Robs Rum Guide

your guide to the world's finest rums

Category: special event (Page 1 of 2)

Miami Rum Festival - Sunday, November 14 in Coral Gables, FL

Miami Rum Fest presents exquisite rum tasting

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 / / 0 Comments

The venerable Miami Rum Renaissance Festival returns to the historic Coral Gables Woman’s Club for their twelfth annual rum tasting event, featuring a wide assortment of rums from around the globe. General admission on Sunday, November 14 is from 2 to 6pm.  VIP patrons and members of the spirits trade enjoy early admission at 12:30pm.

Once again, hundreds of rum connoisseurs, collectors, judges and enthusiastic rum lovers will mingle with producers, master distillers, importers, distributors, retailers and members of the spirits trade in Coral Gables.

So Many Rum Brands

Rum producers from across the USA, throughout the Caribbean and around the world will present more than 150 products, including newly released expressions just coming to market.

Rum Brands coming to the tasting: https://www.rumrenaissance.com/rum-brands/

South Florida is the number one rum market in the world, featuring hundreds of retailers well stocked with a wide variety of rums. Tasting events such as this offer consumers an unprecedented opportunity to sample, savor and discern the qualities of these sugar cane spirits.

Miami Rum Renaissance Festival

“We’re excited that Miami Rum Fest is celebrating its twelfth anniversary of bringing the world of rum to South Florida,” said rum fest host Robert Burr. “We’ve been visiting rum producers to gather an incredible collection of fine rums to sample for this grand tasting event. It’s an opportunity for rum enthusiasts to enjoy their favorites and discover some delightful new expressions, gain a greater appreciation and share the enthusiasm of these fine spirits with friends.”

Rum Reputations Are Made Here

Miami Rum Renaissance Festival has always been a place where rum reputations are made, new products are released and the love of old favorites is rekindled.

Admission to the festival includes a branded tasting glass and unlimited rum samples. At the VIP Tasting Bar, a selection of rare, collectable, limited edition rums will be available to sample for a small fee, which benefits a local non-profit organization.

Discount Tickets Are Still Available

Advance general admission tickets are on sale through Thursday, November 11 for $39. VIP tickets are $49 online. After the deadline, the price of tickets increases to $49 and $59 at the door.

Link for discount advance tickets: https://bit.ly/RumRenTix

Visit the Miami Rum Fest web site for more information and online ticket sales. https://www.rumrenaissance.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?

Pusser's Navy Rum on Black Tot Day

Pusser’s Navy Rum on Black Tot Day

Tuesday, July 23, 2019 / / 0 Comments

On the occasion of the last day in July, we celebrate British Royal Navy traditions with a remembrance of Black Tot Day — July 31, 1970 — the infamous day that British sailors were served their last daily ration of rum aboard the ships.

The End Of An Era

For more than 300 years, the navy had issued a ration of rum to their sailors daily, but it all ended on Black Tot Day. Nearly a decade later, the recipe was exhumed and the tradition of enjoying Navy style rum was rekindled with the first release of Pusser’s Navy Rum in 1979.

Pusser's Navy Rum - Black Tot Day

at 84 proof, Pusser’s Navy Rum is the key ingredient in the Painkiller cocktail

Pusser’s Navy Rum

The classic navy-style dark, rich, full-flavored rum, Pusser’s British Navy Rum Blue Label, at 84 proof, is the key ingredient in the famous Painkiller trademarked cocktail.

As with the original British Navy formula, principal marques in this blend are created in legacy wooden pot stills in Guyana, providing a rustic distillation process similar to those used centuries ago, producing a bold, rich flavor profile.

Tasting Notes

This medium bodied, deep orange amber rum offers heady aromas of citrus candy, molasses, vanilla, sassafras and smoked honey. On the palette, Pusser’s Navy Rum offers bold flavors of toasted oak, dark tropical fruit, burnt sugar, creamy caramel and sherry are presented before the warm, long lasting finish offers fading echoes of treacle and old wood.

