Category: rum cocktail

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/

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?

December 21 is National Coquito Day - Holiday Coquito

National Coquito Day – December 21

Monday, December 17, 2018 / Robert Burr / 0 Comments

December 21 is National Coquito Day

Rum has long played a role in celebrations and gatherings in Caribbean culture. The tradition of sharing coquito, a festive libation during the holiday season, continues to expand beyond the region with many home-grown recipes.

National Coquito Day is December 21

It’s a day to celebrate Holiday Coquito, a creamy rich and delicious rum concoction often compared to eggnog. Meant to be shared with family and friends, coquito is most often associated with the rums of Puerto Rico.

While there is no specific data as to the exact date of the creation of the first Coquito, historians place the birth of this drink around 1900. The first published Coquito recipes appeared in the Puerto Rican cookbooks, “Cocine a Gusto” and “The Puerto Rican Cookbook,” between 1950 and 1970.

a glass of holiday coquito

The Coquito has since evolved from its original version of rum and cream of coconut to include an array of flavors, ranging from almond to pistachio to chocolate. Puerto Rican Rum is always featured as the main ingredient in this distinctive cocktail.

It seems that every family has their own recipe with myriad variations on the theme of a creamy, tropical coconut inspired punch. Holiday Coquito is easy to make. It’s fun to share. It’s a seasonal delicacy that signals a return to simple pleasures and family gatherings.

Let’s start with a traditional recipe from the Serrallés family of Ponce, on the south shore of Puerto Rico. Known for making Don Q rums, they are one of America’s oldest family-owned businesses with a rum making tradition that spans six generations and more than 150 years.

The Serrallés Family Coquito Recipe

3 cans evaporated milk
1 can cream of coconut
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups Don Q Cristal rum
add cinnamon to garnish

Method: blend the liquid ingredients at high speed for two minutes, pour into empty bottle and refrigerate for at least four hours. It’s even better after two or three days). Serve in a small glass and sprinkle with cinnamon.

More recipes follow. Enjoy the variations on National Coquito Day. Happy holidays.

Be sure to share your favorite National Coquito Day recipes on social media and use the hashtag: #NationalCoquitoDay

Santaella Restaurant Coquito, San Juan

3 cups fresh coconut milk
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 15-ounce can cream of coconut
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
2 cups Don Q Gran Añejo

Method: combine the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum in a blender and process on high speed until the mixture is foamy, about 2 minutes. Pour the coquito into a clean glass, bottle, or pitcher and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. (It will keep, refrigerated, for at least 3 weeks.) To serve, pour into individual glasses and garnish with more cinnamon.

Silvia Santiago, Don Q’s Master Blender

6 egg yolks
1/4 lb sugar
1/4 cup vanilla
5 12-ounce cans evaporated milk
5 10-ounce cans coconut cream
6 cinnamon sticks with 6 lime peels (about 1 cup)
1.75 liters Don Q Añejo rum

Method: boil the cinnamon sticks with the lime peels in one cup of water. Let it cool and strain before adding to the mix. Beat the egg yolks with the sugar. Add the rest of the ingredients. Yields about 5 liters. Keep refrigerated.

Chef Mario Pagan, San Juan – Pumpkin Coquito

14 oz cream of coconut
25 oz coconut milk
15 oz sweetened condensed milk
12 oz evaporated milk
6 oz steamed and pureed pumpkin
1 stick of cinnamon
1 star annise
3 cloves
1 tsp fresh nutmeg
Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced Rum to taste

Method: heat up the milks with the spices in a heavy bottom pan, stirring constantly to prevent burning. When a rolling boil is reached, shut off heat and let steep with a properly fitting lid. After 20 minutes, remove spices, add the pumpkin and process in a blender until smooth. Add the rum to taste, cover and let chill from 6 to 24 hours.

Chef Wilo Benet, San Juan

3 cinnamon sticks (ground finely)
7 star anise pods (ground finely)
2 pints of premium vanilla ice cream
5 cans of coconut cream
3 cans of condensed milk
3 cans of evaporated milk
1 750ml bottle of Don Q Cristal rum
1 cup of Baileys
1 cup of Cognac

Method: mix all the ingredients with an immersion blender thoroughly and refrigerate. Serve cold with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Chef Jose Enrique, San Juan

1 can evaporated milk
1 can condensed milk
1 can cream of coconut
3 ounces Don Q Cristal
3 ounces Don Q Añejo

Method: mix in blender, and add cinnamon stick. Place in fridge and enjoy!

