Robert travels the world in search of the finest rums.

Together with his wife Robin and son Robert they publish Rob's Rum Guide with notes on hundreds of fine rums.

They also host the annual Miami Rum Renaissance Festival and The Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

rob@rumexaminer.com

Tiki Mondays at Lani Kai NYC with Brian Miller

May 18, 2012 at 5:15pm

Like moths to the flame, tiki lovers and cocktail enthusiasts converge on Lani Kai restaurant and bar in New York City's SoHo district each Monday evening to imbibe on carefully crafted creations by a spirited champion of liquid leisure.

Brian Miller is a fan of Don The Beachcomber's infamous 1934 Zombie cocktail and his inspiration is infectious. He's also attracting a Who's Who list of great bartenders, mixologists and brand ambassadors from near and far, making these widely acclaimed Monday soirées THE place to be for a riotous fun time in the city.

Lani Kai is Julie Reiner's darling homage to her native Hawaii in the big city. The stately atmosphere is a splendid reflection of tasteful island decor, featuring a menu of inspired food and drink by one of the city's most successful operators. She manages to combine high standards and flawless service with a relaxed atmosphere that belies the underlying strict attention to details that defines her hallmark reputation.

And then there's Brian Miller. Downstairs at his Monday night rum bar from 6pm to 2am, he manages to make Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow look like a boy scout. When he's fully immersed in his element of rum-infused libations, Brian radiates all the bravado and gusto of a man who understands...

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Plantation Rums dominate recent international RumXP competition

May 9, 2012 at 11:15pm

The judges have spoken, again. The irrepressible master blenders at Plantation Rum of Cognac, France have once again been honored by an esteemed group of international rum judges with a notable number of awards for their outstanding cane spirits.

Nine Plantation Rums walked away winners from the 2012 RumXP International Tasting Competition held on April 18-22, 2012 at the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival. Twenty-five members of the International Rum Expert Panel tasted and evaluated more than 100 rums in a blind tasting.

The judges bestowed more awards to Plantation Rum than any other brand in the entire competition. Four different Plantation Rums walked away with the competition's highest accolade, "Best In Class" -- the first time in the history of this prestigious competition that one brand has won so many Best in Class awards.

It was a striking endorsement of the superb quality of Plantation Rum, a brand of rum made like no other on earth -- born in the tropics, aged in its homeland and finished in Cognac casks in France at the Chateau de Bonbonnet.

Best In Class and Gold Medal went to...

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April 12, 2012 at 4:15pm

The legendary figure celebrated in countless stories of the golden age of pirates in the Caribbean, Captain Morgan now lends his moniker to a new version of spiced rum developed with deep, dark tones of molasses and charred oak.

At 94.6 proof, Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum was created to appeal to the whiskey drinker, someone who enjoys their drink of choice on the rocks and might have previously shied away from spiced rum, thinking it was not as refined or mature.

This new variant is a complete departure from the legendary Original Spiced Rum, bringing to life the darker, more mysterious side of the real-life brand icon, Captain Henry Morgan, through a bold new liquid.

The product is deep dark mahogany color in the glass. Initial aromas begin with hints of cinnamon, clove and dried fruit, leading to molasses, smoky oak and burnt sugar. The palate features dominant tones of spice and oak, dark dried fruits and vanilla, finishing with nuances of...

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April 11, 2012 at 4:15pm

The well-known line of high quality boutique spirits from the island of St. Kitts, Brinley Gold Rums has upgraded their packaging to reflect a uniform modern style encompassing the entire Shipwreck brand.

The new packaging for Vanilla, Coffee, Mango and Coconut rums follows the same aesthetic as their popular Shipwreck Spiced Rum -- clear bottle, low label design, and drink booklet. All four flavors will feature the name Brinley Gold Shipwreck and display a nautical ships wheel.

Silver cork tops and capsules embossed with the company logo were added to emphasize its premium look. Fruit images convey all natural flavors and the look of a hand crafted small batch product.

In keeping with the Shipwrecked theme, each new flavored label has a map of St. Kitts on the inside, revealing the location of the British troop ship which sunk...

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March 31, 2012 at 5:15pm

It seems that serious people are getting serious about rum.