Pusser’s Rum Expressions

Pusser’s also produces a 15 year old version of its Navy Rum, a spiced expression and a unique gunpowder edition, along with several collectable versions in elaborately decorated ceramic vessels.

A substantial donation from the sale of each bottle of Pusser’s Navy Rum benefits The Royal Navy Sailor’s Fund, a legacy charity more commonly called the “Tot Fund.”

Pusser’s rum is imported and marketed by Shaw-Ross International Importers in the United States. This navy rum is available in 50 states, and through select online outlets, for about $25.

More about Pusser’s Navy Rum on Back Tot Day: http://pussersrum.com/blacktotday/

Pusser’s Rum web site – http://www.pussersrum.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?

2019 Rum Jury Gold Awards

2019 Rum Jury Gold Awards Announced

Thursday, May 30, 2019 / / 0 Comments

The Rum Jury announced the winners of their 2019 Rum Jury Gold Awards at the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival held in Coral Gables, Florida. Judges were sequestered for two days for blind tasting evaluation with 96 rum products submitted for judging. The results were analyzed and sorted by a seasoned team of statisticians. The top-ranked rums were identified for awards.

Rum Jury Gold Award

The 2019 Rum Jury Gold Awards were announced at Miami Rum Renaissance Festival

The Rum Jurors

Established in 2014, the Rum Jury offers the perspective and opinions of enthusiast rum consumers, especially those with large collections of rum. These super-consumers are important influencers among their own friends and associates and can accurately represent what the public might find most interesting.

Over time, their Rum Jury Gold Awards recommendations have offered rum consumers insightful guidance based on their real-world experience with many rums.

Judging Rum

Rum jurors evaluate rums within a specific set of guidelines established by the International Rum Experts team. Rather than judging rums by favoritism, the products are judged by attempting to discern the intent of the producer and evaluating the results of their efforts.

Rum Jury Gold Awards

The following products were judged superior in the blind tasting competition and earned their 2019 Rum Jury Gold Awards.

Autentico Nativo 15 – Panamá
Autentico Nativo Overproof – Panamá
Copalli White Rum – Belize
Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva – Venezuela
Diplomático Planas – Venezuela
Just Rum, Simple White – Oregon
Just Rum, Maple Rested – Oregon
Lemon Hart 1804 – Guyana
Lemon Hart Blackpool Spiced – Guyana
Maggie’s Farm Queen Share 55 – Pennsylvania
Maggie’s Farm Spiced – Pennsylvania
Maison La Mauny – Acacia 50° – Martinique
Maison La Mauny – Spiced 40° – Martinique
Maison La Mauny – XO 40° – Martinique
Naked in Jamaica – Florida
Paratiana Ouro Cachaça – Brazil
Paratiana Prata Cachaça – Brazil
Plantation O.F.T.D. Overproof – various
Plantation Original Dark – various
Puerto Angel Añejo Uruapan – Mexico
Puerto Angel Blanco Uruapan – Mexico
Ron Caribu Spiced Black Strap – Venezuela
Ron Caribu Gold Superior – Venezuela
RumJava Cacao’Mon – Florida
RumJava Expresso Rum Cream – Florida
RumJava Mahtini’Mon – Florida
RumJava Signature – Florida
Saint James Rhum Blanc Agricole – Martinique
Tanduay Double – The Philippines
Tanduay Gold – The Philippines
Tanduay Silver – The Philippines
Three Roll Estate Brazilian Style – Louisiana
Three Roll Estate Premium Agricole – Louisiana
TierraMonte Essential Eight – various
Trois Rivières – Rhum Blanc Agricole 50° – Martinique
Trois Rivières – Cuvée de l’Océan 42° – Martinique
Trois Rivières – VO – Cuvée du Moulin – Martinique
Trois Rivières – VSOP Réserve Spéciale – Martinique

The winners received gold medals and certificates at the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival at a ceremony before a gathering of the public, the spirits trade and rum producers.

http://www.rumjury.com/awards/

 

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?

