St. Augustine Distillery.

North Florida's A1A Cocktail Trail features tropical cocktails made with Florida citrus and spirits from St. Augustine Distillery.

North Florida’s A1A Cocktail Trail offers a delightful adventure along Florida’s Historic Coastline, discovering tropical cocktails made with fresh Florida citrus and rum from the St. Augustine Distillery.

The Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC), St. Augustine Distillery and the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB) have created a trail of bars and restaurants along Florida’s Historic Coastline that serve up original cocktails made by experienced Florida mixologists.

“We are excited about putting Florida on the ‘map’ as a state that is creating some of the freshest cocktails. We’re combining locally made spirits from Florida agriculture with the world’s finest citrus, highlighting our long history of agriculture and sustainable production practices,” explained Philip McDaniel, co-founder and CEO of St. Augustine Distillery. “Together with the FDOC and VCB, we are proud to promote the Spirit of Florida.”

The A1A Cocktail Trail Passport

Get your official A1A Cocktail Trail passport at participating bars and restaurants from Atlantic Beach to St. Augustine.

A1A Cocktail Trail, tropical cocktails, Florida citrus, St. Augustine Distillery, Florida's Historic Coastline

Amy Carpenter from the Florida Department of Citrus (left) and Kara Pound from the St. Augustine Distillery (right) visit with Matt Stevens (middle), manager of A1A Ale Works in St. Augustine, to unveil the new A1A Cocktail Trail program.

Once your passport is stamped at all eight locations, redeem it for a free collectible A1A Cocktail Trail t-shirt and branded, wooden coaster set.

Passports are also available at the I-95 Welcome Center, the I-75 Welcome Center, the St. Augustine Distillery and Florida’s Historical Coast office in St. Augustine.

Discover Florida’s Historic Coastline

Take your time and enjoy the natural beauty, leisurely pace and delightful venues along Florida’s Historic Coastline.

A1A Cocktail Trail, tropical cocktails, Florida citrus, St. Augustine Distillery, Florida's Historic Coastline

Florida A1A – the beach road

Florida’s A1A is a north-south Florida State Road that runs mostly along the Atlantic Ocean, with sections from Key West at the southern tip of Florida, to Fernandina Beach, just south of Georgia on Amelia Island.

Saint Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement within the borders of the contiguous United States. Since the late 19th century, St. Augustine’s distinct historical character has made the city a major tourist attraction.

The St. Augustine Distillery is open for tours Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday from 11am to 6pm. The restaurant is open seven days a week for dinner from 5 to 10pm, and lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm Monday through Friday. The bar is open from 11:30am to midnight on Sunday and Monday, until 2am the rest of the week. Call 904-825-4962 or visit the web site.

Their craft rum spirits are produced on-site by master distillers from select regional sugarcane syrups and molasses in copper pot stills and then barrel-aged for a distinct flavor profile.

Drive Safely

If you don’t have a designated driver, consider using a car service to enjoy the A1A Cocktail Trail. For a list of recommended transportation companies in the area, visit the Florida Citrus web site’s A1A Cocktail Trail web page.

Deadhead Rum transitions to new distillery

Friday, July 8, 2016 / / 0 Comments

A signature bottle design is the distinguishing visual factor that first sets Deadhead Rum apart from the competition. Now, the spirit in the bottle is getting well-deserved attention since the Deadhead Rum brand transitioned to a new Mexican distillery for production of its 6 year old aged rum expression.

The iconic shrunken head bottle of Deadhead rum contains a 6 year old aged rum produced at the Bonampak distillery in Mexico.

Iconic Brands’ Deadhead rum is a 6 year old aged rum produced at Bonampak distillery in the southwest region of Mexico.

According to Kim Brandi, founder and CEO of Iconic Brands, sales of Deadhead Rum have nearly doubled in the past three years to almost 20,000 cases.

The 65 year old Destilados Bonampak distillery is headed by a veteran rum producing Cuban family. The tropical climate, coastal breezes and ocean salinity help distinguish the DNA of this spirit. The process starts with sugarcane grown in Tapachula, Chiapas near the Guatemalan border and the Pacific Ocean. The distiller’s master blender earned his reputation with a large Cuban rum brand. The spirit rests in French Oak barrels for six years.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of vanilla, spice and big wood dominate the cane grass notes. On the palate, a dry bitter wood balances burnt sugar, vanilla wafer, pumpkin pie spice and a hint of citrus peel before notes of dried fruit appear during the long finish.

