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As a popular Jamaican tourist destination, Montego Bay is a playground of bars.  It seems like there are hundreds of them.  They come in all shapes and sizes, waiting at the ready to serve up the throngs of fat-pocketed tourists who wander aimlessly through the city streets.

There are the usual spots that cater to cruise ship passengers who will only be in town for three or four hours.  They serve bright, overpriced frozen drinks, burgers, chicken wings and a wide array of powerful shooters.  American music blasts from the sound system and happy patrons sing along to popular tunes they hear on their radios back home.

There are the hotel bars that are just a bit more upscale and pretentious than other places up and down the strip.  Though they might not be exclusively for “Guests Only,” you better behave yourself or risk getting booted out by a thick-necked security guard.

There are beach bars that serve up rum & Cokes and Red Stripes at a rapid clip to sun-loving tourists who spend their daily cash allowance on booze, cheap bracelets and hair braids.  There was a good one near our hotel, but nothing about it felt Jamaican.  It could have just as easily been in Daytona Beach or San Diego.

And then there are the local places.  These taverns and rum shops are simple, uncluttered, inexpensive and always filled with a cast of character ready for a dirty joke or heated political conversation.  It didn’t take our crew long to find our local hangout spot in Montego Bay.  In fact, one walk up and down the main strip revealed a hoppin’ little locals joint called Sunset Bar.  After one visit, there was no reason to go anywhere else.

Like many of the rum shops on the island, this bar had all the elements covered: good service, cheap rum and friendly people.  We ordered flasks of Appleton, a few mixers and settled in for a session.  We talked, joked, drank, discussed rum with the bartender and local patrons and the hours flew by.  Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, Mark, the owner/bartender, flipped on the TV, searched the channels and settled on a classic Western film.  Rum, old movies and a room full of friends….. it honestly doesn’t get any better.

So if you ever find yourself on the Hip Strip in Montego Bay, skip all of the tourist traps and head directly to Sunset Bar.  It’s just about as authentic a drinking experience as you can have in this tourist town.  Be sure to tell them that you read about the bar on Rum Connection.  It won’t score a free drink, but might result in a friendly smile and raunchy joke.

Cheers!

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Bacardi Limited officially marked the 150th anniversary of the founding of the company and its iconic Bacardi rum brand on February 4th with activities around the world. The company is celebrating its spectacular growth from a small distillery founded by Don Facundo Bacardi Masso in Santiago de Cuba in 1862 to what is now the world’s largest privately-owned spirits company.

Consumers around the world celebrated with classic Bacardi cocktails at one-of-a-kind birthday parties while the Bacardi family marked this historic milestone with its largest reunion ever. As part of its yearlong anniversary celebration, Bacardi is rolling out a $2,000 limited-edition super-premium blend from the Maestros de Ron (Master Blenders) and accepted proclamations from governments declaring the February 4th “Bacardi Day.”

“This is an extraordinary milestone to celebrate as the passion and entrepreneurial spirit shown by my great-great grandfather in Santiago de Cuba a century and a half ago gave birth to exceptional rum that changed the spirits industry forever. Every day I’m inspired by his achievements and am proud to carry on his legacy as chairman of the company he established on February 4, 1862, in Santiago,” says Facundo L. Bacardi, Chairman of Bacardi Limited and fifth generation family member. “The fact that our family name is on every bottle of Bacardi rum is a constant reminder of a deep-seated commitment to deliver products of exceptional quality for the best tasting cocktails. Since the creation of the brand 150 years ago, some 365 billion Bacardi cocktails have been enjoyed worldwide.”

Bacardi Parties around the World
150(th) anniversary celebrations featuring award-winning musical talent and top celebrities are giving consumers around the world the chance to party with Bacardi and enjoy legendary cocktails. Rolling Stone magazine hosted the “BACARDI Bash: 150 Years Rocking the Party” in Indianapolis where performances from LMFAO, Lupe Fiasco, Cobra Starship and Gym Class Heroes were the weekend’s hottest tickets. 