Inside Mount Gay Distillery - the heart and soul of Barbados

Inside the Mount Gay Distillery in Barbados

Wednesday, April 3, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Since 1703, the legendary masters of rum, at their production facilities of Mount Gay Distillery in Barbados, have been creating fine aged rums, acclaimed the world over.

On Friday, May 17 at 3pm, the Miami Rum Festival will present a special seminar that pulls back the curtain on the Mount Gay Distillery production process, revealing the traditions and time-honored routines that remain unchanged over the decades and centuries.

Fermentation Vats at Mount Gay Distillery

Classic Wooden Fermentation Vats at Mount Gay Distillery

Learn about their fermentation methods, the use of classic copper pot batch stills and modern fractional column continuous stills, their wood management philosophy and techniques, and perhaps most interesting of all — the art of blending their marques to make their world-famous rum expressions.

“We know the Mount Gay brand of fine aged rums as some of the best in the world, defining the style that we equate with the island of Barbados,” said Robert Burr, host of the Miami Rum Fest and publisher of Robs Rum Guide. “This is the heart and soul of Barbados.”

“While many have visited the Mount Gay Welcome Center in Bridgetown while visiting Barbados, few have been invited to the actual Mount Gay Distillery in St. Lucy Parish to see first-hand how these magnificent rums are created, aged and blended into the awarding winning products revered around the world.”

Copper Pot Stills at Mount Gay Distillery

The traditional Copper Pot Stills at Mount Gay Distillery — with “double thumper” retorts — are largely responsible for the classic Mount Gay rum profile.

Samples of pot still rum and column still rums from Mount Gay Distillery — at varying ages — will be tasted, compared and evaluated.

Seminar: Inside the Mount Gay Distillery in Barbados
Date and Time: Friday, May 17 at 3pm
Miami Rum Fest: Coral Gables Woman’s Club

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP for seminars in advance to ensure seating. http://www.rumrenaissance.com/seminars/

Tickets for Miami Rum Festival are $50 per day for unlimited rum samples, or $75 for VIP access.

The 11th annual Miami Rum Fest takes place at the historic Coral Gables Woman’s Club. General admission on Friday, May 17th is from 4pm to 8pm and Saturday, May 18th from 4pm to 10pm. VIP admission starts at 2pm each day. For complete details, visit the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival web site. http://www.rumrenaissance.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?

American Rum Report Seminar at Miami Rum Fest

American Rum Report Seminar at Miami Rum Fest

Wednesday, March 13, 2019 / / 0 Comments

One of the most interesting seminars at Miami Rum Festival (May 17-18 in Coral Gables) is the American Rum Report Panel Discussion — shining a light on American Rum producers, their philosophies and techniques, in the emerging American Rum market.

More rum distilleries have opened in the United States in the past six years than the rest of the world combined. Many American Rum brands make a big splash at the Miami Rum Festival, garnering attention from the international rum experts, judges, distributors and collectors, while establishing their reputations among rum enthusiast consumers.

Moderating this panel discussion is Will Hoekenga of American Rum Report, based in Nashville, TN.

“We’re honored to host these fine rum producers and their seminar on American Rums,” said Robert Burr, Miami Rum Festival organizer. “There is so much activity among American producers that it takes a dedicated media channel like American Rum Report to keep up with all the emerging trends. Will is doing a great job with his web site and timely newsletter, a must for all who have a serious interest in the new American Rum Revolution.”

“American rum is growing and evolving faster every year, but what’s really exciting is it feels like we’re still at the beginning of something that’s going to be much bigger,” said Will Hoekenga, publisher of American Rum Report. “The producers in this panel aren’t just the people putting American rum on the map right now — they’re the ones influencing what it will become for the next several decades.”

