Category: flavored rum (Page 1 of 2)

rums with tropical flavors

Tampa Bay Rum Company – Gaspar’s Rum

Monday, April 20, 2020 / Robert Burr / 0 Comments

Located in the historic Ybor City neighborhood, a visit to Tampa Bay Rum Company is a delight, both for the rustic, festive atmosphere and to taste some fine rum samples. Your first stop is the appropriately decorated Buccaneer Bar, where proprietor Sam Meyers and master distiller Brad Bunn welcome visitors to their charming craft distillery.

entrance to Tampa Bay Rum Company Tasting Rom

entrance to the tasting room

Tasting Room Bar at Tampa Bay Rum Company

tasting the rums in the Buccaneer Bar

The Rum Distillery Tour

The tour continues behind the scenes, with a walk through the barreling area into an immaculate production space where we find large fermenting tanks and their big copper pot still with rectifying columns.

barrels of rum resting

Copper Pot Still at Tampa Bay Rum Company

the copper pot still

Tampa Bay Rum Company uses top-grade molasses from Okeelanta Sugar Mills in South Florida for their seven day fermentation. Brad specifies different types of yeast for each fermentation at different temperatures to achieve the proper variations. The reserve rum is distilled at a lower proof for a slightly heavier bodied distillate.

Award Winning Rum

Brad has earned a reputation as a masterful rum maker. His premium Gasparilla Reserve — aged exclusively in 57 liter Maple Syrup Rye Whiskey Barrels — won Best In Class Craft Rum in the 2020 American Distillers Institute competition.

The 80 proof spiced rum ($29.99) made with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, clove and allspice is delicious. The rums that sell best in the tasting room are Coconut, followed by Scurvy Lime ($29.99) which really captures the essence of the local Florida citrus crop. The 80 proof white rum ($27.99) is a delightful expression which shows off Brad’s rum-making skills. A newer edition is a Butterscotch ($29.99), based on the spiced rum base with the addition of two types of butterscotch extract to emulate the taste profile of butterscotch candy.

The award-winning Gasparilla Reserve aged rum ($39.95) bottled at 92% is available only at the distillery.

Visit Tampa Bay Rum Company

Drop in to the distillery and tasting room for tours ($12 includes Gaspar’s insignia glass) and rum tastings from 2 to 6pm, Wednesday through Saturday, or Sunday from noon to 4pm at 2102 East 4th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605. No reservations are required.

Call 813-284-5485 or send an email to: info@gasparsrum.com

Rum Sales

Consumers can purchase Tampa Bay Rum Company’s Gaspar Rums direct from the distillery or at select ABC Liquors, Total wine and other liquors stores in the Tampa Bay area. They also have online distribution through B21.

https://www.gasparillarum.com/

Brad Bunn and Sam Meyers

fermentation tanks at Tampa Bay Rum Company

tanks of molasses

the rum barrel aging room

Sam Meyers, Robert Burr and Brad Bunn

swag for sale at Tampa Bay Rum Company

Tampa Bay Rum Company in Ybor City

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.
To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.
View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.
Taste The Best Rums: Miami Rum Festival and Rum Renaissance Tasting.
Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.
Ask the Experts: What is the Best Rum In The World?

Maggie’s Farm Rum Distillery in Pittsburgh

Thursday, September 26, 2019 / Robert Burr / 0 Comments

A visit to Maggie’s Farm Rum Distillery in Pittsburgh is an opportunity to experience the production of award-winning American rums. Master Distiller Tim Russell presents a successful philosophy and confident approach to his production techniques, delivering an array of fine rums with consistency.

Maggie's Farm Rums on the bar at Maggie's Farm Rum Distillery

a selection of Maggie’s Farm Rums at the tasting bar with copper pot stills in the background

Located just off the Allegheny River in the Strip District, the rum distillery features a large inviting open cocktail bar space with clear view of the two alembic copper pot stills, fermentation tanks and racks of aging barrels.

Maggie's Farm Rum pot stills at Maggie's Farm Rum Distillery

two alembic style copper pot stills produce the distillate for Maggie’s Farm Rums

Maggie’s Farm Rum Awards

At least a hundred awards are displayed on Maggie’s Farm Rum bottles, a testament to the positive feedback from professionals, rum judges and tasting events around the world. Numerous Best-In-Show, Double Gold and Best-In-Class awards — including eight from the International Rum Experts and the Rum Jury at the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival — speak to the quality of the product from this young American rum company.