Roberto Berdecia from La Factoria (World’s 50 Best Bars), San Juan

15 ounces coconut cream
14 ounces condensed milk
16 ounces evaporated milk
16 ounces Don Q Gold rum
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
6 cloves
6 balls of malagueta (allspice)
1 pinch of nutmeg powder
2 drops of vanilla extract
grated coconut (optional to taste)

Method: in a pot, put the evaporated milk together with cinnamon, anise, cloves, allspice and nutmeg. Simmer on a low heat for 15 minutes stirring constantly, but do not let it boil. Remove from the heat, strain the spices and put the liquid in a blender with condensed milk, coconut cream, Don Q Gold rum, vanilla and optional grated coconut. Blend until all the ingredients are well mixed. Place in bottles and refrigerate before consuming.

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.

Graciosa Double Aged Cachaça released in USA

Monday, August 22, 2016 / Robert Burr / 0 Comments

Novo Fogo Graciosa double aged cachaça, now available in the USA, is a fine example of a 100% USDA certified organic spirit from a zero-waste cachaça distillery. This expression ages for two years in re-purposed American oak, then finishes for 18 months in a barrel made from Brazil Nut (castanheira do Pará) wood.

Graciosa is made at Agroecológica Marumbi distillery, in the town of Morretes, in the southern state of Paranà, Brazil.

Graciosa is produced at Agroecológica Marumbi distillery, known for producing small batches (130 liters each) of organic cachaça.

Graciosa double aged cachaça is named after the idyllic road (Estrada da Graciosa) that crosses the Brazilian Rainforest from the mountains to the sea; a reference to the graceful and enchanting land it traverses.

The Agroecológica Marumbi distillery is known for producing small batches (130 liters each) in the town of Morretes, in the southern state of Paranà.

Graciosa Wood Management

Novo Fogo’s dual-wood barreling process for aged cachaça was perfected by master distiller Dr. Agenor Maccari, Jr.

Novo Fogo Graciosa double aged cachaça from Brazil is double aged in two kinds of barrels

Graciosa Cachaça is aged for two years in re-purposed American oak, then finished for 18 months in a Brazil Nut wood barrel.

With this expression, he carefully evaluates the spirit’s maturation as the rare flavors of Brazilian woods harmonize with the delightful flavors of American oak.

Environmental Sustainability

Novo Fogo’s wood management goals spotlight their commitment to environmental propriety, sourcing indigenous wood legally and sustainably. Pairing properly attained Brazilian woods with American oak doesn’t just produce delicious barrel-aged cachaça; it’s the right thing to do for Brazil’s environment.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of pecan shell, cinnamon bark and floral essences compliment the woody herbal character and cane fragrances. On the palate, aromatic wood and bark lead to bright cinnamon, allspice and clove. At mid-palate, cane and toasted almond are balanced by a hint of anise in the warm finish.

Novo Fogo Graciosa is a special limited edition release for 2016, bottled at 42% abv. The 750ml bottle sells for $34.95.

Cocktail Suggestion: Down But Not Out

2 oz Novo Fogo Graciosa
1 oz Cocchi Americano
0.25 oz Maraschino
Method: Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a mint leaf, slapped to release its aromatic oils.

Florida A1A Cocktail Trail offers tropical libations

Tuesday, August 2, 2016 / Robert Burr / 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.

North Beach Fish Camp, 904-249-3474
Ragtime Tavern Seafood & Grill, 904-241-7877
Hoptinger, 904-222-0796
Cap’s on the Water, 904-824-8794
The Reef, 904-824-8008
Odd Birds, 786-879-6632
The Floridian, 904-829-0655
A1A Ale Works, 904-829-2977

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.

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.

Hemingway Daiquiri remains a Cuban classic

Wednesday, March 9, 2016 / Robert Burr / 0 Comments

The Daiquiri is among the simplest of drinks: Rum, Lime, and Sugar — shaken, not stirred. Among the most interesting variations on the simple theme of lime and rum, the Hemingway Daiquiri has endured as one of the most beloved.