Magazine publisher Conde Nast also hosted a commemorative event for Bacardi in New York. Celebrity Cruises marked the milestone with a party aboard the Celebrity Summit as it departed February 4th from Puerto Rico, home to the largest Bacardi rum distillery in the world.

The Largest Bacardi Family Reunion Ever
Nearly 600 members of the Bacardi family from around the world gathered in Puerto Rico to celebrate the 150th anniversary at their largest reunion ever. Activities included a commemorative celebration featuring a family photo of all eight generations of the Bacardi family and the unveiling of a bust of Bacardi founder Don Facundo Bacardi Masso by sculptor and family member Helena Bacardi. Facundo L. Bacardi, led other family members in the planting of a coconut palm to commemorate the original “el coco” that stood at the entrance of the first Bacardi distillery in Cuba and has long symbolized the Bacardi family’s perseverance over adversity.  

“It is exceptional for a family-owned company to survive 150 years, let alone thrive,” said Seamus McBride, CEO of Bacardi Limited. “The fact that Bacardi has grown into the third-largest global spirits company is truly something to celebrate.”

Official Founding Day of February 4th Recognized as “Bacardi Day”
At the family reunion, Puerto Rico Governor Luis G. Fortuno presented Bacardi with a proclamation declaring February 4th “Bacardi Day” in acknowledgement of the company’s key role in the island’s economy.  

Stay tuned for more coverage of Bacardi’s yearlong anniversary celebration.

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Last fall, at the rum festivals in Berlin and London, we had the pleasure of meeting the Hussey family, owners of Hampden Estate in Jamaica.  They were launching their brand new Rum Fire Overproof Rum and several samples were poured as we talked about their distillery.  The rum was amazing and we quickly bonded with our new friends, so when they invited us to pay them a visit in Jamaica, we had to accept.

Hampden Estate has a long history of sugar production and rum making in Jamaica.  The property was originally surveyed back in 1743 and from 1779 rum was being sold out of the ground floor of the Estate’s Great House.  Throughout the years they have become well-known for Heavy Pot Still rums and using generations-old techniques that have been passed down from family members and Master Distillers.

In 2003, the Jamaica Sugar Company took over operations and continued to produce the same traditional high ester rums for export to Europe.  In 2009, the Hussey family bought the estate at auction from the Jamaican Government.  The new owners have enthusiastically taken over with a goal of respecting and promoting the history of the property and continuing to pump out their unique style of rum.

The Estate sets in Queen of Spain Valley in Trelawny Parish on the island’s northwest side.  Our journey from Montego Bay was uneventful and we arrived at the property after only an hour’s drive.  As we slowly crept up the King Palm-lined driveway, the old sugar factory, distillery and Great House came into view and we were all amazed at the historical beauty of the Estate.  We instantly knew that our visit was going to be something special.

The high ester Hampden rums are legendary in the cane spirits community and have a very distinct flavor profile.  The ester content is attained in fermentation and our tour begins with a look at the unique methods employed in the very early stages of the process.  

Unlike most distilleries, no commercial yeast is used during fermentation at Hampden.  Instead, cultures are initially grown and regenerated in outdoor natural vats, then combined with the wash and stored in over 50 traditional cedar tanks within the distillery.  It ferments for 7 days and is then left to settle for another 7, an eternity in the world of fermentation.

The wash is then transferred to one of four Forsyths copper pot stills and distilled using traditional methods.  Hampden Estate makes a range of bulk rums which are used for creating unique blends for brands in the Caribbean, Europe and North America.  Some of their highest ester rums are used in the food, perfume and flavoring industries.

The next stop on our tour was in the rum lab for a brief primer on consistency and quality control.  After, we had a chance to taste rums with varying flavor profiles.  Some were quite mild, but as the ester content increased, so did the character and intensity.  Finally, we sampled Rum Fire, their new overproof rum which was recently released in Europe.  It is surprisingly smooth, but at 126 proof, should definitely be respected.  It’s already winning awards and is destined to be a huge hit worldwide.