Maggie’s Farm Rums have earned many awards from prestigious tasting competitions

Production Techniques

The first commercial craft rum operation in Pennsylvania since the era of prohibition began as a modest venture — without significant investment or bank loans — to create authentic, unadulterated spirits using the best available ingredients, including Caribbean-derived yeasts and Louisiana Turbinado raw cane products. Long fermentation times — up to three weeks — help deliver high esters and big flavor before careful, rustic distillation techniques serve to retain much of the spirit of cane.

The result is a delightful distillate that serves as the base for the white rums, the barrel aged dark rums and all the natural flavored rums in the lineup. It’s clear from the dry profile that modifiers, sweeteners and extraneous ingredients are not in the recipe for Maggie’s Farm Rums.

distillate from pot still a Maggie's Farm Rum Distillery

the fresh clear distillate from the pot still is the base for Maggie’s Farm Rums

White Rum

The White Rum is a delight, offering soft notes of cane and vanilla, with a hint of butter in the finish. It’s a fine base for all of our favorite rum cocktails and makes a nice sipper with a couple of ice cubes.

Single Barrel Rum

In the Single Barrel Rum, we experience the distillate after the mellowing influence of two years in oak casks, picking up more pronounced notes of vanilla, caramel and toasted oak. This small batch aged rum is a sterling example of the craft distiller’s art form, well balanced and complex for a rum of its age.

Queen’s Share Overproof Reserve Series

Perhaps the most notable of the expressions in the Maggie’s Farm Rum lineup is the Queen’s Share Overproof Reserve series. The name refers to the technique of re-distilling the tails — the most flavorful and pungent portions of the distillate to come off the still late in the process — to refine and extract the very best of these components for special barrelings in used rye, Bourbon and sherry casks. The results are intensely rich, higher proof sipping rums that deliver a magnificent intensity, complexity and depth of flavor.

50/50 Dark Rum

An example of creative experimentation exists with the 50/50 Dark Rum, combining their own pot still aged spirits in equal measures with a well-aged molasses based, column-distilled rum from the Caribbean. The 50/50 blend is aged for an additional six to nine months to marry the flavors, resulting a a delightfully complex and well-balanced expression that manages to remain unpretentious and satisfying while offering good value.

Spiced Rum

Taking experimentation to the next level, Tim Russell has developed Maggie’s Farm Spiced Rum, an exceptional expression that wows the rum judges and consumers with its unique blend of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and freshly grated orange zest.

Pineapple Rum

Another variation on the 50/50 concept is the Pineapple Rum, derived by macerating fresh pineapple in dark rum, blended with a vapor distillation of their white rum through pineapple barks to capture the natural oils. These two components are combined to capture the full essence of the fruit in a rich rum base. It’s a complicated technique that delivers an exceptional product.

Old Fashioned Cocktail

A creative riff on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, Maggie’s Farm Old Fashioned starts with rum aged in rye whiskey barrels with additional oak cubes to accentuate the wood notes. A balanced addition of Louisiana turbinado sugar and aromatic bitters creates the base flavor profile for the MFOF bottled cocktail, ready to be poured over ice in a tumbler, accented with a wedge of orange peel.

Falernum

Likewise, rum cocktail enthusiasts know that Falernum is an enticing and mysterious ingredient that makes classic cocktails like Corn and Oil, Three Dots and A Dash, and the Velvet Fog perennial favorites. Maggie’s Farm Falernum is created in small batches using fresh ginger, grated lime zest, toasted whole cloves and toasted allspice berries, added to the white rum. An exceptional ingredient made to the quality standards that defines Maggie’s Farm products.

Coffee Liqueur

Sourcing fresh roasted, fair-trade coffee beans locally, Maggie’s Farm Coffee Liqueur uses the cold-brew technique accented with house-made vanilla extract and a touch of dark brown sugar to achieve a perfect balance.

Hidden Harbor Special White Rum

A recent addition to the fine expressions is a purpose-derived blend for Hidden Harbor tiki bar located in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill. The concept was to create a multi-layered white rum to serve as the base for a perfect Daiquiri cocktail, combining Maggie’s Farm white rum, Queen’s Share rum and carefully sourced distillates from Jamaica, Guyana, Martinique, Barbados and Trinidad. The result is distinctly flavorful and aromatic, with a molasses funk and a smooth grassiness that accentuates the true spirit of cane.