Constantino Ribalaigua was the Cuban Champion of the Daiquiri. He refined and perfected many versions at La Floridita in Havana. In fact, the 1939 edition of his La Florida Cocktail Book included no less than five variations of the classic hand-shaken drink, not to mention the hand blended variations he made popular.

The classic Hemingway Daiquiri from La Floridita by Constantino Ribalaigua.

The world famous Hemingway Daiquiri was developed by Constantino Ribalaigua at his legendary bar, La Floridita in Havana, Cuba.

Elsewhere in Havana, in 1937, increasingly besieged and beleaguered by tourists at the ever popular Sloppy Joe’s, Ernest Hemingway stumbled a few blocks into Constantino’s bar and immediately fell in love with the intimate atmosphere of “La Cuna del Daiquiri” (the Cradle of the Daiquiri). La Floridita became his second home. You can still find a bronze statue of Hemingway sitting in his favorite spot.

Hemingway naturally preferred his drinks dry, and Constantino’s Daiquiri Number Three fit the bill perfectly. Over time, as this tart libation became the writer’s perennial favorite, it simply became known as Hemingway’s Daiquiri.

The Hemingway Daiquiri

3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
1/4 ounce fresh grapefruit juice
1 teaspoon Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
1.5 ounces of dry white rum (Caña Brava preferred)

method: combine ingredients with shaved ice and shake vigorously for at least one minute, until the can becomes extremely cold. Strain into cocktail glass.

Meant To Be Dry

The Hemingway Daiquiri is meant to be very dry on the palate — if that’s not to your liking, you could add up to a quarter ounce of simple syrup, to taste.

The less sugar in the drink the more that you can consume. There’s written accounts of Hemingway and a friend consuming 17 doubles each, in one marathon bad weather session.

A note on the Luxardo Maraschino: this dry liqueur is made from the sour fruit and the crushed pits of Marasca cherries. The red liquid in a jar of cocktail cherries is not to be used as a substitute.

Choosing The Right Rum

Now, lets talk rum. Constantino would have most likely used Bacardi Superior, made in Cuba. Choose a dry rum that reflects the old Carta Blanca style. My preference is Caña Brava from the 86 Company.

For the popular Papa Doble variation, double all the ingredients, add an equal amount of ice, and frappe. Serve in a large chilled goblet with a straw. Sliced lime wheel and brandied cherry garnish optional, but totally awesome.

Here’s to less sugar in the glass for less pain in the ass. May you find your own “Islands In The Stream.”

-RumScout

The real Mai Tai: a classic Tiki cocktail

Thursday, February 11, 2016 / Robert Burr / 1 Comment

If you asked a layman to name a Tiki drink off the top of their head, a large percentage would answer Mai Tai. So, why is it so hard to find a proper one when you’re any where near a beach? Let’s discover the real Mai Tai Tiki Cocktail.

Perhaps you’ve mastered your Martinis and Margaritas. Now it’s time to mix the magical mystique of the Mai Tai Tiki Cocktail. Don’t get me wrong, rum is fun, you’ll like what you like–but if something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right–so put down that pre-mix or pineapple juice and prepare to understand the simple balance of rum, lime, almond and orange that makes the Mai Tai a true classic.

A real Mai Tai Tiki Cocktail recipe, featuring Jamaican rum and French Rhum, along with lime juice, almond syrup and orange Curaçao liqueur.

Invented by Trader Vic, this classic Mai Tai Tiki Cocktail features an alluring combination of lime juice, almond syrup and orange Curaçao liqueur — fortified with Jamaican rum and French Rhum.

Back in 1944, when Tiki was but ten years young, Trader Vic put this tropical thing together and served it to friends from Tahiti visiting his bar, and so the story goes, they responded, “Mai tai roa ae!” which, allowing for aliteration, is translated as “Out of this world! The best!”

But the real star of the show was the Wray & Nephew 17-year-old Jamaican rum at the heart of it. It was only a couple of years before the entirety of the supply was exhausted with the help of Vic’s thirsty audience. The 15-year-old version replaced it to fill demand, however, was similarly depleted by the 1950s. Vic then went in search of a new substitute and found it in the form of molasses based rhum from Martinique.

If you’re not an expert, the important thing to take away from that is the guy who originally made the Mai Tai Tiki Cocktail also re-made it when the rum ran out. If you know the difference between Agricole and Industriel, this is a breakthrough. Vic found elements of what made the original Jamaican rum so interesting, what he described as “rich pungent flavor,” in the traditional molasses-based or “industrial” french style rhums.