A meeting of master bartenders and spirits professionals at Keens Steakhouse in New York City was hosted by industry leaders Paul Pacult and Sean Ludford to extol the virtues of rum and cane spirits. This was one of the first in a series of professional rum themed seminars presented by a new organization dedicated to promoting the entire category of rum.

This "Rum For All" event combined an enlightening presentation on rum distilling, maturing and blending with a moderated tasting session featuring eleven top-rated rums of the Caribbean region.

The message was simple. The audience was left with the distinct impression that Rum has arrived.

According to Paul Pacult, publisher and editor of F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal, fine rums compare favorably to the best single malt scotches, aged cognacs and luxury whiskeys he's sampled. He plans to take his Rum For All events around the country in the coming months.

"What distinguishes Rum For All from any other type of promotional program centered on Rum is the fact that we are independent journalists who happen to love Rum," said Pacult.

Along with his wife Sue and partner Sean, Paul is truly excited to bring the story of rum to professionals, offering sage advice and well-researched knowledge of his subjects. "Sean, Sue and I have all done our homework over the last twenty years...

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Distilled in 1981 and bottled in 2006, this is the oldest rum from Antigua Distillery Limited. This premium spirit is distilled in copper stills and aged in small 220 litre charred oak barrels to give it a uniquely silky and mellow flavour. The vintage 1981 rum was aged 25 years in used whisky and bourbon barrels.

March 8, 2012 at 2:15am

The product is named for the famous Antiguan naval port of English Harbour, an 18th century theatre of war for Britian and France as they battled for world power and Caribbean territories.

The color is deep copper hue of dark amber. The rich viscosity suggest a very long aging, producing thick, slow moving legs on the tasting glass. Smoky wood is evident in the first breath of the aroma followed by black cherry, vanilla, ripe banana and currants. The initial taste does not disappoint with more dry wood, caramelized dark fruit and roasted cashew in the body, followed by hints of burnt sugar, tobacco, leather, and baking spice. The medium long finish continues with the dominant smoky wood balanced with cinnamon and warm, soft nutmeg tones.

English Harbour 1981 is a sipping rum of the highest caliber. Bold and bright flavors are concentrated...

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March 7, 2012 at 3:15pm

A new top shelf solera-style white rum from Puerto Rico, Caliche is said to be aged well, not well behaved.

A collaboration between famed nightlife industry tycoon Rande Gerber and Roberto Serrallés, maker of DonQ rums of Puerto Rico, the new blend is making waves in star-studded Hollywood circles with its recent glamorous debut.

Both men are equally passionate about crafting a super-premium white rum that remains loyal to their values and reflects their professional integrity. Crafted in the spirit of the founders’ pride in their products and commitment to a premium customer experience, Caliche Rum is blended with the age-old Solera process, giving it a depth and intricacy not found in ordinary oak-aged rum. Solera is a process for aging by fractional blending, resulting in an end product that is a mixture of ages.

Caliche Rum projects an extremely smooth, modern characteristic with a unique, crisp balance of vanilla and citrus flavor and a hint of oak.

The hand-crafted bottle suggests old world craftsmanship with its rough hewn glass, roped neck and wooden cork top. The color is nearly crystal clear.

In a tasting glass, Caliche presents a medium viscosity and fine, delicate legs. The initial aroms of cane and vanilla lead to warm caramel. The rum flavor is distinguished by...

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March 5, 2012 at 4:15pm

St. Lucia Distillers produces an exceptional expression of their aged rum to celebrate the inauguration of their Mabouya Valley distillery, near Dennery, in 1931. The Distillery was founded by Denis Barnard and produced rum until 1972 when St. Lucia Distillers was formed out of the merging of the Dennery distillery and the Roseau Distillery.

Each bottle is individually numbered. The label is changed every year to indicate the number of years celebrated since 1931. The product quickly became a collectors' item among rum aficionados worldwide.

St. Lucia 1931 is a blend of a Coffey column and three copper pot still distillates from 1999 and 2004, ranging from seven to twelve years in age. The rums are matured in seven American white oak casks including...

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February 28, 2012 at 2:15am

Gosling's Black Seal Rum, long associated with it's home country of Bermuda, naval sailing traditions and their iconic libation, the Dark 'n Stormy cocktail, has recently announced a ready to drink version of this timeless classic tipple.