The Bottle

The iconic bottle is a depiction of a tsantsa, the shrunken head of an enemy. Traditionally used for trophy, ritual and trade purposes by tribes in the northwestern regions of the Amazon rain forest, the item is believed to harness the spirit of that enemy, compelling him to serve the shrinker and preventing the soul from avenging its death.

The Brand

Iconic Brands seeks to distinguish their offerings with a “No Compromise” philosophy. The unique characteristics of this Mexican rum — and certainly the shrunken head vessel — are true to this goal.

Deadhead 6 Year Old aged rum is bottled at 40% abv. The 750ml bottle sells for $38.99.

See Deadhead 6 in Rob’s Rum Guide extensive list of rums.

Koloa Kauai coffee flavored rum from Hawaii

Tuesday, July 5, 2016 / / 0 Comments

On the tropical island of Kauai in Hawaii, Kōloa Rum Company produces artisanal, single-batch rums, including this Kōloa Hawaiian Kauai Coffee flavored rum.

At its distilled spirits tasting room and company store on the grounds of Kilohana Plantation near Lihue, visitors delight in discovering their delicious expressions of cane spirit.

Located nearby, the Kauai Coffee Company operates the largest coffee plantation in the islands. Every day they’re hand-roasting small batches of their distinct coffee beans grown on the sunny slopes of southern Kauai.

A delightful rum expression from Hawaii: Koloa's Kauai Coffee Rum brilliantly integrates Kauai-grown coffee with artisanal rum.

Award-winning Koloa coffee rum is a flavored rum made from local sugar cane and coffee grown in Kauai, Hawaii.

The collaboration of these local rum and coffee makers has been declared a great success with the fast-growing popularity of this delicious coffee flavored rum.

Tasting Notes

On the nose, immediate aromas of mocha and medium roast coffee bean overtake the senses. On the palate, sweet mellow breakfast coffee develops mid-palate. A big note of cacao appears before finishing semi-dry. Lingering tones of authentic mellow-roasted Hawaiian coffee remain in the finish.

Awards

Kōloa rums are well known to rum enthusiasts across the United States. In the Miami Rum Festival’s annual RumXP blind tasting competition, they’ve consistently taken home top awards. Kōloa Hawaiian Kauai Coffee flavored rum is no exception. It won the RumXP Best In Class award in 2016.

This delightful coffee rum, bottled at 34% abv, is presented in a package worthy of gift giving for those that appreciate fine rum and good coffee. At 34% abv, the 750ml bottle sells for about $40.

See the listing for Kōloa Kaua’i coffee flavored rum in Robs Rum Guide.

Florida Mermaid aged rum from Weeki Wachee

Tuesday, June 21, 2016 / / 0 Comments

From Weeki Wachee, Florida — the enchanted land of mermaids and manatees — NJoy Distillery produces their Wild Buck American Rye Whiskey and Florida Mermaid aged rum.

The production facility is located on an 80 acre farm in the middle of the 40,000 acre Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area park. The distillery is cleverly hidden a remote portion of Florida’s west coast.

A tasteful blend of Florida and Jamaican rums brings bold flavors to Florida Mermaid rum.

NJoy’s Florida Mermaid aged rum from Weeki Wachee is a blend of Florida rum and pot still aged rum from the Caribbean.

Combining three year old Florida rum with a high ester Jamaican pot still marque, the blend is further rested in the Wild Buck Whiskey barrels for 90 days. The result is a delightful sipping rum that also makes great cocktails.

Tasting Notes

The nose begins with bold aromas of black banana, flowers and butter. Next, vanilla and almond emerge over oak with a big funky fruit basket. On the palate, complex esters offer a delightfully fruity astringent entry that evolves to big warmth in the mid-palate. Wood and brown butter dominate before some baking spice as the finish slowly fades.

Florida Mermaid rum is bottled at 100 proof (50% abv). It’s available at the distillery near Weeki Wachee (7237 Wild Buck Road) as well as liquor stores in Central Florida.

Awards

Awards include Best in Class and Best in Category at American Distilling Institutes Spirits Competition in San Diego. Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Best in Aged Overproof Rum Category. And Silver at the American Craft Spirits Competition in 2016.

The 750ml bottle retails for $39.95.

See the Robs Rum Guide listing for Florida Mermaid Rum.

The New American Rum Revolution seminar

Monday, June 20, 2016 / / 0 Comments

American Rums highlighted in international cocktail seminar

The New American Rum Revolution has arrived. The 2016 Tales Of The Cocktail convention in new Orleans will present a seminar hosted by the editors of Robs Rum Guide featuring great American rum producers.