Nothing will ever be 100% authentic again–at least not since the Merchant Hotel in Belfast ran out of the last publicly available bottle of Wray & Nephew 17. It has been popularized to mix Agricole and Jamaican together, what with the Rumdood’s research and all, and I’ve seen at least one Martin Cate suggested recipe for the Mai Tai Tiki Cocktail blending Guyana and Jamaica, but in the end we’re all trying to recapture that rich-dark-and-funky-thing that both of Vic’s choices had going on.

Speaking of rich, I’d be remiss if I didn’t speak for a moment about orgeat (pronounced or-zsa, like Zsa Zsa Gabor). A lot has already been said on the origins and recipes, but briefly, it’s an almond emulsion, and a key ingredient in the Mai Tai Tiki Cocktail. If you’re not up to the task of making it yourself there are some specialists who are dedicated to the craft, like Orgeat Works (see also Beachbum Berry’s Orgeat), Small Hand Foods, BG Reynolds, and many more if you use your google-fu.

In the past ten years the variety of orange liqueurs has expanded significantly as well. If you haven’t spent time substituting the usual triple sec with the likes of Pierre Ferrand’s Dry Curaçao, Clement Creole Shrubb, Bayou Satsuma, Guavaberry’s Old Oranjestad and a whole gamut of other orange flavors, well, you’re missing out.

On that note, let’s talk about our recipe.

Real Mai Tai Tiki Cocktail

3⁄4oz fresh squeezed lime juice
1⁄2oz orange Curaçao liqueur
1⁄2oz orgeat or almond syrup
1oz aged Jamaican rum
1oz aged French rhum

Add your ingredients to a shaker. Fill it with pebble or crushed ice. Shake well for 15-30 seconds. Pour unstrained into a vessel of your choice. Add a slapped mint spring and spent lime for garnish. Optionally: invert lime shell, fill with overproof and set it on fire.

-Rum Scout

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.

Corn & Oil cocktail from Barbados

Tuesday, January 26, 2016 / Robert Burr / 0 Comments

The classic two ingredient libation of Barbados is the Corn & Oil cocktail, consisting of good aged Bajan rum and falernum liqueur.

Corn & Oil cocktail - Combine aged rum from Barbados with local favorite falernum liquor to create the classic two ingredient cocktail: Corn And Oil.

The classic Bajan treat: Corn and Oil rum cocktail from Barbados combines fine aged rum with falernum liqueur.

Falernum is a local specialty in Barbados — a unique combination of ingredients that reflect tropical flavors. Almond, lime, clove and ginger are the most common ingredients, however, varieties with allspice, vanilla, or even strawberries have been seen.

Examples of good aged Bajan rums include Mount Gay Black Barrel or XO, Cockspur VSOR, Doorly’s XO or 12 year old and Real McCoy 12 year old rum. Today, we’ll use Doorly’s 12 year old rum from Foursquare distillery.

This island cocktail recipe uses Taylor’s Velvet Falernum from Barbados, but you could easily find falernum syrups from brands like BG Reynolds and Fee Brothers.

If you can’t find authentic falernum at a store near you, there’s plenty of easy recipes and variations online. You might prefer to make your own falernum with your own favorite ingredients.

Classic Bajan Corn & Oil cocktail

2 parts Doorly’s 12 year old rum
1 part Taylor’s Velvet Falernum

Method: in a rocks glass, add cubed ice. Pour rum and falernum over ice and stir to combine and chill. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge.

After enjoying this delicious libation on island, the classic Bajan Corn & Oil cocktail always takes you right back to Barbados.

Falernum Recipes

http://www.artofdrink.com/recipes/ingredient/falernum
http://rumdood.com/2009/04/14/homemade-falernum/
http://www.killingtime.com/Pegu/2009/02/26/tiki-ingredient-falernum/

Caña Brava 7 year old aged rum from Panama

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

A long awaited addition to Caña Brava’s line of fine spirits has arrived. The 86 Company today announced the release of Caña Brava 7 year old Reserva Añeja Rum, the first dark aged spirit in their portfolio.