The venerable drink known 'round the world is simply a mixture of Gosling's famed Black Seal Rum and ginger beer, a favorite of Bermudians for centuries. The new RTD (ready to drink) version is premixed with their own Gosling's Stormy Ginger Beer and ready to enjoy right from the can, a great convenience for tailgate parties, outdoor events, family gatherings, boating adventures and other excuses to gather with friends.

Sales of the new ready to drink Dark 'n Stormy are already strong on the island of Bermuda where the most demanding Dark n' Stormy connoisseurs declared it an instant hit. "It was encouraging to hear my fellow Bermudians say that this tastes like a perfectly made Dark 'n Stormy," said Malcolm Gosling, 7th generation President/CEO of the renowned Bermuda rum maker. "Sales on island have been strong."

In the United States, the Dark 'n Stormy cocktail has gained rapid popularity and the new canned version will accelerate that trend. The new drink comes in attractive 4-packs of 8.4 oz./250 ml cans and is 9% alcohol by volume (18 proof).

To help gain attention at retail, special Storm Warning displays are being offered that signals "Things could get wild."

Gosling's plans to launch this new ready to drink canned product in a few select markets...

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February 22, 2012 at 2:15pm

The annual Bacardí Global Legacy Cocktail Competition brought together 26 winning bartenders and their legacy cocktails from around the globe to compete in the world finals in Puerto Rico recently.

The competitors met for a week of seminars, special events and training sessions in San Juan before engaging in the semi-final and final rounds. They were given special tours of the Bacardí distillery, learned advanced bar tending skills and studied philosophies from some of the industry's most influential tastemakers.

The competition was held in concert with the 150th anniversary of Bacardí rum, established by Don Facundo Bacardí Massó in 1862 in Santiago de Cuba.

The winning drink is required to be balanced, refreshing, appealing and enduring, joining the ranks of Bacardí Legacy Cocktails such as the original Bacardí Cuba Libre, the original Bacardí Daiquirí and the authentic Bacardí Mojito cocktail.

Eight top competitors and their legacy cocktails emerged from the semi-finals to compete for the award of global winner.

Lukas Motejzik, Germany, 'Pop It!'
Zdenek Kastanek, UK, 'La Hermosa'
Hayden Scott Lambert, Ireland, ' The Colonial Cocktail'
Matteo Zamberlan, Italy, 'The Golden Mai Tai'
Anastasiya Gvak, Russia, 'A. Priori’
Boudewijn Mesritz, The Netherlands, 'What If?’
Jimmy Hult, Sweden, 'Sin Tiempo'
Shingo Gokan, USA, 'Speak Low'

The final event was held at the Bacardí Distillery near San Juan, Puerto Rico on Monday, February 20, 2012. Each contestant had ten minutes to prepare and demonstrate their legacy cocktail for an esteemed panel of judges...

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January 30, 2012 at 2:15pm

Are you a rum enthusiast? Are you able to pick out your favorite sipping rums in a blind tasting challenge? If so, you might be interested in assessing your rum tasting abilities in a new event at Miami Rum Renaissance Festival.

The Great Rum Challenge of 2012 is a special event scheduled for Tuesday evening, April 17 at the Deauville Beach Resort on Miami Beach. Everyone is invited to test their knowledge of fine rums in a series of challenges that might reveal those qualified to be a judge in an international rum tasting competition.

According to Robert Burr, organizer of the event and promoter of the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival, "The Great Rum Challenge of 2012 is a chance for rum lovers and those that have a discerning palate for sipping rums to participate in a very special test of their skills."

"We'll give each contestant unmarked samples of eight great rums of the Caribbean. Each of these rums will be on display. If you can correctly match each spirit...

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January 25, 2012 at 2:15pm

The fourth annual Miami Rum Renaissance Festival, the largest gathering of rum experts and professionals in the world, will commence April 16 to 22 in South Florida.

Rum judges from around the globe will convene to conduct their annual International Rum Expert Panel Tasting Competition while rum brands from the Caribbean and beyond assemble to promote their products at VIP parties and grand tasting events for the spirits trade. The event also draws eager rum enthusiast consumers from far and wide.

The week-long series of events begins on Monday, April 16 with the Bartender's Bash event hosted by...