Details of The New American Rum Revolution seminar have recently been released.

The New American Rum Revolution seminar

The New American Rum Revolution seminar at the 2016 Tales of the Cocktail convention in New Orleans will be hosted by the editors of Robs Rum Guide.

The 90 minute program is designed to provide a perspective on American rum’s past, present and future. The seminar will share insight from some of the most successful American rum producers.

“In the past few years, more national, regional and local rum distillers are gaining well-deserved attention. Many making their mark as true artisan spirits by winning awards and setting new standards for authentic, hand-made rum,” said Robert A. Burr, publisher of Robs Rum Guide. “It’s nothing short of a rum revolution. It’s changing the American rum industry, bringing back the art of craft distilling. It’s presenting American rum in a most favorable light. We’re emphasizing the quality aspects of small production.”

American Rum History

Before the American revolution, more than 8,000 distilleries in the American colonies were producing rum. A plentiful supply of molasses was available through trade with Caribbean islands. Most ceased production by the time prohibition decimated the American spirits industry.

“It’s nothing short of a rum revolution — presenting American rum in a most favorable light by emphasizing the quality aspects of small production.”

According to the editors of Robs Rum Guide, the number of distilleries now producing rum in the United States is growing at a incredible rate. The trend is igniting what what can only be described as a new American rum revolution.

The New American Rum Revolution Has Arrived

The rum renaissance has sparked a tasting seminar at the upcoming Tales Of The Cocktail festival in New Orleans in July where bartenders and professionals in the spirits trade gather to learn more about their industry.

Among the seminar panelists are Trey Litel of Louisiana Spirits (Bayou Rum), Bob Gunter of the Koloa Rum Company and Steven Gubb of Paradise Imports (Gubba Rum). Robert V. Burr will lead an informative and entertaining sampling of notable American rums. His presentation will contain details about each of the producers’ unique qualities.

Notable American Rums Featured

Select tastings of rums from featured American distilleries include Koloa Kauai Coffee, Gubba Gold, Bayou Select, Taildragger Amber, St. George California Reserve Agricole, St. Augustine Pot Distilled, Montanya Exclusiva, Maggie’s Farm Queen’s Share Rye Barrel, Richland Single Estate Old Georgia Rum, and Siesta Key Toasted Coconut.

The New American Rum Revolution seminar features notable expressions from American producers.

The New American Rum Revolution seminar features notable expressions from American producers.

The New American Rum Revolution seminar takes place in New Orleans at 3:30pm on Wednesday, July 20 at the Fleur de Lis Suite of the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon Street. For information about this global gathering of the spirits industry, or tickets for this seminar, visit the Tales Of The Cocktail web site. https://talesofthecocktail.com/

Here’s a list of American Rum Producers.

Caribbean Rum Cruise announces VIP distillery tours

Thursday, June 16, 2016 / / 0 Comments

The Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise is coming. A seven day holiday cruise through the Eastern Caribbean, featuring VIP tours of rum distilleries along the way, is set to sail from Puerto Rico on Saturday, November 19.

The 2016 Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise offers VIP distillery tours, departing November 19.

A delightful holiday rum cruise through the Eastern Caribbean promises special rum tasting events and VIP distillery tours aboard Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas cruise ship, departing November 19, 2016.

Rum cruisers will meet rum experts from around the world. They’ll find great rum bargains on each island and revel with fellow rum enthusiasts.

VIP Rum Distillery Tours

Details of the 2016 Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise were recently announced by the Burr family, producers of the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival and publishers of Robs Rum Guide.

Robert A. Burr and his wife Robin will lead the land tours in St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados, visiting rum shops, rum tasting rooms and distilleries.

The group will depart Puerto Rico on the Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas on a seven night cruise in search of Caribbean rum. The cruise returns to San Juan on Saturday, November 26. Guests will enjoy Thanksgiving Day in Barbados with specially planned events and a fabulous holiday meal.

The cost of VIP distillery tours with transportation is $300 per person, in addition to the cost of the cruise. The official travel agent coordinating the rum cruise is Deb Fogarty of Be Well Travel in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

The Ultimate Adventure For Rum Enthusiasts

“Rum enthusiasts and their friends will especially enjoy this unique opportunity to learn more about their favorite Caribbean spirits. These are exclusive guided tours by some of the most knowledgeable people in the world of rum,” said Ms. Fogarty. “We are privileged to offer a holiday cruise itinerary that combines all the luxuries of this modern ship with rare VIP access. You’ll love these special tours and fine rum tastings at these iconic distilleries and rum shops along the way.”