Maggie’s Farm Rum Distillery Tours

master distiller's tour at Maggie's Farm Rum Distillery

Master Distiller Tim Russell presents an overview of production techniques for Maggie’s Farm Rums

For American Rum enthusiasts, a visit to Allegheny Distilling in Pittsburgh is a high-priority to experience the source of Maggie’s Farm Rums.

One hour distillery tours on Saturdays are $20, featuring an overview of the fermentation, distillation and aging processes before a tasting of rums and liqueurs at the bar. Guests receive a custom-branded Maggie’s Farm Rum tasting glass as a souvenir. RSVP online.

The Cocktail Bar is open on Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 10pm, on Friday and Saturday from noon to 1pm, and on Sunday from noon to 6pm.

Allegheny Distillers, home of Maggie’s Farm Rum, is located at 3212A Smallman Street in Pittsburgh, PA 15201. Call 412-709-6480. https://www.maggiesfarmrum.com/

Gubba Silver American rum is made with natural coconut

Gubba Silver Coconut Rum from Colorado

Tuesday, February 26, 2019 / Robert Burr / 0 Comments

Gubba Silver artisanal American rum is made with natural coconut to produce a lightly flavored, smooth, clear spirit.

This rum is produced, blended and bottled in small batches at a craft distillery in Denver, Colorado. The process begins with organic evaporated cane fermented in stainless steel.

The fermented wash is double distilled, first in a classic Alembic copper pot before a second distillation in a copper column hybrid with 20 plates.

After distillation, the base rum is blended with an infusion of natural coconut in high proof rum, then diluted with Colorado Rocky Mountain snow melt water to bottling proof.

The result is a subtle coconut flavored spirit that goes down easy.

Gubba Silver Tasting Notes

Subtle aromas of coconut water precede a bit of ethanol, butter cookie and river rock. On the palate, soft coconut creme and a mild sweetness reveals a slight viscosity at mid-palate, which seems to enhance the tropical notes into the finish.

Gubba Silver Rum was designed to be enjoyed on the rocks, but also provides a wonderful tropical base for cocktails. The brand likes to describe this lightly flavored rum as being “wicked smooth,” a descriptor that’s entirely fitting.

The 750ml bottle of Gubba Silver Rum, at 35% abv, sells for about $22.

http://gubbarum.com/

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.

To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.

View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.

Taste The Best Rums: Miami Rum Festival and Rum Renaissance Tasting.

Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

Ask the Experts: What is the Best Rum In The World?

Gubba Gold Rum from Colorado

Tuesday, January 22, 2019 / Robert Burr / 1 Comment

Gubba Gold artisanal American rum is made with natural organic vanilla, delivering a smooth and flavorful spirit.

This rum is produced, blended and bottled in small batches at a craft distillery in Denver, Colorado. The process begins with organic evaporated cane fermented in stainless steel.

The fermented wash is double distilled, first in a classic Alembic copper pot before a second distillation in a copper column hybrid with 20 plates.

After distillation, the base rum is blended with an infusion of whole organic vanilla beans in high proof rum, then diluted with Colorado Rocky Mountain snow melt water to bottling proof.

The result is a delicious, unpretentious artisanal rum, finished with a touch of sweetness that makes it quite smooth on the palate.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of light creamy vanilla wafer appear before a hint of pepper. On the palate, subtle caramel and vanilla bean leads to soft creamy vanilla sandwich cookie at mid-palate with hints of butter. The finish is soft and light with lingering echoes of sweet shortbread and soft vanilla.

Wicked Smooth

Gubba Gold Rum was designed to be enjoyed on the rocks, but also provides a wonderful tropical base for cocktails. The brand likes to describe this golden colored, lightly flavored rum as being “wicked smooth,” a descriptor that’s entirely fitting.

The 750ml bottle of Gubba Gold Rum, at 35% abv, sells for about $22.

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.

To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.

View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.

Taste The Best Rums: Miami Rum Festival and Rum Renaissance Tasting

Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

Naked In Jamaica dark rum

Thursday, October 18, 2018 / Robert Burr / 0 Comments

A rich planter’s style dark rum, Naked In Jamaica is a private label spirit produced by famed flying ace, aerobatics champion and vintage airplane collector Kermit Weeks. The rum was created to his own specifications by Florida Caribbean Distillers in Winter Haven, Florida.

Naked In Jamaica dark rum is inspired by a song of the same name depicting a lifestyle of casual enjoyment in the tropical setting of Negril. Kermit sees clothing as a metaphor depicting the sublimation of one’s true self potential. He hopes the rum might inspire friends to strip the perceived inhibitions, false pretenses and limitations on finding their true self. A noble message in a bottle.