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January 10, 2012 at 2:15pm

An iconic rum of the Caribbean, Antigua Distillery's English Harbour Aged Rum is a full flavored and smooth five year old spirit.

Among many awards, this rum received a Double Gold Medal Award for two consecutive years in the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The rum is distilled in a unique copper column still at English Harbour, Antigua, producing a very clean and pure distillate which is aged in small oaken barrels for at least five years. After maturing, various marques are expertly blended...

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January 3, 2012 at 4:15pm

The party's over now. You've indulged, luxuriated and yielded to temptation for the past several weeks of holiday cheer. Perhaps it's time to consider some low calorie "skinny" cocktails to keep January interesting without going over budget on your diet.

With the help of DonQ's famed mixologist Esteban Ordoñez, let us suggest a few appropriately reasonable but decadent libations that are sure to satisfy without the slightest guilt...

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December 19, 2011 at 2:15pm

What will the coming year hold in store for modern revelers as we turn the corner into 2012?

Now famed mixologist and brand ambassador for DonQ rum, Esteban Ordoñez brings us his take on several new age cocktails for the coming year.

We survived The Rapture in 2011, but with a new year comes a new prophecy. Ancient Mayans and Nostradamus predicted the Apocalypse would strike on December 21, 2012, while many new-age spiritualists and philosophers believe humankind will enter enlightenment in 2012. Perhaps spiritual enlightenment involves the discovery of really good rum.

Regardless of your beliefs, Esteban has created for you three fun cocktail recipes featuring DonQ Gran Anejo, DonQ Cristal and BlackBeard Spiced Rum to help ring it in.

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November 30, 2011 at 5:15pm

Rum collectors and enthusiasts will be delighted to hear of an exclusive marque of 20 year old single cask rum from Appleton Estate in Jamaica, now available for a limited time from an exclusive source.

New York City's iconic Park Avenue Liquor Shop has the pleasure of introducing a very unique offering of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum that was bottled exclusively for them -- Appleton Estate Signature Marque 20 Year Old Rum -- Single Cask. This rare marque of aged rums from the Appleton Estate has been resting and carefully aging in a single American oak barrel since 1990.

The Appleton Estate Master Blender, Joy Spence, selected this limited edition marque as a testimony to 20 years of authentic aging in a single barrel resulting in an exquisitely smooth rum. Only 180 individually numbered bottles of this rarity have been produced and bottled. The 90 proof, 750ml bottle will retail for $130 and is available for purchase now. It's the ideal gift for the spirit lover who thought they had everything.

The rum will be sold only through Park Avenue Liquor Shop and interested customers -- whether in New York or across the country -- need only to call the shop at...

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November 29, 2011 at 4:15pm

If your memories of holidays long past are anything like mine, home-made rum balls were a stand out favorite at family gatherings. With the current renaissance of abundant high quality rums at the local liquor store, Grandma's old recipe can be kicked up a notch to create some truly delicious -- if not decadently dangerous -- spirited treats.

Most rum ball recipes are based on vanilla wafers and corn syrup, with crumbled pecans and vanilla added for rich flavor. We typically roll them in powdered sugar and/or cocoa powder to finish these uncooked delicacies.

My Grandmother Geneva and Great Aunt Marnie took a different tact by substituting shortbread cookies and sweetened condensed milk as the base ingredients. Pecan Sandies cookies provide a great foundation for pecan goodness and the condensed milk adds a creaminess that corn syrup can't match.

Experiment with your favorite rums in these holiday treats to bring the finest flavors of the Caribbean to the party. Don't use the cheapest rum you can find. Choose a rum you really enjoy and let the essence shine through.

Deep, rich overproof rums like Lemon Hart 151 or Gosling's 151 begat a true bonanza of flavor -- and big rum kick. Dark rums like Meyers's or Cruzan Black Strap also deliver intense rummy molasses goodness. Delicious spiced rums like Sailor Jerry, Bacardi Oakheart, Kraken and Blackbeard will infuse a complex bouquet of baking spices in your balls. Classic rich rums like Barbancourt, Appleton Reserve, Diplomatico Reserva, El Dorado 5 or Mount Gay Black...