“It’s a rum lover’s dream come true: setting sail through the Eastern Caribbean on a holiday adventure to discover how great rum is produced, aged and blended.”

Space for the VIP tours and tastings is limited. Call 954-778-5699 for booking details or email: Deb@bewelltravel.com.

For more details on the 2016 Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise, see the Rum Cruise web page. http://www.rumrenaissance.com/Cruise.html

Matusalem opens new production facility in Dominican Republic

Friday, June 10, 2016 / / 0 Comments

The new Matusalem Rum production facility is now in operation.

The Miami-based family owners of Matusalem Rum, after being exiled from Cuba for nearly 60 years, recently celebrated the opening of their new ISO 9000 approved production facility in Monte Plata, Dominican Republic.

The bottling line in their new Dominican Republic manufacturing facility allows Matusalem rum to expand their production capacity while maintaining the legacy Cuban formula that makes their solera style rum a favorite in many countries.

The bottling line in their new Dominican Republic manufacturing facility allows Matusalem rum to expand their production capacity while maintaining the legacy Cuban formula that makes their solera style rum a favorite in many countries.

Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina and the Minister of Industry and Trade, José del Castillo Saviñón, were on hand to officiate the event.

Expanded Production

The new  Matusalem Rum production facility is projected to produce more than 550,000 cases of rum per year. With an initial production of 14,000 bottles a day, it creates more than 300 direct jobs and approximately 750 indirect jobs in the local economy.

A state-of-the-art bottling line and large space for aging barrels will allow the company to greatly expand production. Matusalem can now increase distribution throughout United States, the European Union, Russia, Middle East, Asia Pacific, South America, Central America, México and the Caribbean Islands.

The Brand, The Family

After arriving in Cuba from their native Spain, Benjamin and Eduardo Camp and partner Evaristo Alvarez, founded Matusalem Rum in 1872 in Santiago de Cuba. The company’s President/CEO is Dr. Claudio Alvarez, a direct descendant of Evaristo Alvarez.

Matusalem Rum distillation and blending principles come from the Solera Aging System, originally developed for the production of sherry and brandy.

The Tradition

Matusalem Rums are still produced in the same Cuban tradition. They use the family’s secret formula according to the same exacting standards established by the brand’s founders over a century ago. These rums are produced and bottled in the Dominican Republic under the strictest quality guidelines. Every batch is carefully analyzed before release.

Among their most popular expressions, the Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 year old aged rum is the winner of many awards and accolades by rum experts around the world.

The production team at Matusalem's new manufacturing facility in Dominican Republic.

The production team at Matusalem’s new manufacturing facility in Dominican Republic.

Gruppo Campari honors Joy Spence and Eddie Russell

Friday, May 20, 2016 / / 0 Comments

Appleton Rum Master Blender Joy Spence received a great honor recently.

In today’s fast-paced world it might be hard to imagine spending five or even ten years at one job. Gruppo Campari is celebrating two loyal employees and spirits industry legends who have been on the job for three and a half decades each.

Master Blenders Honored

Two titans of the spirits world mark major milestones, as Appleton Estate Jamaica rum master blender and Wild Turkey master distiller celebrate 35 years in the industry.

Appleton Rum Master Blender Joy Spence and Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell were recognized on May 18, 2016 at the Gruppo Campari Annual Convention for both having served the spirits industry for 35 years.

In commemorating Joy and Eddie’s contribution to the industry, with both careers spanning back to the 1980s, Gruppo Campari’s Chief Executive Officer, Bob Kunze-Concewitz, said: “Gruppo Campari is honored to have two legends of the spirits industry in charge of crafting and ensuring the exceptional quality and taste of our Appleton Estate and Wild Turkey brands. The entire Campari family joins with rum, bourbon, and spirits enthusiasts around the world in congratulating Joy and Eddie on this significant milestone in their careers.”

Appleton Rum Master Blender

Joy has the distinction of being the first female Master Blender in the Spirits industry, and she will also celebrate her 20th Anniversary as Master Blender in 2017. Among Joy’s many award-winning creations for Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum are Appleton Estate 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum (the oldest barrel-aged rum in the world), Appleton Estate Reserve Blend, Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Year Old, and the Appleton Estate 250th Anniversary Blend, which was her first creation as Master Blender. In addition, Joy is currently preparing a limited edition blend of rums aged at least 25 years which will be released in concert with her 20th anniversary as Master Blender.