Naked In Jamaica Tasting Notes

Aromas of rich molasses and brown butter dominate the nose, before a suggestion of vanilla, cinnamon bun, toasted coconut and dark fruit. On the palate, initial notes of sweet caramel, butterscotch and vanilla butter cream precede prune wine, chocolate brownie and treacle with just a hint of oak. The finish fades slowly with echoes of sweet coconut, then bitter chocolate over buttery croissant.

Old Fashioned Dark Rum

Naked In Jamaica dark rum strives to rekindle old-fashioned tropical essences used to make classic cocktails such as Planter’s Punch. It’s a good base ingredient for tropical punch recipes and makes a fine dark floater on top of tiki cocktails. The rum includes a warning to please drink responsibly and use sunscreen.

Naked In Jamaica took home a gold award in the Boutique Dark Rum category at the RumXP Tasting Competition at Rum Renaissance Festival, as well as a gold award from the Consumer Rum Jury.

The 750ml plastic bottle of Naked In Jamaica dark rum at 80 proof sells for about $19.

http://www.nakedinjamaica.com/

About Kermit Weeks

Kermit Weeks is an American aviation enthusiast, pilot, and aircraft collector. He has competed in aerobatics, designed aircraft, and is well known for promoting aviation and the restoration of vintage aircraft.

Kermit Weeks operates Fantasy of Flight, one-of-a-kind aerial attraction and mega-event space in Central Florida that blends Old Hollywood glamour with modern elegance. The property houses his substantial vintage aircraft collection at his private airport.

In 2012 Weeks was awarded the Lloyd P. Nolen Lifetime Achievement in Aviation Award by the Wings Over Houston Airshow. In 2010 he won the Freedom of Flight Award by Bob Hoover. In 2008 Weeks was inducted into the Florida Aviation Hall of Fame, and in 2006 was named a “Living Legend of Aviation.”

About Florida Caribbean Distillers

Florida Caribbean (originally Florida Fruit Distillers) quietly produces 10 million proof gallons each year of wine, beer and spirits, mostly bulk rum sales and industrial alcohol. The state’s first registered distillery opened in 1943 making neutral spirit with molasses from Florida Citrus producers.

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.

To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.

View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.

Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

Stroh 160 Overproof Rum

Thursday, October 11, 2018 / Robert Burr / 1 Comment

An unconventional product by any standard, Stroh 160 Overproof Rum is a unique spiced and flavored rum liqueur from Austria that defies categorization. Like Germany’s Rum Verschnitt, it’s made of neutral grain distillate, loaded with strong essences and rich rum flavors.

In Germany and Scandinavia, the traditional holiday comfort flavor profile makes it a favorite for celebrations, but you rarely see it used to make cocktails — or be forewarned — enjoyed straight.

Every rum has a purpose. At 80% abv, Stroh 160 delivers a robust and potent spirit popularly used as a key ingredient in festive punch recipes, representing warmth, friendliness and good cheer. It’s also mixed with black tea to create a traditional warm Jagertee libation popular for after-ski festivities in Europe.

Stroh 160 is used to flambé table-side dishes, but perhaps it’s most popular use is for home baking, like old-fashioned holiday fruit cake.

Stroh 160 Legacy

The rum’s secret recipe was first developed in 1832 by Sebastian Stroh. Like Jägermeister, this “inlander rum” is sometimes perceived as a powerful manly elixir representing a wistful bygone era of old European spirit making.

In a Scandinavian hunter’s cabin deep in the frozen woods, a shot of Stroh 160 might seem appropriate to provide a warm invigorating experience, but otherwise, it’s not advisable to attempt drinking it straight.

Stroh 160 Tasting Notes

The bold crimson vermillion color first gets your attention. Aromas of pound cake, butterscotch, assorted fruit jelly and baking spices belie its overproof nature. On the palate, an initial hint of cotton candy precedes a big explosion of overwhelming fruit flavors and high ester funk before the base of creamy butterscotch, vanilla, treacle and baking spices endure into the very long finish.

Stroh 160 Overproof Rum In The USA

In Europe, this product is known as Stroh 80, referring to the 80% alcohol by volume overproof rating. In the USA, the same rum is named Stroh 160 to underscore its 160 proof content. In simple terms, there is twice as much alcohol in this bottle than your average 80 proof rum, so a little bit goes a long way.