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November 29, 2011 at 2:15pm

The history of the communal tipple is long and storied. Many fancy punch bowls of luscious libations have enlivened mirthful gatherings for holidays and special occasions over the centuries. Whether a dram, a draft, a nip or a shot -- when such gleeful liquid is consumed in a ritual sharing of spirited merriment, soulful jubilation creates fond memories.

Here's a merry prescription for Pom Passion Punch -- a delightful recipe for good times -- that's as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

Pom Passion Punch
(combine ingredients in a large bowl)

6 parts Welch's passionfruit juice
2 parts pure pomegranate juice
1 part fresh lime juice
4 parts Jamaican aged rum
4 parts Barbadian aged rum
several healthy dashes of orange bitters

Add large chunks of ice and stir the mixture gently until well chilled. Garnish with thin orange slices and white grapes. Ladle into punch cups with some medium ice cubes.

Option: rum lovers might add a thin floater of dark overproof rum to their glass for extra good measure.

Pom Passion Punch brings tropical tones to friendly gatherings and pairs well with rich slow roasted meats, spicy barbeque, curried dishes and other piquant exotic offerings from around the globe. Enjoy!

November 28, 2011 at 4:15pm

Gatherings during the holiday season with good friends deserve special theme cocktails. Some of the best libations are simple and easy to create, deliver "comfort food" style deliciousness and elicit warm memories of times gone by.

A hot toddy is a timeless classic that evokes All-American themes. The combination of fresh apple cider, good quality spiced rum and distinctive spices can't be beat.

The Shipwrecked Toddy
(serves 4)

3 cups apple cider
4 cinnamon sticks
1/2 cup Brinley's Shipwreck spiced rum
1/2 cup cinnamon schnapps

In a medium saucepan over medium heat combine all ingredients and heat through. Do not boil. Mull for 45-60 minutes. Serve warm with cinnamon sticks or nutmeg to garnish.

For more spiced and flavored rum recipes, visit the Brinley's Gold Rum web site: http://www.brinleygoldrum.com/shipwreck/

November 28, 2011 at 2:15pm

Rum brings cheer to holiday gatherings. As the season approaches, everyone is checking their recipe cards and comparing turkeys and whatnot. Sure, the food aspect is important, but really, what is a holiday without cocktails?

Famed mixologist and drink historian David Wondrich has created a slew of great cocktails for the holidays and beyond. Here is Dave's Mount Gay Trident, which combines the cask-aged, smooth flavor of the Mount Gay Rum Extra Old ($49.99) with coffee liqueur and sweet condensed milk. Together, the ingredients make for an utterly delectable cocktail, easy to make and a fantastic treat to serve. The recipe follows...

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RumXPs dominate Golden Rum Barrel Social Media Awards in London

November 4, 2011 at 2:15pm

Members of the International Rum Experts Panel (RumXPs) dominated the nominations and the social media awards given out recently at the annual dinner ceremony that is part of the RumFest UK experience in London.

All the outstanding social media sites nominated for Golden Rum Barrel Awards -- and their respective writers, journalists and bloggers -- are members of a unique consortium of international judges of rum tasting competitions around the globe. The awards, nominated by outstanding members of the spirits and beverage trade, recognize excellence in reporting and writing about developments in the category of rum throughout the world.

Nominations for Rum Blogger of the Year (Europe) 2011 included A Mountain of Crushed Ice (Helena Tiare Olsen, Sweden), The Floating Rum Shack (Peter and Pauline Holland, London), Rum Pages (Rene Van Hoven, Amsterdam) and Refined Vices (Tatu Kaarlas, Finland, now Australia). The winner of the category is...

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Panamonte XXV Reserva Preciosa aged rum from Panama

November 1, 2011 at 2:15pm

A luxury blend of rare Panamanian aged rums, Panamonte XXV Reserva Preciosa is the masterful result of artful aging and blending by famed master blender Francisco "Don Pancho" Fernandez.

Aguardientes from molasses are matured for twenty five years in premium American white oak barrels once used for bourbon. There are no additives, colorings or other barrels used in this slow aging process.

This product appeals to rum connoisseurs, collectors and those that appreciate the finest expression of luxury sipping rums without regard for price.