The Appleton Rum Master Blender was awarded the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer by the Government of Jamaica for her service to industry. Joy also possesses a honorary Doctorate of Science degree from the University of Loughborough and a honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from the University of the West Indies.

Wild Turkey Master Blender

Appointed Master Distiller at Wild Turkey in 2015, Eddie Russell is the 3rd generation Russell to work at Wild Turkey and he is also a Bourbon Hall of Famer. With bourbon and rye more popular than ever, he is in the most prolific period of his career, creating some of the finest premium whiskies on the market, including Master’s Keep 17 Year Old, Wild Turkey Forgiven and Wild Turkey Diamond Anniversary.

This year, Wild Turkey will release Eddie’s second limited-edition bourbon as Master Distiller. Named Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Decades, this limited edition commemorates Eddie’s 35th year at the distillery. Additionally, Eddie’s son Bruce recently joined the family business, serving as a brand ambassador for Russell’s Reserve, making the Russell clan one of the only multi-generational whiskey-making families in the business.

Both Joy and Eddie enjoy traveling the world spreading the word about rum and bourbon respectively, and they will kick off their 35th Anniversary Celebrations with a dinner for spirits writers and enthusiasts that they will jointly host in London on May 24th.

Bayou Satsuma Rum Liqueur from Louisiana

Tuesday, February 2, 2016 / / 2 Comments

A unique variety of orange is the key ingredient for this delicious flavored rum made by Louisiana Spirits. Bayou Satsuma Rum Liqueur is a craft spirit made from locally sourced Satsuma tangerines with barrel aged rum made from local sugar cane.

While there are numerous orange liqueurs available, this vibrant citrus spirit based on the delicate Satsuma delivers a delightful flavor profile that stands above the crowd and makes a great substitute for a traditional Orange Curaçao liqueur.

Authentic flavors of bright tangerine and smooth orange sorbet dominate Louisiana Spirits' Bayou Satsuma Rum Liqueur.

Produced by Louisiana Spirits, Bayou Satsuma Rum Liqueur offers delightful tones of bright tangerine and orange sorbet; a fine flavored rum made of local ingredients.

“Citrus unshiu” is a unique variety of tangerine from Japan, sometimes referred to as the Cold Hardy Mandarin or Christmas Orange for its ability to thrive in temperate climates. The first Satsuma citrus trees in the Americas were planted by Jesuits in the 18th century at their plantation upriver from New Orleans.

As a testament to the popularity of this fruit with growers, there are towns named Satsuma located in Alabama, Florida, Texas and Louisiana.

Alluring aromas of tangerine slice candy and orange peel dominate the nose. On the palate, the taste is true to the fruit with bright tones of orange sorbet and tangerine peel over a bit of creamy vanilla.

Trey Litel is the president of Louisiana Spirits, LLC. “Biting into a freshly peeled Louisiana Satsuma is hard to beat. The complex, sweet citrus flavor and vibrant color combine with the smooth flavor of our barrel aged Bayou Select Rum to create a taste like no other.”

The exact production method, recipe, and sources from the Satsuma liqueur remain a company secret.

Bayou rums are hand-crafted from local Louisiana sugar cane at the distillery in Lacassine, Louisiana. Distribution is growing significantly in 2016 courtesy of a distribution agreement with Stoli USA.

This list price of a 750ml bottle of Bayou Satsuma Rum Liqueur is $21.95.

Mezan Jamaica 2000 vintage rum

Monday, January 25, 2016 / / 0 Comments

From the legendary Long Pond Distillery in Trelawny, Jamaica, this vintage Mezan Jamaica 2000 expression delivers the classic fruity and funky profile we’ve come to expect from legacy Jamaican distillers.

Mezan has built a reputation for bottling authentic, unadulterated spirits from notable producers in select destinations, and this Jamaica 2000 is no exception.

Mezan Jamaica 2000 - From the legendary Long Pond Distillery in Trelawny, Jamaica, this vintage 2000 rum from Mezan delivers authentic Jamaican funkiness and rich fruity notes.

Mezan’s authentic Jamaica 2000 vintage rum comes from the legendary Long Pond distillery’s traditional double thumper pot still.

Long Pond is known for their long, slow fermentation cycles, allowing natural yeast to convert sugar to alcohol over a long period in the traditional manner. The addition of dunder from previous fermentations is an old technique long lost at modern distilleries.

This slow fermentation process builds rich and complex high ester flavor profiles, which are refined by a double distillation process in their traditional double retort pot still.