Caña Brava 7 year old Reserva Añeja Rum from Panama is the latest release from the 86 Company, developed to make the finest classic and contemporary cocktails.

The 86 Company has announced Caña Brava 7-Year-Old Reserva aged rum from Panama, developed in concert with leading bartender of the world by master distiller and blender Don Pancho Fernandez.

Like the award-winning Caña Brava white rum, it was distilled and blended by legendary master of rum Don Pancho J. Fernandez in Panama with input from the professional bartending community for a spirit designed to excel in classic and contemporary cocktails.

Caña Brava 7 year old begins with a selection of young and fresh rums handpicked by the Master Distiller. The rums are blended to create an age base which is then further aged in used bourbon casks for over seven years before being bottled. Caña Brava 7 is a true aged expression of its lighter and younger sibling, Caña Brava 3-Year-Old.

After creating the Caña Brava 3-Year-Old Carta Blanca Rum, a small amount stayed in casks for further aging. After seven years of total aging this rum is now ready for a one-time release. Caña Brava 7’s character emphasizes the fresh cut sugarcane flavors associated with their style while the aging has added depth and richness you would expect from a rum with this age.

The surprisingly dry finish and higher than normal proof (45% ABV) give this rum additional body and flavor, making it very suitable for mixing in cocktails such as the El Presidente, Old Cuban and Rum Old Fashioned.

“We wanted to introduce a rum that would work like a rye whiskey in cocktails,” says Dushan Zaric, Co-Founder of The 86 Company.

The rum-making process begins with hand harvested sugarcane. The resulting fresh sugarcane molasses is rushed to fermentation and kick-started using Don Pancho’s distinct pineapple yeast. The molasses wash ferments for approximately 24 hours before being distilled in a vintage copper and brass still built in 1922.

The result is fresh aguardiente that is then aged in used American whiskey barrels for 2 to 3 years. This aged rum is gently filtered through charcoal before blending with fresh aguardiente to make the age base for Caña Brava rums. This blend is then further aged for seven years in used bourbon casks before being cut to 90 proof and bottled.

The 750ml bottle of Caña Brava 7 year old Reserva Añeja Rum retails for $44.99.

The 86 Company is comprised of notable industry experts Malte Barnekow, Kris Roth, Simon Ford, Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric. Their vodka, gin, tequila and rum products are created for mixing and formulated in partnership with highly respected artisanal distillers and recognized cocktail professionals. Their labels feature honest, useful information and a design tone of voice that mirrors the life style of a new breed of opinion former — The Career Bartender. This affinity trickles down to consumers in the know, making good drinks available to a broader audience.

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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Blue Chair Bay rum’s Indian Summer cocktail

Monday, August 31, 2015 / Robert Burr / 0 Comments

Created at one of the oldest distilleries in the Caribbean, Blue Chair Bay White Rum makes a delightful base for classic and new aged cocktails. Developed by Kenny Chesney and marketed by his Fishbowl Spirits company, the rum has found an eager audience among the “No Shoes Nation” crowd.

The Indian Summer cocktail combines Blue Chair Bay White Rum with apple cider and lime juice, plus a touch of agave nectar to deliver a lazy late summer libation.

Blue Chair Bay’s acclaimed white rum from Barbados is a perfect base for a sultry late summer cocktail, such as the Indian Summer.

This crystal clear spirit offers aromas of light golden sugar and tropical fruits, followed by subtle spice and beach-aged hints of vanilla, rum cake and gentle oak. It’s a classic clean light Barbados rum with hints of golden sugar, tropical and dried fruits, mild spice, gentle vanilla and bread pudding, with a pleasant, refreshing and delicate finish.

When it debuted in 2013, this rum received a score of 90 (Highly Recommended) in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. It also won a Gold Medal in the 2015 RumXP International Tasting Competition at the Miami Rum Festival and Trade Expo.

As August turns to September, here’s a simple recipe for a great late summer libation using Blue Chair Bay White Rum, aptly named the Indian Summer.

Indian Summer Cocktail

1.5 oz. Blue Chair Bay White Rum
3/4 oz. Apple Cider
1.4 oz. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. Agave Nectar
Apple slice for garnish

Shake ingredients very well with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with apple slice.

To stay abreast of developments in the world of rum, subscribe to Rob’s Rum Guide e-news.