After our tasting we take an opportunity to walk around the entire distillery property.  Much of it is in the process of being restored and with plans for a visitors center, tours and a rum store, the future looks very bright.  

We find that some of the beauty of this old property is in the ancient sugar factory structures that stand on the landscape like industrial pieces of sculpture.  Many have been brilliantly repurposed for current and future use and our favorite was the koi pond fashioned from the foundation of the original sugar mill.

Our day ended on the porch of the Great House for a cold drink and conversation about what we can expect to see from Hampden Estate and Rum Fire in the coming years.  This is an exciting project and the Hussey family will surely make a successful run at fully restoring this beautiful property.  Distribution is expanding, so keep an eye out for their products around the world.

Special thanks go out to Christelle Harris and Angie Hussey-Harris for the wonderful tour of the property and to Mark Middleton and Paul Harris for all the technical talk.  We look forward to seeing the continued rebirth and evolution of Hampden Estate and know that the production of your unique style of rum is in very good hands.

Cheers!! 

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The annual Rum Renaissance Festival is set to take over Miami Beach this April with a week of fun and interesting cane-spirits focused events. One of the contests that we’re looking forward to most is the Great Rum Challenge, a blind tasting where spirits enthusiasts will have the opportunity to show off their knowledge of rum.  Here’s more…

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 in this blind tasting challenge with the proper product, you’ll move on to round two, one step closer to the ultimate prize.”

Rum Enthusiasts who best navigate their way through the first rum tasting challenge will advance to the Great Rum Challenge final rounds. One premium rum sample will be served to each finalist, who must identify that specific rum. This sudden death round continues until one single participant is crowned.

The winner will receive a prize package of eight great rums and bragging rights as the winner of the 2012 Great Rum Challenge. The winner will be awarded two all-access passes to VIP events at Miami Rum Renaissance Festival. He or she will also be invited to join the RumXPs (members of the International Rum Expert Panel) as a guest judge in their esteemed rum tasting competition.

The cost of a ticket to participate in the event is $20 in advance, or $25 at the door. The event takes place at the Deauville Beach Resort, 6701 Collins Avenue from 7 to 8pm on Tuesday, April 17. For more information, visit the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival web site at www.RumRenaissance.com

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One Love, One Heart
Let’s get together and feel alright
One Love, One Heart
Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel alright
Sayin’ let’s get together and feel alright

Let them all pass all their dirty remarks (One Love)
There is one question I’d really like to ask (One Heart)
Is there a place for the hopeless sinner
Who has hurt all mankind just to save his own?
Believe me

Bob Marley & The Wailers – 1965

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One Love is an easy-going reggae anthem that Bob Marley originally recorded in 1965 on the album The Wailing Wailers.  In 1977, a reworked version of the song appeared on the popular album Exodus and became a huge international hit.

The One Love Cocktail was created by Adam Kanter, owner of Rum Bar (*Nightclub & Bar Magazine’s Cocktail Lounge of the Year).  This drink is as simple and satisfying as the song with just three ingredients.  Good rum, ginger ale and lime – an old caribbean classic.  Enjoy!

ONE LOVE COCKTAIL

1.5 oz Appleton Reserve
4 oz Ginger Ale
Squeeze of Lime

Instructions – Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled Old Fashioned glass and stir.  Add a squeeze of lime.  Now relax and enjoy (preferably at a beach or other breezy location with a view of boats and palm trees).

Happy Bob Marley Day everybody!!

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Click here for the full story.

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The Nightclub & Bar Media Group releases the results of their 2012 Nightclub & Bar Awards.  Our friend Adam Kanter at Philadelphia’s Rum Bar wins Cocktail Lounge of the Year.  Well done, Adam!!!  You totally deserve it!!!

Bacardi at a Glance:  The Miami Herald breaks down 150 years of Bacardi accomplishments in an impressive one-page timeline.  Enjoy!

“Denizen Rum strikes the perfect balance between the typical characterless flavor of white rums and the overpowering molasses flavor of dark rums.”  The Hooch Life reviews Denizen.