The result of this uniquely rich fermentation and rustic distillation is big rum flavor — Mezan Jamaica 2000 offers a reflection of style that made Jamaican rums famous the world over for centuries.

Aromas of sweet butter and charred oak, then big banana lead to subtle chardonnay with a hint of green apple before traces of pineapple, then a vegetal bouquet of fruit and dank earthiness over bread dough. On the palate, Mezan Jamaica 2000 presents a smooth entry of rich buttery toffee gives way to a very interesting briny, earthy leather and complex fruit notes tempered by a woody finish.

The 750ml bottle of Mezan Jamaica 2000 sells for $54.95.

Fwaygo Grilled Pineapple flavored rum from Florida

Monday, January 11, 2016 / / 5 Comments

South Florida Distillers, makers of the award-winning Fwaygo Rum, have recently released a unique limited edition expression based on grilled pineapple: Fwaygo Grilled Pineapple Rum.

The small distillery is located close to the largest tropical fruit farms in the United States. Their repeated experiments with pomiculture products lead to the development of this new variation.

Fwaygo Grilled Pineapple - Delicious notes of caramelized pineapple over a well-crafted rum base deliver delightful tropical tones in Fwaygo Grilled Pineapple Flavored Rum.

South Florida Distillers presents their limited edition Fwaygo grilled pineapple flavored rum, made in small batches on a craft still.

Master Distiller Joe Durkin’s passion for produce is notable. “I searched forever to find locally grown — and most importantly — ripened on the plant pineapples. I sliced them and dusted in cinnamon and sugar so the pineapple didn’t dehydrate on the grill. I grilled them to get a nice caramelization and char.”

Joe soaked the grilled pineapples in overproof for three months. He also soaked the skins in overproof distillate, then redistilled the infusion to pull out more fresh pineapple flavor. Finally, it was strained and blended with double barreled rum to get some woody spicy notes and a little more smoke.

The result is delicious. Bright aromas of cane are complimented by the caramelized pineapple notes over a hint of cinnamon apple pie and charred wood. On the palate, the fresh pot still rum makes a fine base for the tropical fruit notes, well balanced with a hint of butter and spice before the medium dry finish slowly fades.

Fwaygo Grilled Pineapple Rum is available in limited supply at South Florida Distillers for $49.95.

Among Joe’s current works in progress is a dark overproof rum and a beer barrel spiced expression. The distillery’s YouTube channel with their 50 Days of Fwaygo episodes has garnered a fair amount of attention among rum enthusiasts. #50DaysOfFwaygo

To be notified of new releases from Fwaygo Rum, visit their web site and Facebook page.

 

Koloa announces Kaua’i Coffee Rum from Hawaii

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 / / 1 Comment

Known for their award-winning line of artisanal rums, Kaua`i, Hawaii based producer Kōloa today announced a new expression. Koloa Kaua’i Coffee Rum — a delightful new extension to their fine line of small batch rums — is the result of a collaboration with Kaua`i Coffee Company.

Koloa Kaua'i Coffee Rum - Another delightful rum expression from Hawaii announced: Koloa's Kaua`i Coffee Rum brilliantly integrates Kauai-grown coffee with artisanal rum.

Koloa Hawaiian rum recently announced a new flavored rum expression made with Kauai Coffee from the local Kauai-grown plantation.

Combining Kōloa White Rum and pure Hawaiian cane sugar with locally grown, dark-roasted Kauai Coffee results in a rich and robust new flavored rum bottled at 34% abv with bright notes of coffee and cocoa.

Released in time for the 2015 holiday season, the new Koloa Kaua’i Coffee Rum expression is presented with a bold new bottle and label design.

Kōloa rums are well known to rum enthusiasts across the United States. In the Miami Rum Festival’s annual RumXP blind tasting competition, they’ve consistently won awards in the dark and flavored rum categories.

“Kaua`i Coffee Rum is a true Kaua`i-made product that exemplifies the remarkable diversity of agriculture on Kaua`i and the potential for innovation in creating exceptional value-added products,” said Kōloa Rum Company President and CEO Bob Gunter.

Kaua`i’s Best Coffee

Kauai-grown coffees are hand-roasted in small batches to ensure optimal flavor and quality in every cup. The Kauai Coffee Company, LLC, is part of the Italy-based Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group. For more information about Kauai Coffee Company, please visit www.kauaicoffee.com.