Among the American Rum producers participating are Phil Prichard of Prichard’s Rum in Tennessee, Tim Russell of Maggie’s Farm in Pennsylvania, and Jonny VerPlanck of Three Roll Estate (formerly Cane Land Distilling) in Louisiana — each the recipient of numerous awards for their fine rums.

With more than 230 rum distilleries now operating across the U.S. — and more opening each month — the vast majority of Americans can easily find locally distilled rum. Florida alone has more than 20 rum distillers, while California, New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania all have more than a dozen each.

But what might be most surprising is the variety of rum styles distillers are making across the country. You’ll find everything from fresh cane juice rums made from heritage varieties of sugarcane grown by the distillers, to full-bodied, molasses-based rums aged in new white oak barrels.

The American Rum Report seminar takes place on Saturday, May 18th at 5pm. Seating for the seminar is limited. Please RSVP in advance.

Advance tickets to the Miami Rum Festival in Coral Gables on May 17-18 — starting at $50 for unlimited samples — are available online. http://www.miamirumfest.com

Miami Rum Renaissance Festival is the longest running, top-rated rum tasting event in South Florida — the number one local rum market in the world.

American Rum Report is tracking U.S.-produced rums to reveal emerging trends, provide transparency, and offer a full picture of the American rum revival. Its weekly newsletter and comprehensive index of American rums and distilleries allow both rum enthusiasts and producers to keep up with all the American rum stories that matter.

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?

Miami Rum Festival - Rum Renaissance Tasting Event

Miami Rum Festival Returns to Coral Gables

Monday, February 11, 2019 / / 0 Comments

In 2008, the Miami Rum Festival began as a small but elegant rum tasting event at Coral Gables’ historic Venetian Pool with 54 luxury rums and 150 rum enthusiasts in attendance. Eleven years later — after growing the event to be the biggest gathering of rum experts and professionals in the world — event producers are returning to their roots in Coral Gables with a more intimate and elegant tasting event at the historic Coral Gables Woman’s Club.

Miami Rum Festival - Rum Renaissance Tasting Event

Miami Rum Festival returns to Coral Gables May 17-18

On Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18, 2019 the producers of Miami Rum Festival will once again gather a myriad of rums from around the globe for a delightful and informative tasting event, punctuated with seminars lead by industry leaders and demonstrations of how to make the most popular rum cocktails.

“Rum is a spirit that brings people together,” said Robert Burr, festival organizer and producer of Robs Rum Guide and the Rum Minute YouTube channel. “Our mission is to help our friends learn about rum, learn how to taste rum, understand rum and shine a light on the very best rums in the world. We are experiencing a rum renaissance of epic proportions, with so many fine rums coming to market. This is a chance to learn, and better appreciate, the fascinating spirit of rum.”

The Rum Tasting Schedule

The Friday, May 17 Miami Rum Renaissance Tasting Session begins at 2pm for members of the trade and VIP rum enthusiasts. At 4pm the general admission rum tasting session begins. At 8pm, the first day of rum tasting concludes.

Miami Rum Fest continues on Saturday, May 18 with VIP admission at 2pm, followed by the general public at 4pm. The tasting event continues until 10pm Saturday evening.

Miami Rum Festival is the place where rum reputations are made, where new products are first released and where the public has easy access to an incredible range of cane spirits.

Miami Rum Festival Tickets

Miami Rum Festival - Rum Renaissance Tasting EventTickets are $50 per day for general admission and $75 for VIP guests. Friday’s trade admission — for members of the spirits profession — is $25.

Rum producers from near and far will attend, providing samples of their finest rums. Industry experts present seminars of interest to rum collectors, enthusiasts, connoisseurs and those hoping to learn more about rum. Rum cocktail experts show the basic techniques and recipes for creating fabulous rum libations.

A Celebration Of Cane Spirits

The Miami Rum Festival has long been billed as “a celebration of cane spirits in the New World,” a reference to the importance of sugar and rum production in the Caribbean, as well as North, Central and South America.” Rum is intricately connected to the American Revolution, the economies of many countries and the cultures of many territories.