Bahama Bob gets his hands on a bottle of Barbancourt 3 Star and Pango Rhum to whip up one of his signature island cocktails.  Check out the Pango Tango.

Tanduay announces plans to develop a line of rums for the US market and continues the search for stateside distributors in Vegas and Miami.  ABS-CBN News has the story.

They’re taking over the world (of spirits).  ”Heaven Hill Distilleries made a major play in the rum category, acquiring the 700,000-case Admiral Nelson’s rum brand from Luxco Inc.”  The super-insightful Shaken News Daily has the scoop.

The latest issue of Got Rum Magazine hits the virtual news stand packed with articles about Mamajuana, bars in Berlin, interviews, rum reviews and more.  Go get a copy.

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Hard Times Call For Hard Drinks

Have you ever wondered how the economy effects the trends in alcohol consumption and liquor sales.  Well, there are people who actually study this stuff and their findings might surprise you.

Despite the sluggish economic recovery, consumers are continuing to dine out.  According to data in the newly released BARometer Handbook, many customers are seeking a more sophisticated experience when eating out and when ordering drinks.  Bartenders are keeping up with craft cocktails trends, artisanal spirits, specialty non-alcoholic drinks, regional wines and organic and micro-brewed beers to keep customers’ interest. 

Still, the top drinks have not changed much over the years.  According to the bar manager’s survey, the Margarita remains the most popular mixed drink nationwide, although decreasing slightly in share.  The Martini and Rum and Coke both take second and third spots, respectively.  The Cosmopolitan cracked the top five this year, which it hasn’t accomplished since the 2008 survey. 

Other trends include: Barcardi still claims the top spot in US and UK rum sales.  Chardonnay remains the best-selling wine varietal because consumers find it easy to order and drink. Merlot continues to be more popular in hotels and clubs.  Finally, in the beer segment, Corona edged out Heineken as the best-selling imported beer and Sam Adams continues as the most popular craft beer. 

Where do you fit into this equation?  Has the economy made an impact on how and what you drink?  Let us hear from you….

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We finally made it to Worthy Park where we were greeted by Gordon Clarke, Director & Distillery Manager.  He welcomed us to his office and we all gathered around a conference table and listened as he told us about the Estate’s interesting history.  

This property, which sits in the center of the island at 1200 feet above sea level, has been the site of cane and sugar production for nearly 300 years.  Since its founding, the property has only had three owners and the Estate has always been family run and operated.  Their first recorded rum production was in 1741 when they made 3000 gallons.

Rum was big business until the years following World War II when it was being over produced in Jamaica and large surpluses devalued the stock.  To curb the situation, several distilleries ceased operation in the 1950s under agreement with the Spirits Pool Association of Jamaica.  Worthy Park was one of them.  

In 2004, rum surplus was a thing of the past and Worthy Park decided to get back into the business.  They constructed a new state-of-the-art distillery and full scale rum production began in 2005.  The launch of their popular overproof Rum-Bar Rum soon followed.

The new distillery was designed to create a flavorful, traditional Jamaican pot still rum and fully utilize the latest production technologies.  Efficiency and consistency have been made a priority at every point of production and the results are impressive. 

Worthy Park is using a beautiful 18,000 liter custom copper pot still made for them by Forsyths in Rothes, Scotland.  It can produce 4000 liters of rum per day and utilizes the same high tech features as the rest of the distillery.  This is one of very few automated pot stills in the world and the entire distilling process is controlled and monitored by a touch screen device.

At the moment, the distillery is producing a large amount of rum and packaging it with a small bottling line.  This is about to change.  A new high tech setup is being installed within the year to keep up with demand, which is currently doubling annually.

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The Estate’s aging facility is also about to increase in size.  Their current warehouse is completely full and is being readied for an expansion that will double its square footage.  If Worthy Gold is an indicator, their aged rums will be just as impressive as everything else they’ve launched.