Angostura announces 2016 Angostura U.S. Cocktail Challenge winner

Friday, July 24, 2015 / Robert Burr / 0 Comments

Three American finalists, along with dozens of industry professionals, gathered at the House of Blues in New Orleans recently for the Angostura U.S. Cocktail Challenge.

Elizabeth Mickiewicz from drumBAR in Chicago, Illinois was the winner of a $5,000 cash prize and a trip to Trinidad, where she will compete as the U.S. representative in The House of Angostura’s Global Cocktail Challenge in February 2016.

Angostura U.S. Cocktail Challenge finalists had seven minutes to prepare their two unique cocktail creations for a prestigious group of judges. The first cocktail required at least five dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters; the second cocktail represented the rum category where the competitor needed five dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters along with at least one ounce of any of the Angostura International Rums.

The five Angostura U.S. Cocktail Challenge judges, including Charlotte Voisey, Paul Clark, Philip Duff, Raymond Edwards and Mike Tomasic, last year’s Global Cocktail Challenge Winner, evaluated each finalist on taste, creativity and presentation.

The other two American contestants were Aaron Butler from L’Artusi in New York, New York and Harry Chin from Caña Rum Bar in Los Angeles, California.

Elizabeth’s winning Angostura U.S. Cocktail Challenge cocktail creations were The Lost Days and Trinidad Cobbler.

The Lost Days
2 ounces Letherbee Gin-Vernal 2015
1 ounce Lillet Blanc
3 dashes Angostura orange bitters
2 drops Saline Solution
1 dash Angostura aromatic bitters

Garnish: Orange Peel (Discarded) & Dehydrated Pineapple Flowers

Trinidad Cobbler
1 ounce Angostura 1919 Rum
1 ounce Lustau Amontillado Sherry
3/4 ounce Pineapple-Cinnamon Demerara
1/2 ounce Lemon Juice
8 Dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
half a muddled orange

Garnish: Mint bush, Pineapple half wheel, orange wheel, lemon zest and grated cinnamon

Wicked Dolphin presents new Florida coconut rum

Friday, December 5, 2014 / Robert Burr / 0 Comments

Award-winning Florida craft rum producer Wicked Dolphin has now released their long anticipated Wicked Dolphin Coconut Rum, available at retailers across Florida through Republic National Distributing Company and at Wicked Dolphin Distillery located in Cape Coral, Florida.

Wicked Dolphin Coconut - The newly released coconut rum from Wicked Dolphin Distillery of Cape Coral, Florida has already proven to be a big hit with consumers and bartenders.

Wicked Dolphin distillery in Cape Coral, Florida is producing a delicious new coconut rum using fresh natural ingredients.

Consumers are enthusiastically embracing this authentic American rum with real coconut ingredients and a great tropical taste.

With sales of more than 260 cases within the first week and a half at the distillery, Wicked Dolphin knew instantly their new new coconut rum would be a hit.

“We have worked on our Wicked Dolphin Coconut Rum for over 2 years getting the taste just right,” states JoAnn Elardo founder of WD. “I started by using natural ingredients from Florida and the coconuts in my backyard to come up with great tasting rum. We were looking to get rid of that suntan lotion taste and smell associated with other products on the market.”

Wicked Dolphin Coconut Cocktails

They are now engaging with many restaurants and bars in Florida to come up with some fresh cocktails to compliment their drink menus.

Wicked Florida Colada: combine Wicked Dolphin Coconut Rum, Wicked Dolphin Crystal Rum, Cream de Coconut, pineapple juice and a splash of fresh Florida orange juice.

Wicked Dolphin’s Punch: Wicked Dolphin Coconut, Wicked Dolphin Crystal, cranberry juice, pineapple juice with a squeeze of lime, shaken.

Wicked Dolphin Coconut Rum is available in 750ml bottles at 30% ABV (60 proof) at a suggested price of $22.99.

Wicked Dolphin Distillery and Tasting Room

Wicked Dolphin Distillery is the largest craft rum distillery in Florida, using only the finest ingredients and Florida sugarcane. The company produces an assortment of award winning rums, including Silver, Spiced, Coconut, Crystal — and soon to be released, Amber. Wicked Dolphin is also the producer of RumShine, a truly premium Florida Shine.

Wicked Dolphin Distillery has free tours and tastings at their distillery in Cape Coral, Florida.