The United States leads the world in rum consumption, with nearly 40% of all sales. Florida is the number one state for rum and Miami is the number one local rum market worldwide.

Miami Rum Festival is the place where rum reputations are made, where new products have first been released and where the public has easy access to an incredible range of cane spirits.

The 2019 Miami Rum Festival web site has details on free local transportation options, hotel accommodations and details for exhibitors.

http://www.MiamiRumFest.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.

The Great Rum Challenge

Great Rum Challenge In Fort Lauderdale

Thursday, May 3, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Attention rum consumers, collectors and fanatics: mark your calendars for Thursday, May 17 in Fort Lauderdale to experience the Great Rum Challenge interactive tasting seminar. It’s a wonderful and enlightening experience for those that know their rums — and for those that want to learn more about the best rums available from these Caribbean countries.

The Great Rum Challenge - many styles of rum are produced around the world

can you discern the aromas and subtle qualities of fine aged rums?

Starting at 7pm at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina Resort, your rum host presents a number of outstanding rums from the Caribbean with expert advice and commentary on the various styles, methods and variations.

Seven exceptional rums will be presented with insight into the production, aging and blending of each expression.

The Nose Knows

Participants in The Great Rum Challenge are invited to discern the aromas and flavor profiles of the various rums from different countries, created in various styles, looking for unique characteristics and differentiators which define their styles.

During the blind tasting session, attendees try to match each rum sample with its corresponding product on display.

http://www.rumrenaissance.com/great-rum-challenge/

Rum Jury Judges and Awards

The Rum JuryThose who are among the most accurate tasters in the event, could be invited to join the Rum Jury as a judge at the upcoming Rum Renaissance Festival.

Members of the Rum Jury are sequestered for two sessions on Friday, June 8, 2018 for expert conducted blind tastings. The results are analyzed and calculated by seasoned statisticians.

The Rum Jury’s tasting session results will be presented as the 2018 Rum Jury Awards at the festival.

Rum Challenge Limited Availability

This unique Great Rum Challenge tasting experience includes the rum seminar, hosted tasting sessions and samples of all the rums.

Space is limited. Reserve early. For a limited time, use the following promotional code to get a special 2-for-1 admission: GRC18A241

related article: 10th Annual Rum Renaissance Festival Announced

related article: 2018 Rum Renaissance Seminars Announced

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.

Rum Renaissance Seminars and Master Classes at the Rum Renaissance Festival

2018 Rum Renaissance Seminars Announced

Friday, March 2, 2018 / / 0 Comments

The schedule for the 2018 Rum Renaissance Seminars features a broad and robust range of topics of interest to serious rum enthusiasts, as well as casual consumers.

Rum Renaissance Seminars and Master Classes ar Rum Renaissance Festival

a broad range of seminars and master classes are scheduled for the 2018 Rum Renaissance Festival

The tenth annual Rum Renaissance Festival, scheduled for the weekend of June 9-10, 2018 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center offers a large quantity of rum samples from across the globe.

The event is known for attracting high quality speakers to share knowledge and insight with attendees into the realms of rum production, expert tasting and evaluation, international marketing, rum cocktails and more.

Rum Renaissance Seminars

Two seminar classrooms at the Grand Tasting Event can accommodate about 80 participants each. Reserved seating is available for $20 at the festival, or $15 in advance.

The complete seminar and master class schedule is available online at http://www.rumrenaissance.com/seminars/ Continue reading

Rum Renaissance Festival

10th Annual Rum Renaissance Festival Announced

Wednesday, November 15, 2017 / / 0 Comments

The hosts of the popular Rum Renaissance Festival in South Florida have recently announced details of their tenth annual event, to be held at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center on the weekend of June 9-10, 2018.