After our distillery tour, Gordon invited us to his home for a rum tasting, lunch and continued conversation about Worthy Park.  Having the opportunity to relax with new and old friends at a beautiful Jamaican plantation, sipping rum and talking shop was an experience that I will not soon forget.  It was the perfect ending to an amazing day.

If you ever find yourself in St. Catherine Parish, Jamaica, be sure to find your way to Worthy Park Estate.  Their high tech approach to making traditional pot still rum is inspiring and absolutely worth the long drive up the mountain.  Distribution outside of Jamaica is on the rise, so be sure to look for Rum-Bar Rum at a liquor shop near you.

Next up on our Jamaican rum excursion is a look at Hampden Estate, home of the brand new Rum Fire Overproof.  Stay tuned.

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As we all loaded onto the Rum Bus and looked at our map of Jamaica, we knew that our commute would be bumpy, hot, long, excruciating…..and totally worth it.  Our destination was Worthy Park Estate, makers of Rum-Bar Rum, Worthy Gold and Rum-Bar Rum Cream.  This distillery is  making high-end Jamaican rum in a very modern, efficient way and we couldn’t wait to see it.

We left the friendly surroundings of Montego Bay and drove up into the stunning mountains of the island’s interior.  Our driver, Kenny, assured us that the ride would be “no more than 3 or 4 hours on good roads” so we settled in for the trip.

Jamaica is a beautiful country and the first few hours of our journey were a real pleasure.  But as the roads got worse and our driver got lost, the trip became less enjoyable.  Several hours in, we stopped for a patty and bad coffee at a fast food joint and we all figured we were getting close.  Wrong!

At hour number four, Kenny finally decided to call the distillery for directions.  It was no surprise that we were nowhere near Worthy Park.  We backtracked, stopped to ask for directions, called the distillery again and kept up a confusing path around central and southern Jamaica.

After another hour of driving up and down unmarked mountain roads and through countless rural villages, we spotted something that had to suggest that we were close to a distillery.  A truck carrying a massive load of sugarcane slowly crept up the winding road in front of us and we insisted that Kenny follow it. 

We rounded one last corner and the dense surrounding jungle opened up to give us an unobstructed view of a lush green valley called Lluidas Vale.  In the distance, barely detectable on the horizon, was Worthy Park Estate.

A few miles later, the Rum Bus screeched to a stop and we all jumped out to stretch our legs and breath in the fresh, molasses-charged mountain air.  The surroundings were beautiful.  Endless fields of sugarcane rolled across the valley floor and lush green mountains provided a beautiful backdrop under the sunny sky.  This would be an idyllic location for a luxury resort, not to mention a sugar factory and distillery.

We were all relieved that we had finally reached Worthy Park and hoped that there would soon be sweet rum to sample.  Hell, a six hour van ride would drive just about anyone to drink.

Tune in tomorrow as we get a look inside the distillery at Worthy Park Estate and have a chance to try their line of rums.

Cheers!

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On Saturday, January 28, Robert Furniss-Roe, Regional President of Bacardi North America, along with Facundo L. Bacardi, Chairman of Bacardi Limited and great-great grandson of Company founder Don Facundo Bacardi Masso, welcomed 150 of Miami’s most elite tastemakers, Bacardi family members and current and retired Bacardi employees to an ultra-exclusive private party as part of the world-wide celebrations of the 150th anniversary of BACARDI rum.

Guests including New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez, actress Minka Kelly, actor Ryan Phillippe, media mogul and former Bacardi employee of 15 years Emilio Estefan, Latin music icon Gloria Estefan, NBA Legends Alonzo Mourning and Glen Rice, R&B singer Trey Songz, DJ Irie, Susanne Birbragher, Donald and Lisa Pliner, Roy and Lea Black, sports personality and former Miami Dolphin Jimmy Cefalo, Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Joe Martinez and Coral Gables Mayor Jim Cason arrived at the historic Bacardi Building in downtown Miami, which was transformed into a chic, tropical lounge for this special night. 