Panamonte XXV Reserva Preciosa enjoys a deep amber mahogany color with thick, slow moving legs on the glass. Aromas of charred oak, honey and bourbon lead...

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Altantico Platino white rum from Dominican Republic

Ocotber 31, 2011 at 2:15pm

A high quality smooth white rum from Dominican Republic, Atlantico Platino Ron Artesanal is made from a blend of fresh cane juice and molasses based rums, designed to make great cocktails.

This aged blend is filtered to a clear transparent color. In the glass, a significant viscosity produces fine legs. The initial aromas of citrus and vanilla dominate. These notes are evident in the palate as well as molasses, spice and creamy caramel. The finish is notably warm and smooth.

Atlantico Platino was nominated for a prestigious Golden Rum Barrel Award in October, 2011 at London's RumFest UK in the category of...

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Altantico Solera Reserva aged rum from Dominican Republic

October 31, 2011 at 2:15pm

Miami-based Atlantico brand presents an accessible and well designed aged rum expression featuring a slightly dry blend designed to make robust, full flavored rum cocktails.

The blend for Atlantico Solera Reserva was made from aged cane juice based and aged molasses based rums matured in a solera system in the Dominican Republic to produce a complex and balanced spirit. Once these specified marques reach their peak of perfection, they are removed from the barrels and bottled by hand.

The solera style Reserva is slightly dry with aromas of light oak and tropical fruits. In addition, the palate finds a familiar baked spice bouquet and earthy richness...

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Diplomatico Ambassador luxury rum from Venezuela

October 28, 2011 at 2:15pm

The legacy of Señor Melendez continues as Destilerías Unidas releases it's finest expression of the Diplomatico brand. Ambassador luxury aged blend is 100% heavy pot still rum first aged in oak barrels, then finished in Pedro Ximenez Sherry barrels and bottled at the cask strength of 94 proof.

Here is a truly memorable rum that exudes perfection and balance in every drop. Blended from rums that are aged for up to 12 years, only casks that evoke the exceptional soul of the Ron Diplomatico family are selected for this prestige rum. Once chosen by Master Blender Tito Cordero, the rum then spends a further minimum of two years aging in barrels once used to age Spain’s greatest sherry.

This exquisite spirit leads with a wonderfully pungent nose, featuring subtle aromas of dried and candied fruit...

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Vizcaya Cristal white rum from Dominican Republic

September 19, 2011 5:15pm

The well-known Vizcaya brand of luxury rum from Dominican Republic has a new expression, a white rum that is smooth enough to sip straight.

The company recently announced Vizcaya Cristal, a clear rum made with the same dedication to detail and quality as their award-winning Vizcaya VXOP Cask 21 luxury rum.

Rested intently in select oak barrels, this white rum is distilled from cane juice (guarapo), not molasses. No additives are used in the process.

The color is quite clear, with a medium viscosity. Initial aromas of vanilla, sherry and walnut are present. The taste is ever so slightly sweet with subtle notes of vanilla, sherry and walnuts, plus a hint of marshmallow. The finish is surprisingly smooth and slightly warm.

This white rum makes fine cocktails and can be enjoyed straight or on the rocks.

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Enrique Iglesias partners with Atlantico Rum

September 8, 2011 2:15 pm EST

The smooth sexy voice of Enrique Iglesias is speaking out about a smooth luxury rum from the Dominican Republic that strikes his fancy. The love affair has apparently become serious as Iglesias recently announced a partnership with the up and coming new Atlantico brand of rum.

With more than 58 million albums sold worldwide, Enrique Iglesias is an icon of the Latin music business. His latest release, Euphoria, includes songs in English and Spanish featuring numerous duets with superstars produced by big-time record executives.

His appreciation for luxury rum is no secret. "I was introduced to Atlantico by friends in Miami, quickly became a fan, and followed its development over the last couple of years," says Iglesias. "I was recently introduced to its co-founders, Brandon Lieb and Aleco Azqueta, and was immediately drawn to their entrepreneurial spirit and passion for developing a world-class product. I am now delighted to be a partner in this top-quality rum."

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Bacardi Oakheart spiced rum from Puerto Rico

August 10, 2011 2:15 pm EST

The secret of the bat is out. The new Bacardi Oakheart El Ron del Murciélago Smooth Spiced Rum delivers a rich and flavorful, well blended smokey bouquet of tropical tones to cocktails and mixed drinks.