Among tiki enthusiasts, Stroh 160 has earned a reputation as a welcome component in Polynesian-style cocktails and topical libations that integrate a strong overproof rum into the recipe.

The 750ml bottle of Stroh 160 overproof rum sells for about $35.

http://www.stroh.at/en/

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.

To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.

View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.

Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

Award-Winning Brinley's Gold Shipwreck Spiced Rum from Saint Kitts

Brinley Gold Shipwreck Spiced Rum from Saint Kitts

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 / Robert Burr / 0 Comments

Among the best spiced rums on the market, and winner of many top awards, Brinley Gold Shipwreck Spiced Rum is a four year old Guyanese molasses rum, aged in charred American oak barrels, expertly blended with real Madagascar Vanilla, Grenada Nutmeg, orange peel and clove.

At their production facility on the island of Saint Kitts in the Eastern Caribbean, each small batch is infused for two weeks to extract maximum botanical flavors from the exotic ingredients, before being expertly blended by seasoned professionals.

Shipwreck Spiced Rum Tasting Notes

Aromas of creamy vanilla with nutmeg and orange rind lead to clove and mild honey. On the palate, the sensation of bold vanilla delivers a base of creamy smoothness for the nutmeg and clove, balanced by orange peel at mid-palate.

The result is a best-in-class hand-crafted spiced rum that mixes perfectly with your favorite cola, ginger beer, fruit juices and citrus.

The Hidden Label Message

When you’ve finished the bottle, look for the hand-written message inside the label, dedicated to those aboard the British Troopship sank by the French Navy off the coast of St Kitts in 1782.

Shipwreck Spiced Rum Awards

Brinley Gold Shipwreck Spiced Rum has earned many prestigious medals and accommodations over the past decade, including the 2018 International Rum Expert Panel “Best In Class” gold medal in the spiced rum category, as well as a prestigious gold medal from the 2018 Consumer Rum Jury.

Brinley Gold Shipwreck Spiced Rum is bottled at 36% abv. The 750ml bottle sells for about $25.

https://www.brinleygoldshipwreck.com/spiced-rum

For more information about types of rum, see Rob’s Rum Guide tutorials.

To stay informed about news and updates in the world of rum, subscribe to Robs Rum Guide.

View insightful and succinct video rum reviews: Rum Minute YouTube Channel.

Experience the ultimate rum travel adventure: Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

Lemon Hart Blackpool Spiced Rum from Guyana

Wednesday, June 14, 2017 / Robert Burr / 2 Comments

A dark, rich rum, Lemon Hart & Son’s Blackpool Spiced Rum is distilled, aged and blended at a single estate distillery in Guyana’s Demerara region.

Oak And Cane rum launches in Florida

Monday, October 17, 2016 / Robert Burr / 0 Comments

Produced in small batches in Riviera Beach, Florida, the new Oak And Cane boutique rum launched in Ft. Lauderdale recently, seeking to deliver a very smooth and delightful expression to the local market.

The Oak And Cane Project

Oak And Cane rum from Fort Lauderdale, Florida rests in orange peels

Oak And Cane rum is a distilled specialty spirit from Fort Lauderdale, Florida rested in orange peels.

Fred Greene leads the project. His new rum, bottled at a gentle 35% (70 proof) is classified as a Distilled Specialty Spirit, rested in Florida orange peels and finished in charred American oak.

The brand’s stated goal is to create an American lifestyle product that is smooth on the rocks or can be mixed into timeless classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned, Mojito or even a Mimosa or Sangria.

Tasting Notes

Delicate aromas of light vanilla and faint citrus are revealed over a hint of aromatic wood. On the palate, this pale spirit initially reveals creamy vanilla and bright orange, leading to a light viscosity and mild texture in the mid-palate. The dry finish is faint and smooth with lingering notes of creamsicle.

Oak & Cane can be purchased for about $47 plus shipping from the Passion Spirits online web site.

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Koloa Kauai coffee flavored rum from Hawaii

Tuesday, July 5, 2016 / Robert Burr / 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.

Game Day Libations: Rumming Back Rum Cocktail scores big

Thursday, February 4, 2016 / Robert Burr / 0 Comments

Sharing tasty food and fine drinks with good friends is a fundamental requisite for any good game day gathering. Set the tone for the big event with The Rumming Back, a delicious seasonal libation that echoes the mood of the day.

Let the Rumming Back cocktail set the mood for gathering with friends on game day with tropical tones of coconut and spices combined with all-American apple cider and craft beer.

