Sexy Mexi . . .

Mixology Monday!
It is here. The 'Witches Garden' @ Cardiff Cocktails. . . .
Mark you are correct: "fresh herbs have always been at the forefront of mixology. So lets take influence from the bartenders that once ruled the world of mixology, raid your herb garden that too often gets neglected, and start mixing."

So I did. My new love affair is VALLET . . . It is Mexican Fernet and Amargo (the amargo is so delish, at 90 Proof-wow!). So to make my 'Sexy-Mexi' I took 2 part Mina Real Reposado, 1 Part Amargo VALLET, added the mint leaves (that I cut from my neighbors mint plant - fresh) trimmed a stalk and shook the booze and the mint with ice.

I poured the 'Sexy-Mexi' into a chilled glass and put the 'slapped' mint rosette /crest on top as a garnish (basically the top that was left from the stalk. . . ).
Unfortunately, I ate the mint before I took the picture (sorry, it smelled so yummy).

Miami Rum Renaissance was a blast!

RumXP Awards Announced

Last month (April), I did as I do every year around this time . . . I head to Miami for the festivities know as Miami Rum Renaissance! And as usual . . . IT WAS FANTASTIC!

If you doubt me, click this link to veiw "safe to share photos" from previous years . . ..

If that isn't enough . . .click this link to see "safe to share photos" FROM THIS YEAR! 

Or if your on facebook you can look here too! (While you are there you might as well like them, because, well, I know you will--'like' them.)

It is an amazing time! Next years date is already picked too so you can start planning.

                                 April 20-27 2014

Now those dates are not set in stone and they do not include all of the VIP madness, but it is a great starting point.

What reminded me to mention all of this fun you ask?

RumXP Awards Announced

So go check out all the winners and I hope to see you all there next year!

Papa's Pilar

Papa's Pilar have a couple of new delicious rums that literally hit on every point with absolute excellence.
First off: The story. Named after Ernest Hemingway's boat, the Pilar, these two rums are a Solera blend of rums from all over the Caribbean. The Hemingway family is planning on donating 100% of all their profits straight into organizations that promote adventure, literacy and conservation--things that were important to Hemingway and that still are to his heirs.

Secondarily: Packaging--seriously, do I even need to say anything. These look fantastic.
Thirdly: The spirits inside are absolutely incredible.
Papa's Pilar Blonde begins with aromas bursting with a basket of fresh cut citrus--key lime, tangerine, grapefruit with notes of blossoms and vanilla. On the palate these aromas persist but are overtaken by creamy rich, butter marzipan, divinity and dried pineapple. The finish again builds to resolve on nuts with hints of the flavors and aromas delicately dancing away.
The Papa's Pilar 24 Dark begins on the nose with coffee, steamed milk, honey, cinnamon, toasted nuts, vanilla, chocolate, sweet tea, dried fruits and all kinds of other yummy smells. The palate shows all of this but in a drier, more complex manner it is very elegant and well structured. The finish lingers for an eternity while furtively attempting to reveal all of the niceties that you have just enjoyed.
And for the fourth point: Great, unified, cohesive marketing with a fun website and everything you could usually only dream of getting in one brand.

So there... It is not everywhere, but it will be. Want to be among the first to see Papa's Pilar? Come to Miami Rum Renaissance 2013.


You have to see this (and this blog) http://www.rumgallery.com/pilar-dark.html

My friend Dave breaks it down so well.

2013 Miami Rum Fest!

Here is the press release of my favorite event of the year . . . Want to see how much fun? If you need "insider" photos--I have a couple with close friends and Rum Cohorts . . . Direct e-mail me for them, they are not for public 'consumption' .
 Join us, hope to see you there!

2013 Miami Rum Festival Expands

MIAMI, FL -- The fifth annual Miami Rum Renaissance Festival -- the largest gathering of rum experts, professionals and enthusiasts in the world -- will span Monday, April 15 to Sunday, April 21, 2013 at the Doubletree by Hilton Miami Airport Convention Center.

Last year, more than 8,000 rum enthusiasts attended the festival with 20,000 square feet of exhibit space. The new space spans 40,000 square feet, twice the size of last year's event. Festival organizers are preparing for 15,000 attendees.

In addition to a week-long series of VIP parties, tasting sessions and celebrity seminars, the rum festival brings together members of the esteemed International Rum Expert Panel (RumXPs) for their annual tasting competition.

Two full days of Grand Tasting events for the public will take place on Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21. More than 240 spirits from the Caribbean and beyond will be available for sampling, along with a selection of island-style cuisine.

New this year is a half-day exhibit session exclusively for the beverage trade on Friday, April 19. Liquor store buyers, food and beverage managers, bartenders and other spirits trade professionals will be invited to attend.

The Miami Rum Renaissance Festival attracts cane spirit products and brands from all over the globe. Companies large and small will be on hand to present their rums to a global gathering of experts, reporters, critics and consumers.

South Florida is regarded as the number one rum market in the world, with a high percentage of rum enthusiasts, liquor stores, bars and restaurants offering both popular and top-shelf luxury rum products to consumers.

According to event manager Robin Burr, the Miami Rum Fest has doubled in size each year, a testament to the fact that consumer interest in sugar cane spirits is growing faster than any other category of liquor.

"We're proud to say that our prediction of rum's resurgence in popularity was on the money," said Robert A. Burr, festival organizer and publisher of Rob's Rum Guide. "An incredible range of fine rums, from casual and fun mixers to luxurious top-shelf sipping rums will be on display. There is no better opportunity for the rum enthusiast to sample such a vast selection of spirits in one place."

Rum lovers can choose between $50 day passes to the grand tasting events and $65 VIP tickets that allow early access to the exhibits and complimentary tickets to the celebrity seminars. VIP ticket holders also enjoy access to a private area featuring complimentary cuisine and VIP cocktails.

For more information on the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival, activities planned during Miami Rum Week and exhibits at Miami Rum Fest, call 305-443-7973 or visit the web site at http://www.RumRenaissance.com