Rum Renaissance Festival - a celebration of cane spirits in the new world

Celebrating ten years, the Rum Renaissance Festival is poised to be bigger and better than ever with a new location on the water in Ft. Lauderdale.

The move from Miami-Dade County to Broward County offers a more convenient centralized location for residents of the eighth-most populated metropolitan area in the nation, currently surpassing six million people.

South Florida is the number one rum market in the world. It’s also the gateway to the Caribbean, Central and South American regions, where more than 90% of the rum available in the United States is produced.

The host hotel is the Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina, located right on the water next to the convention center, with discounted room rates starting at $119 a night. Reserve online now to assure your reservation.

“South Florida is the number one rum market in the world.”

Continue reading

Barcelona Rum Awards, 2017 Barcelona Rum Congress, Barcelona Rum Awards, BRAwards, Barcelona Rum Congress, rum festival, Robert Burr, rum awards

Barcelona Rum Awards to launch at 2017 Barcelona Rum Congress

Monday, September 25, 2017 / / 0 Comments

Now celebrating its second year, the Barcelona Rum Congress has announced the establishment of the Barcelona Rum Awards.

2017 Barcelona Rum Congress, Barcelona Rum Awards, BRAwards, Barcelona Rum Congress, rum festival, Robert Burr, rum awardsThe event takes place in Barcelona, Spain on the last two days of October: the 30th and 31st. Among the featured sections are the Tasting Tunnel, The Showcase Hall and the Distributor Pool. Master classes, seminars, guest bartenders and keynote speakers deliver valuable knowledge and inspiration for all who attend this grand tasting event.

Barcelona Rum Awards

Abbreviated as the BRAwards, the program brings together respected rum judges from around the world to evaluate and recognize the best rums in each category submitted to the competition.

The well known international and independent jurists reflecting a wide range of expertise in the spirits industry include Alexandre Vingtier, writer specialized in rum; Benoît Bail Founder of La Confrerie du Rhum and Managing Partner at The Rum Embassy; Jean-Paul Bouyat, President of Bardinet; Jerry Gitany, co-founder of La Cofrerie du Rhum; Oriol Elías, consultant and bartender and Barcelona’s leading rum expert; Robert Burr, founder of the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival and leader of the International Rum Expert Panel; and Santiago Bronchales, oenologist, spirits consultant and founder of Blended & Matured. Continue reading

Cannabis Cocktails Seminar by Warren Bobrow

Cannabis Cocktails Seminar coming to Miami Rum Fest

Thursday, April 6, 2017 / / 0 Comments

Attendees of the Miami Rum Festival and Trade Expo might be sampling some cocktails of a different ilk at the Cannabis Cocktails Seminar.

Warren Bobrow, author of Cannabis CocktailsWarren Bobrow, mixologist, chef, and writer known as the Cocktail Whisperer is a freelance mixologist specializing in Craft Spirits and the implementation of specialty bar, cocktail and ice programs. Among his most popular books is “Cannabis Cocktails, Mocktails and Tonics.” Continue reading

Ohana: Luau by the Sea returns to Ft. Lauderdale

Thursday, September 22, 2016 / / 0 Comments

Ohana means “family” in Hawaiian. The concept behind Ohana, Luau by the Sea is for Tiki Family to come together with a purpose and have serious fun once a year at a seaside gathering.

Ohana, Luau By The Sea, Mai Kai, Polynesian, Ft. Lauderdale

Ohana: Luau By The Sea is a big weekend gathering and celebration of tiki cocktails and Polynesian culture hosted by the Fraternal Order of the Moai (FOM) in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on the first weekend of October.

The Fraternal Order of the Moai Foundation donates all profits to their designated charity: the Easter Island Foundation. The National Fellowship of local chapters is proud to support multiple scholarships administered by the EIF.