“The BACARDI 150th anniversary is a celebration, but it is much more than that. It’s a chance for Bacardi, the company, the family and the brand to sincerely thank the billions of customers and consumers who have helped take us from a humble distillery in Santiago de Cuba into one of the top three spirits companies in the world,” said Robert Furniss-Roe, Bacardi North America Regional President.

A towering wall of authentic rum barrels that were used in the actual making of BACARDI rum were shipped in from the Bacardi distillery in Puerto Rico created an entry point to the outdoor venue on Biscayne Boulevard. Upon arrival, guests were immediately engaged in an impressive display that showcased the evolution of the iconic BACARDI bat logo. A diamond shaped bar sat center stage, inviting party-goers to sample a wide range of cocktails featuring a variety of iconic Bacardi spirits.

Mid-evening, Robert Furniss-Roe and Facundo L. Bacardi joined BACARDI Maestros de Ron (Master Blenders) and guests to sample some of the most unique blends of rum in a one-of-a-kind tasting room filled with historic artifacts encompassing the 150 years of the Company and internationally recognized brand. A montage of iconic BACARDI vintage advertisements from the 1900s adorned the walls and a replica of the original alembic still used in the distilling process was displayed.

Outside, celebrity guests mingled with Bacardi executives while enjoying signature drinks, such as the Authentic BACARDI Mojito and the Original BACARDI Cuba Libre. The cocktails were complemented by butlered hors d’oeuvres that included mini tenderloins of beef and medallions of grilled lobster.

The evening celebrated 150 years since Don Facundo Bacardi Masso founded Bacardi in Santiago de Cuba on February 4, 1862 and revolutionized the spirits industry by creating the first smooth, light-bodied rum. The BACARDI rum formula, a family secret since its creation, is still closely guarded and known only to a few select family members and Master Blenders.

The ability to overcome and persevere where other companies failed has shaped the iconic global brands’ remarkable heritage and evolution. As a company, Bacardi faced US prohibition, illegal confiscation of its Cuban assets, exile during the Cuban Revolution and financial distress. Today, Bacardi sells in more than 150 countries and is the largest privately-held spirits company in the world. While the BACARDI Bat Device has evolved over the past 150 years, it remains a symbol of good health, fortune and family unity. 

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Mix the perfect drink with Speakeasy Cocktails, a complete how-to app that features video tutorials, instructional graphics, hundreds of interactive recipes, and expert advice from two award-winning bartenders.

Built and designed exclusively for the iPad, this groundbreaking how-to guide allows you to touch, watch, listen and read as you learn. Speakeasy Cocktails is a complete experience that combines the depth of a traditional book with stunning multimedia not possible on paper.

Features:

● Over 90 minutes of HD video tutorial featuring Jim Meehan and Joseph Schwartz, who founded New York City’s famed speakeasy revival bars PDT (Please Don’t Tell), Little Branch, and Silver Lining

● Authored by Rob Willey, seasoned mixology journalist who writes for Details and has contributed to Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, and the New York Times

● A unique collection of 200 recipes created by 58 professional mixologists from the today’s leading cocktail bars in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia

Includes:

● 40 HD video tutorials by two world-renowned bartenders who teach you how to make the classic drinks, from basic techniques like when to shake vs. stir, to advanced tricks like using eggs, swizzles and fire 

● All drink recipes are fully interactive – tap on any ingredient, tool or technique to learn more 

● Recommendations for more than 100 spirits, liqueurs, bitters, mixers & sweeteners 

● Buying Guide: With shakers, strainers, spoons, and stemware, discover what the pros use and where they shop

● History of the speakeasy, the secret bars that flourished during Prohibition in America 

● Interactive map with 44 of today’s secret speakeasy-revival cocktail bars across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia 

● Gorgeous photography of classic cocktails, tools, spirits and ingredients 

● Easy-to-follow navigation, allowing you to jump from recipes to videos to details of spirits and mixers 

● Ability to bookmark and easily search recipes, ingredients, and gear

● Quick-reference glossary with 190 key terms and definitions 

● Sticky notes and highlights that can be saved and shared with friends

Download it today from the App Store.

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Click here for the full story.