Intended to reflect both legendary and modern day adventurers of stout heart and unwavering resolve, the rum is rested in double charred barrels to elicit timeless qualities of sturdy oak and mellow flavor.

White and gold rums are blended with select spices (maple, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, vanilla and caramel) at 35% abv (70 proof) to bring a slightly peppery and potent profile...

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Brugal 1888 Gran Reserva Familiar luxury rum

August 8, 2011 5:15 pm EST

Truly a prestige expression that spotlights a great Caribbean rum family's legacy, double distilled and double aged Brugal 1888 aged rum delivers first-class upscale flavor at a surprisingly affordable price.

After selecting their finest rums created by double distillation, the best spirits are skillfully aged first in medium roasted American white oak casks (quercus alba) up to eight years. At the peak of perfection, the spirit is subsequently matured in European oak casks (quercus robur) that have previously been used for aging Sherry wines for another six to eight years. This artful process is guided by Don Gustavo Ortega Zeller Brugal, a 5th generation member of master distillers within the Brugal family.

Select wooden casks are either hand-crafted or hand-picked under the guidance of George Espie, The Macallan Master of Wood...

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Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Centennial Celebration

July 27, 2011 2:15 pm EST

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum is celebrating the 100th birthday of its namesake famous tattoo artist with a special issue of three commemorative bottles displaying his iconic flash artwork. The rum brand, owned by William Grant & Sons, is also kicking off "Hold Fast" -- a season long celebration of the man who started it all -- tattoo artist Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins.

The limited edition collector's edition bottles feature the bald eagle, the mermaids and the sparrows, among the most popular of his iconic old school tattoo designs. The suggested retail price for the limited edition bottles is $17.50.

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Black Roberts Spiced Rum from Florida

July 27, 2011 2:15 pm EST

Named for legendary pirate Bartholomew Roberts, this flavorful and accessible new spiced rum from Florida Caribbean Distillers brings rich tones of the tropics to delicious cocktails.

With a list price of $7.95, you might feel like a pirate stealing this delicious liquid from your favorite liquor store. The blend features vanilla and almond flavors, spiced up with cinnamon and nutmeg for a well balanced sultry and satisfying Caribbean experience.

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Blackwell Jamaican rum debuts in US

July 27, 2011 2:15 pm EST

An iconic rum label of Jamaica, Blackwell Fine Jamaican Rum is now available in the United States. Domaine Select Wine Estates (DSWE) has been named the exclusive importer in the U.S. as Blackwell Rum joins their Classic & Vintage Portfolio.

This medium bodied, flavorful expression is the creation of Music industry legend and founder of both Island Records and the award-winning Island Outpost hotel group, Chris Blackwell.

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Ultimate Challenge rums available online

July 10, 2011 2:15 pm EST

Online rum shoppers might benefit from a new partnership between a top rated online spirits store and a beverage rating firm.

The Ultimate Beverage Challenge is a well-respected competition for spirits of every category with the stated goal to demystify beverage competitions for consumers and make results truly useful to them so they can make better informed purchasing decisions.

The group rates hundreds of beverages annually based on blind tastings by seasoned professionals.

UBC has recently announced a partnership with Astor Wines & Spirits of New York, making it easy for people to see what’s been rated tops in their category by the world’s top judges and then point, click and buy.

Among the notable rums available online from Astor are Mount Gay 1703 from Barbados, Zafra 21 Master Reserve from Panama...

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Panama Red overproof rum

July 8, 2011 2:15 pm EST

From master blender Francisco "Don Pancho" Fernandez of Panama, this bold and smooth overproof rum delivers great taste, big flavors and a smooth finish.

Panama Red is bottled at 108 proof. Despite it's higher alcohol content, Panama Red is easy to enjoy straight or on the rocks.

With a lovely vermilion shade of amber, the rum displays great legs in a tasting glass. Initial aromas of honey, charred oak, vanilla and dried apricot are inviting. On the palette, there is a bold and bright entry of warm sweetness and spice, accented by oak barrel, a touch of citrus and a distinct earthiness. The finish is unexpectedly smooth with a slow fade that leaves a pleasant echo of the flavor profile in the mouth for some time.