Luau By The Sea

Luau by the Sea is a global gathering in Ft. Lauderdale during the first weekend of October organized by the Fraternal Order of the Moai. For those coming in from out of town early, Ohana Luau by the Sea kicks off with a trip to the Planeboat once owned by Howard Hughes — a Ft. Lauderdale oddity — on Thursday, September 29 from 1 to 4 pm.

Floating in the Ft. Lauderdale Intercoastal Waterway, take a tour with Medusirena, the Fire Eating Mermaid and enjoy complimentary classic cocktails for this extra special event. A separate ticket is required which includes transportation to and from the host hotel.

Ohana Vice Party

Later on Thursday evening (September 29) everyone convenes for the “Ohana Vice Party” in the appropriately named Aqua and Terra Ballrooms at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Ft. Lauderdale 17th Street, the host hotel for the event. Here you will find incredible look-alike to James “Sonny” Crockett and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs of Miami Vice. Show off your costume and blend in to this themed evening to get the Luau by the Sea party started. Pusser’s Navy Rum is awarding prizes for the best costumes.

Friday Seminars

On Friday, September 30, registration opens at 11am. Begin your day by attending four seminars throughout the afternoon.

  • Howard Huges’ Stratoliner Planeboat, a brief history

    Learn more about this local oddity and cultural icon from hosts David Drimmer and Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid.

  • Bitters and Tinctures

    Join Ayme Harrison of Kreepy Tiki as she takes you on an exploration of Bitters and Tinctures for your cocktails. This seminar is both a presentation and a hands-on class. There is an optional Bitters Kit for sale that includes everything you need to make your own bitters.

  • Tiki by the Numbers

    Explore the great variety of flavors of tiki cocktails deconstructed by the Gumbo Limbo Chapter of the FOM. We’ve all seen tiki bar menus that read as though every drink is “a blend of rums and tropical juices.” This interactive seminar will help you visualize and taste the different ranges of the tiki trinity (sour, sweet, and strong), with extra attention to the flavors that come from different styles of rum.

  • Tropical Fusion

    Polynesian Gods, Barrels of Rum, Rogues, Scoundrels and Geniuses. Join writer and seminar host Paul Senft for his discussion about the history of rum and its part in the evolution of the Tiki movement and the people behind it.

Friday Grand Luau Feast

At 6:45pm Friday evening the Grand Luau begins in the Grand Salon of the Embassy Suites where guests will enjoy a wonderful Floribbean/Hawaiian theme feast with lots of wonderful entertainment. Rocking the Luau by the Sea for the second year with their unique combination of surf, exotica and Hot Rod music.

Come see why 9th Wave is called the “Official Band of Ohana!” The Aloha Islanders will perform a high-energy and authentic Polynesian show that is an action packed non-stop revue of dances from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand.

Roy and Malia Anderson of Ronin Taiko combine elements of Japanese instruments, Tiki-exotica music, and theatre to create a unique Pan Pacific experience. And Nani Maka and Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid will be dancing together on the Ohana Stage.

Saturday, The Rumporium

On Saturday, October 1, the Rumporium will open at 12 noon along with all the great Luau by the Sea Tiki Vendors. Enjoy sipping and learning about some great rums while you shop for your favorite Tiki souvenir. And don’t forget to bid on some wonderful items in the Silent Auction and support the Scholarships for the Easter Island Foundation.

Try your rum knowledge at the Great Rum Challenge sponsored by Rob’s Rum Guide and the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival. If you can correctly identify all the rums in this blind tasting, you win a ticket to the festival April 22-23, 2017. Learn how to play the Ukulele with Tony Baloney at 1pm.

Tiki Mission to the Mai Kai

At 5pm the Mai Kai opens and everyone will make their way to Happy Hour at the Mai Kai Polynesian Restaurant’s Molokai Bar where special drinks will be available for the Ohana crowd. At 7:30pm Ohana Dinner seating begins. Everyone will enjoy their spectacular evening together watching the Mai Kai’s incredible Polynesian Show.