“Kaua`i Coffee Company, which operates the largest coffee plantation in the Islands, is at the leading edge of coffee production technology. They produce outstanding coffee grown on the sunny slopes of southern Kaua`i, where we also grow much of our sugar cane. Our collaboration in developing Kaua`i Coffee Rum demonstrates the ongoing engagement within our local diversified agricultural industry. We are proud to have this association with them,” Gunter said.

Kaua`i’s Best Rum

Kōloa Rum Company produces artisanal, single-batch Hawaiian Rum and ready-to-drink cocktails at its distillery in Kalāheo, Kaua`i and operates Kaua`i’s first and only distilled spirits Tasting Room and Company Store on the grounds of Kilohana Plantation, near Lihue.

The Company’s award-winning portfolio includes its premium Kaua`i White, Gold, Dark, Spice, Coconut and now Coffee Rums in 750ml and 50ml bottles. The firm also produces Kōloa Ready-to-Drink Mai Tai, Rum Punch and Pineapple Passion cocktails. For more information about Kōloa Rum Company, please visit www.koloarum.com.

 

St. Augustine Rum debuts in Florida

Monday, August 24, 2015 / / 0 Comments

The inaugural Discovery Series of rums will soon debut at Florida’s St. Augustine Distillery. On Thursday, September 3rd, the public will be invited to purchase the first bottles of St. Augustine Rum from the distillery’s gift shop, located on Riberia Street in downtown St. Augustine, Florida.

A limited series of St. Augustine Rum craft expressions will be released on the following schedule: Series 1 in September, Series 2 in October, Series 3 in November and Series 4 in December. The St. Augustine Distillery’s flagship rum (or final recipe) is slated for a January 2016 release.

St. Augustine Rum - A limited series of craft rum expressions will be released by the St. Augustine Distillery in the last months of 2015, before the final version of this new rum debuts in January.

The historic St. Augustine distillery will debut their new pot still rum with a series of limited edition expressions. The rums will also be featured at their Ice Plant Bar and Restaurant.

Each of these limited editions has been fermented and distilled on-site by Director of Production Brendan Wheatley from select regional sugarcane syrups and molasses in copper pot stills and then barrel-aged for a distinct flavor profile.

“We want our customers to have the unique chance to experience each of these different St. Augustine Rum recipes as we refine our flagship rum,” said co-founder and CEO Philip McDaniel. “This opportunity is very unique and only available at a craft distillery like ours.”

The production facilities are located in the restored historic Ice Plant, featuring a gift shop, restaurant and bar. Large numbers of tourists flock to the facility daily for a presentation in the small theater, followed by tours of the distillery and tasting sessions every half hour. The tour ends with a visit to the gift shop.

The Ice Plant bar and restaurant are also extremely popular, offering a first-class cocktail program developed by Zach Lynch, a talented mixologist and master bartender. The restaurant menu features farm-to-table cuisine with grass-fed beef and burgers, local seafood and vegetarian options among the daily specials.

The St. Augustine Distillery is open for tours Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday from 11am to 6pm. The restaurant is open seven days a week for dinner from 5 to 10pm, and lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm Monday through Friday. The bar is open from 11:30am to midnight on Sunday and Monday, until 2am the rest of the week. Call 904-825-4962 or visit the web site.

Seven Day rum cruise visits Caribbean distilleries

Saturday, August 8, 2015 / / 0 Comments

It’s a rum fanatic’s dream. A luxury Caribbean Rum Cruise featuring VIP tours of rum distilleries — from large industrial factories to small plantation-style artisanal operations — spanning the week of November 15-22, 2015.

Departing from San Juan, the 2015 Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise will visit Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, Sint Maarten and St. Croix before returning to Puerto Rico.

Caribbean Rum Cruise - Calling all rum lovers! Don't miss the boat as the 2015 Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise sets sail November 15-22 for a rum and fun-filled adventure with distillery tours throughout the Southeast Caribbean.

The 2015 Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise visits rum distilleries and tasting rooms in Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, Sint Maarten, St. Croix and Puerto Rico from November 15 to 22 aboard the Royal Caribbean Jewel Of The Seas.

Organized by Deborah Fogarty at Be Well Travel, this Caribbean Rum Cruise offers a unique opportunity to visit six islands in seven days, with optional land tours visiting up to nine distilleries and visitor centers, plus rum seminars, special tasting events and visits to authentic island rum shops along the way.

The Rum Renaissance Caribbean Rum Cruise takes place on Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas, a dazzling Radiance-class ship which combines sleek swiftness, panoramic vistas, and wide-open spaces for maximum relaxation and comfort. All meals aboard the ship are included.