The delicious “Rumming Back” game day cocktail features Blue Chair Bay Coconut Spiced Rum with fresh apple cider and your favorite beer.

Here’s a simple recipe using delicious tropical rum and All-American apple cider — along with your favorite craft beer — to satisfy, quench and satiate your guests.

The Rumming Back

2 ounces of Blue Chair Bay Coconut Spiced Rum
2 ounces of unfiltered, unsweetened, non-alcoholic apple cider
your favorite beer

Method: Add the rum and cider to your favorite beer mug. Fill the mug with your favorite beer. Repeat as necessary. Garnishes are out of bounds for this drink.

The tropical tones of the rum bring fun and sun to a cold weather day, while the apple cider evokes long standing traditions of American culture, history and simple pleasures. Your favorite beer adds effervescence, while infusing the cocktail with the refreshing feeling of game day spirit, of sharing good times with good friends.

Blue Chair Bay Coconut Spiced Rum is a delicious way to evoke that barefoot, sand-in-your-toes feeling in your favorite libations. Developed by country legend Kenny Chesney, the brand has quickly become a standard bearer for the easy-going, fun-loving lifestyle that Americans enjoy.

At the beginning of his performances, Chesney asks his audience to let his music take them to a special, carefree place for a bit of relaxation and fun. With Blue Chair Bay Rum, he is extending a similar invitation for those that wish to enjoy good times at home with good friends.

Bayou Satsuma Rum Liqueur from Louisiana

Tuesday, February 2, 2016 / Robert Burr / 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.

Fwaygo Grilled Pineapple flavored rum from Florida

Monday, January 11, 2016 / Robert Burr / 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 / Robert Burr / 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.

Gubba flavored rums from Colorado

Tuesday, September 1, 2015 / Robert Burr / 0 Comments

Steve Gubb is a passionate rum enthusiast with a penchant for making delicious flavored rums the old fashioned way. His Gubba flavored rums are created in small batches by hand using organic ingredients.

Gubba Gold rum carries the smooth creamy flavor of natural vanilla and his Gubba Silver rum is infused with natural coconut for a decidedly tropical profile.

Both of these unfiltered rums are produced at a craft distillery in Colorado, made with pure cane and the finest natural flavors available.

The result is delicious, unpretentious artisanal rums, finished with a touch of sweetness that makes them both quite smooth on the palate. Gubba rums can be enjoyed on the rocks, but also create a wonderful tropical base for cocktails.

Gubba flavored rums - The Gubba small batch artisanal rums feature subtle notes of coconut in the silver expresion and creamy natural vanilla in the gold expression.

Gubba silver and gold small batch rums are made in a craft distillery in Colorado, using natural organic vanilla and coconut flavors.

For a luscious late summer libation, try these delightful recipes using the Gubba rums and Wild Hibiscus specialties.

“Into The Wild” cocktail
Recipe by Igor Zukowiec, Alchemiq NYC
makes 1 serving

2 oz. Gubba Gold Rum
4 ml (2 full droppers) Wild Hibiscus Rose + Hibiscus Flower Extract
.75 oz. lime juice
.5 oz. simple syrup (2:1)
1 bar spoon of rice vinegar

Shake all ingredients with ice and serve.

“Wild Bunch Punch”
Recipe by Anthony DeSerio
makes eight 6 oz servings

12 oz. Gubba Silver Rum
10 oz. Blue-Tee syrup*
4 oz. pineapple juice
4 oz. lime juice
16 oz. Raspberry Lambic (beer)
1 8.8 oz. (11-flower) jar Wild Hibiscus Flowers for punch bowl ice block, and to garnish glasses

*Blue-Tee Syrup: In a heat-safe container add 5oz. sugar and top with 5oz. hot water. Add 4 Blue-Tee bags (Heart-Tee Butterfly Pea Flower Tea from Wild Hibiscus Flower Co.) – strings removed so as not to tangle while stirring. Stir water, sugar, and tea while still hot to melt sugar and steep tea. Let cool to room temp. Remove tea bags and cover.

Punch bowl ice block: Fill 1/4 of the punch bowl with water and place it in the freezer. As it gets the film of thin ice on top, drop in 6 Wild Hibiscus Flowers randomly then let the block freeze.

Remove from freezer. Take the ice out of the bowl and put aside. Add Gubba Silver Rum, Blue-Tee syrup, pineapple juice and lime juice to the punch bowl. Stir and place the Wild Hibiscus ice back in. Serve in a punch cup with an edible Wild Hibiscus Flower inside and top with the Lambic.

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