Sunday at Kreepy Tiki

On Sunday, October 2, everyone meets at the Kreepy Tiki Lounge, before departing, for the Hair of the Dog, Car and Bike Show, hosted by the Gumbo Limbo Chapter. The Kreepy Tiki is on the way to the Ft. Lauderdale airport.

Tickets and Reservations

Your $95 ticket includes the seminars, the Luau Dinner, the Aloha Islanders, the Taiko drumming by Roy and Malia, the Pretty Allrights on Ukulele, the totally awesome 9th Wave, the Rumporium, the Ohana Marketplace, and the Ohana Silent Auction which benefits the E.I.F. for the weekend.

  • First, get your tickets on the web site.
  • Second, call the Mai Kai and make your reservations for dinner on Saturday at 954-563-3272 and tell them you want to join Ohana for dinner on Saturday, October 1. Please reserve your space at the first dinner seating.
  • Third, call the Embassy Suites and book a room in the heart of the action. They are pet friendly, if you want to bring along fido. Call 954-527-2700 or visit the hotel web site.

For more information about Ohana: Luau By The Sea, visit the Ohana: Laua By The Sea web site.

Plantation Surprise: Old Fashioned Traditional Dark rum revealed

Monday, July 18, 2016 / / 0 Comments

The Plantation rum team based in Cognac, France, lead by master blender Alexandre Gabriel, recently revealed the results of a clandestine project.

The unveiling occurred during a tasting event at the annual Tales of the Cocktail convention in New Orleans.

The Old Fashioned Traditional Dark (O.F.T.D.) aged rum from Plantation is a high proof expression developed in collaboration with leading rum experts.

Plantation Old Fashioned Traditional Dark (O.F.T.D.) aged rum is a high proof expression developed in collaboration with leading rum experts.

This surreptitious collaboration with noted rum cocktail luminaries lead to the development of Plantation’s newest expression: O.F.T.D. (Old Fashioned Traditional Dark) aged rum. The new offering blends exquisite aged marques from Guyana, Jamaica and Barbados.

This dark colored overproof rum, bottled at 69% alcohol by volume (138 proof), will be available in a one liter bottles for a suggested retail price of $31.99. It’s expected to reach retail shelves in the U.S. in September 2016.

Collaborators

Alexandre Gabriel’s collaborators on the project are:

  • David Wondrich, spirits and cocktail historian and long-time Alexandre Gabriel collaborator
  • Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, proprietor of Latitude 29 in New Orleans
  • Martin Cate, proprietor of Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco
  • Paul McFadyen, proprietor of Trailer Happiness in London
  • Paul McGee, proprietor of Lost Lake in Chicago
  • Scotty Schuder, proprietor of Dirty Dick in Paris

Tasting Notes

The Old Fashioned Traditional Dark (O.F.T.D.) aged rum from Plantation is a high proof expression developed in collaboration with leading rum experts.

Tasting notes on the label declare, “Color: Rich Red Mahogany. Nose: Intense and very precice notes of coffee, orange, plum, jam and truffles. Taste: It bursts with caramel cream, chocolate and vanilla notes. It continues with cinnamon, raisins, nutmeg, oak and molases with smoky accents. Final: Long and lingering, with dark chocolate, clove and caramel. Empty glass: Rich Demerara molasses notes, oak and plum.”

The Tradition

This is not the first time Plantation revealed a secret rum project at the annual Tales of the Cocktail convention in New Orleans. In 2014, a limited edition Pineapple rum was circulated among an elite cadre of rum professionals. The reaction was quick and intensely successful. The rum later went into full production to acclaimed success.

Plantation Old Fashioned Traditional Dark rum will appeal to serious rum enthusiasts, tiki fanatics and bartenders that understand how to incorporate rich, full-flavored, full-bodied, robust strength rums into fine cocktails.

Cocktail suggestion: How about an Old Fashioned Rum Old Fashioned?

Robs Extensive List of Rums: Plantation Old Fashioned Traditional Dark

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