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The Chicago Sun-Times discovers Koval Distllery, a two year old micro distillery known for making high-end organic spirits on the city’s north side.

If you’re passionate about rum, enjoy bars dedicated to quality rum cocktails and want to meet other like-minded rum enthusiasts in the Seattle area, be sure to check out the next Rum Collective meeting.  Click here for details.

“The Flor de Caña distillery nearly went under during the Sandinista revolution — but with that episode past, the rum maker is growing and expanding.”  Public Radio International covers the triumphant return of Nicaragua’s favorite brand.

Havana Club Rum becomes one of the “Top Hot Brands” as named by UK’s Market Research Society.

For game day imbibing, Hamptons.com recommends a Santo Libre, a refreshing mix of Brugal Anejo, lime juice and lemon-lime soda. 

“Calling all sailors, pirates, bartenders, rum enthusiasts and drinkers of fine Caribbean spirits — there is a new rum in town.” The Miami New Times covers the launch of Brugal 1888.

Channel 3000 reports that Madison, Wisconsin-based Yahara Bay Distillers won a gold medal in the recent World Spirits Competition for their Premium Rum, beat out only by Don Q for the top prize. 

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The Rum Cruise pulled slowly into port at St. John’s, Antigua and all of the rummies on board waited anxiously for another great day of distillery touring and rum drinking.  We all knew that this day would be special.  We were about to tour Antigua Distillery Limited (ADL), makers of the famous English Harbour Rums and a place that the general public doesn’t normally have access to.  Rum Cruise definitely has its benefits.

We load into a small, hot, overcrowded mini-bus and we all grumble as we roll slowly through the morning traffic.  We anticipate a long, uncomfortable ride to the distillery, but we’re pleasantly surprised when we arrive at the front gate of an industrial site no more than 5 minutes later.  The sign reads “Antigua Distillery Limited.”  This is it!!

We’re met out front by Anthony Bento, Managing Director of ADL.  He welcomes our group and describes the interesting history of the facility.  Like most islands in the Caribbean, Antigua once had a plethora of sugar plantations and each had their own brand of rum.  Estate rum production decreased in the early 20th century and rum shops took over the tradition.  In 1934 several of these shops joined forces and developed Antigua Distillery Limited.  

Over the years, the new company acquired several estates and a sugar factory.  Their own unique, high quality molasses gave their rum a distinct taste and their first official brand, Cavalier, was launched in the early 1950s.  Cavalier remains a popular local label on the island, but today ADL is best known for their premium line of English Harbour Rums.

After donning hard hats and hair nets our tour of the distillery began.  Following visits to several tourist-friendly sites, it was interesting to see how this one worked, a plant that is admittedly not prepared for tours.  We walked single file on steel walkways through tight corridors and passageways to view the fermentation and distillation areas.  

One of the more interesting aspects of the plant is their unusual column still.  Because of height restrictions, it is stacked in segments, four sections wide, but operates the same as a traditional set up.  It is a one-of-a kind piece and shows just a bit of the innovation of everyone involved in this distillery.

We made a brief pass through the rum lab where new blends are designed and current products are tested for quality control.  We continued on to the bottling area which consists of a very simple and efficient line that was running full blast with just two employees manning the operation.

Our group finally congregated at an offsite tasting room where we had a chance to sample all three rums from the English Harbour line.  The 5 and 10 year aged varieties are amazing, but the 1981 vintage blew everyone’s mind.  At $225us, this is certainly a bottle of rum that belongs in the super-premium category, but our crew saw it as a worthy investment and bought nearly every bottle they had in stock.

English Harbour 5 Year has long been a favorite sipper at Rum Connection headquarters and it was a pleasure seeing where it is made.  ADL is an extremely understated distillery.  They are low on the usual tourist glitz and glam but heavy on what counts – consistently making wonderful rum.  

Thanks to all of our new friends in beautiful Antigua.  We will definitely be back to swim in your blue waters, mingle with your friendly people and, of course, drink more of your outstanding rum.  Cheers!!