The Ultimate Caribbean Rum Cruise

Departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico on Sunday, November 15 at 8:30pm, the ship sets sail for Barbados, arriving Tuesday morning for a full-day adventure.

Bridgetown, Barbados

The first stop is St. Nicholas Abbey, an old historic cane plantation where they create small batches of fresh rum from their own cane syrup in a copper pot still. After a stop for Bajan lunch, the group proceeds to another historic sugar plantation where Foursquare Distillery makes some of the very best rums in the Caribbean from both a traditional pot and a modern column still. The final stop in Barbados is the Mount Gay welcome center for a presentation of this iconic rum brand’s history and a VIP tasting of their finest rums.

Roseau, St. Lucia

On Wednesday morning, Caribbean Rum Cruise enthusiasts awake in St. Lucia to embark on a breath-taking tour through the verdant hills near Roseau valley. The St Lucia Distillers Group of Companies produces world class rums and liqueurs in a process that has, like its environment, changed little in a hundred years. Several types of copper pot stills produce unique distillates, which are aged in bourbon and port barrels. A special VIP tasting session reveals dozens of wonderful expressions.

St. John, Antigua

On Thursday, a visit to Antigua Distillery near the St. John’s cruise port reveals the copper Coffey column still used to create English Harbour rums, including the popular 5 year old, the 10 year reserve and the 1981 Vintage.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

The very popular Dutch port of Sint Maarten on Friday offers a myriad of fine shops in Philipsburg along Front Street with 100% duty-free prices. The tour visits the popular Caribbean Liquors & Tobacco shop for rum tastings and a fine selection of Caribbean spirits with great prices.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

The island of St. Croix is the gem of the U.S. Virgin Islands. On Saturday, a day tour of the Cruzan rum distillery is followed by lunch and a visit to the Captain Morgan distillery and welcome center.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

As the ship saunters into Old San Juan harbor Sunday morning, passengers enjoy a leisurely final breakfast before departing. Americans exit through customs here in Puerto Rico, so there’s no need to go through customs again back on the U.S. mainland.

After disembarking, a visit to the distillery at Casa Bacardi reveals much about the company’s storied past and a view of this modern production facility in action. Back in Old San Juan, the DonQ Welcome Center is a great destination for refreshing cocktails and a presentation on the history of Puerto Rico’s number one rum brand.

Limited Availability

The Rum Renaissance Caribbean Rum Cruise and land excursions are limited to a small number of persons. For more information, contact Deborah Fogarty at Be Well Travel at 954-778-5699, or send email to: Deb@bewelltravelcruises.com

Muddy River Distillery rums from North Carolina

Friday, July 24, 2015 / / 0 Comments

Muddy River Distillery became the first legal rum distillery in North Carolina in February, 2012 and only seven months later, began selling their first product: Carolina Silver Rum.

Muddy River Distillery - Muddy River Rum is produced at a craft distillery in Belmont North Carolina, as well as an aged spirit known as Queen Chalotte's Reserve.

Muddy River Distillery of Belmont, North Carolina offer a fine white Carolina Rum, as well as an aged premium rum named Queen Charlotte’s Reserve.

Combining premium grade molasses and sugar, along with a special strain of yeast, master distiller Robbie Delaney prefers a slow, small batch fermentation for up to two weeks before moving the mash to their custom built hybrid reflux column stills, Freedom and Democracy.

Co-founder Caroline Delaney oversees the business and has the final say on tasting the finished product.

Muddy River Carolina Silver Rum offers aromas of green banana and a whiff of white pepper before rich caramel, hard candy, marshmallow, taffy and a bit of almond. On the palate a very soft entry of gentle cane leads to very clean and subtle ripe banana, warming in the mid palate to reveal peppery notes on top of vegetal fresh cane, before a warm, lingering finish.

The Muddy River Distillery recently released an aged rum. Queen Charlotte’s Reserve brings aromas of aromatic cedar and white oak, dried fruit, creamy butter and earthy wood, cane syrup, apricot, dates and white raisin. On the palate a smooth entry is dominated by big oak drying out with ripe butter and shortbread cookie. A surprisingly well balanced rum that’s a pleasure to sip.

Another recent release is a coconut flavored rum.

Muddy River Distillery now has the capacity to deliver 300 bottles a day and distribution is growing quickly with online sales in most U.S. states.

This artisanal American hand crafted product represents the new rum revolution — a return to the days when small batch American rums made by mom and pop entrepreneurs were among the very best in the world.

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