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Smith & Cross traditional Jamaican rum

July 8, 2011 2:15 pm EST

A flavorful pot still rum from Jamaica bottled at 57% (navy strength), Smith & Cross represents the distinctively aromatic and less refined style that made Jamaica rum famous in the late 19th and early 20th century.

This bold blend, a favorite of noted bartenders and mixologists, stands up to pronounced ingredients in classic cocktails.

Smith & Cross is a blend of spirits from the Plummer and Wedderburn pot stills in Jamaica. Famous for notes of exotic fruits and spice, it delivers a tour de force of flavor and complexity that historically made Jamaica rum a cornerstone of many vintage cocktails.

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Mount Gay Black 100 proof rum debuts

June 14, 2011 3:15 pm EST

A new addition to the popular Mount Gay brand of rums from Barbados has been released. Mount Gay Eclipse Black is a distinctive new rum bottled at 100 proof featuring a blend of two to seven year old rums.

With a medium amber color, the spirit leads with aromas of smoky charred wood, ripe banana, pepper, cinnamon and ginger. Flavors are more intense and complex than 80 proof Eclipse but the finish is long and surprisingly smooth.

Chilled on the rocks, the rum develops increased tones of vanilla, bourbon and toffee, perhaps more reminiscent of Mount Gay Extra Old than 80 proof Eclipse. It stands up when mixed with cola or ginger beer and remains distinctive in cocktails with its boldly elaborate smoky oak profile.

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Zacapa rum and Diageo continue agreement

June 13, 2011 3:15 pm EST

The notable rise of Zacapa brand rum from Guatemela in the past three years can be attributed to a three-year global distribution and joint marketing deal between Diageo, the world's largest spirits company and the Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala group (ILG), which produces of the iconic luxury rum matured in the house above the clouds.

In 2008, Diageo announced it had an option to buy a 50% equity stake in the brand at the end of the three years, subject to performance metrics.

According to David Ferreira, Reserve Rums Global Brand Manager for Diageo, the arrangement will continue into the future. Diageo reportedly acquired a 50% stake of the brand and controlling interest recently, as was expected by industry analysts.

"We are all very proud to have reached this milestone in the brand's rich history," Ferreira said.

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Rum Renaissance Cruise explores Eastern Caribbean

May 31, 2011 1:15 pm EST

Even as rum is enjoying a renaissance of appreciation among spirit enthusiasts, a group of notable rum explorers are organizing a special adventure through the Eastern Caribbean to visit the celebrated terroir of cane spirits.

Robert and Robin Burr are publishers of an award-winning guide to rum and are hosts of the annual Miami Rum Renaissance Festival. They're inviting their friends from around the world to join them on a special luxury cruise ship itinerary to some of the Caribbean's most interesting islands to study, savor and collect authentic spirits of the region.

They call it the Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise.

"We're excited to be partnering with Celebrity Cruises on our island-hopping rum-theme adventure aboard the Celebrity Summit in mid-November. This is the most efficient, compelling and fascinating way to truly appreciate great rums of the Caribbean while enjoying a world-class cruising experience...

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Bacardi promotes togetherness

May 27, 2011 1:15 pm EST

As we reflect this Memorial Day weekend on the value of spending quality time with friends and family, Bacardi reminds us that social interaction is a paramount element in our goal to enjoy life to the fullest.

The National Rum Examiner had an opportunity recently to discuss the new Bacardi Together campaign with Billy Melnyk, Senior Brand Manager of Bacardi Rums.

Rum Examiner: What are the qualities of Bacardi rums that make them accessible, enjoyable and desirable for occasions when friends get together?

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Bacardi Together: Inventions video

Bacardi Facebook page

Rum icon Captain Morgan re-imagined

May 25, 2011 3:12 pm EST

He lived his life to the fullest and left behind a legacy unrivaled in blustery lore. Now Captain Morgan is back, and bigger than ever as Diageo re-imagines his adventures plundering and privateering his way across the Caribbean.

The National Rum Examiner had the opportunity recently to engage in conversation with Tom Herbst, Brand Director for Captain Morgan USA. Here's the latest scoop on new developments of how Captain Morgan has been re-invigorated and re-aligned as a symbol that rum is fun.

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