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Review: Eau Claire Gin Rummy

Posted by Arctic Wolf on October 4, 2016

gin-rummyEau Claire Distillery opened as Alberta’s first craft distillery in the summer of 2014. The facility is located 35 minutes southwest of downtown Calgary in the picturesque Hamlet of Turner Valley. The name ‘Eau Claire’ has historical significance in Alberta, meaning ‘clear water’, and is representative of the clear water from the nearby Rocky Mountains that is used as the water source of the distillery.

The folks at Eau Claire pride themselves in sourcing locally farmed ingredients, including grains and potatoes from neighbouring farms. Each ingredient is secured from suppliers who are known and respected in Alberta’s agriculture profession. Eau Claire’s Gin Rummy is an Albertan take on a classic drink which mixes the satisfying taste of both gin and rum, with winter spices added for a unique taste sensation. The spirit is hand crafted, barrel finished, and made only by Eau Claire.

Here is a link to my review of this unique spirit:

Review: Eau Claire Gin Rummy

“… The gin influence within the spirit seems to bring forward an impression of dark licorice which is almost Sambuca-like in its intensity. There are wisps of piny juniper and hints of both cardamom and coriander spice (and perhaps ginger) as well. Underlying these gin-like impressions is a lovely rum-like sweetness of butterscotch and caramel. There is also perhaps some wood spices mixed in with hints of clove and cinnamon rounding out the aroma. …”

Please enjoy my review, Chimo!

 

Posted in Liqueur, Liqueur Review, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Eau Claire Gin Rummy

Review: Big Rig Sugar Beet Brum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on October 2, 2016

easy-sam_2775The Big Rig Craft Distillery opened their doors on October 17, 2015 and they already have an impressive line-up of spirits for sale at their boutique store within the facility. These spirits include their Premium Vodka and Wildrose Gin; their selections of White Dog Distillate (not whisky for three years yet); and their intriguing Sugar Beet Brum. As well, they are experimenting with an array of flavoured Vodkas some of which are bottled and ready for sale, and others which are in development.

Sugar Beet Brum is produced from raw (brown) sugar manufactured from Alberta Sugar Beets on the company’s main still (Mighty Morley). This is a versatile still consisting of a large wash still, two columns, and a condenser. Chemically, sugar manufactured from sugar beets has the same composition as sugar derived from sugar cane, and in fact if this product was manufactured from cane sugar it could legally be called rum. As Sugar Beets rather than Cane is the source of the raw material for distillation, the folks at Big Rig decided that Brum was a suitable name.

Here is a link to my review of Big Rig’s Sugar Beet Brum:

Review: Big Rig Sugar Beet Brum

” … The Brum has a very rum-like nose with semisweet butterscotch rising into the air alongside aromas of mushy banana and orange peel. Some light hints of menthol are apparent as well as a very light underlying grassy herbaceousness …”

Please enjoy my review of this very unique spirit which includes a Commodore inspired cocktail I call Easy.

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(More complete information regarding the production of Big Rig Craft Distillery spirits can be found here: The Big Rig Distillery Tour.)

Posted in Rum, Rum Reviews, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , | Comments Off on Review: Big Rig Sugar Beet Brum

The 2nd Annual Edmonton Rum Festival

Posted by Arctic Wolf on September 30, 2016

159736The folks at Vines Riverbend Wine Merchants (who have produced the very successful Edmonton Whisky Festival for the past 6 years) have teamed up with Lexus Edmonton and Capital FM 96.3 to bring you the Edmonton Rum Festival for the second year in a row!

All proceeds raised at the event will be donated to the MS Society of Canada – Alberta Division.

This is a great chance to taste a strong selection of rums produced from around the world as well as to meet and discuss the noble cane spirit with industry and distillery representatives.

Monies raised at the event will help those affected by MS in our community, as well as help to fund research towards a cure.

2015_Presenting-Sponsors-680x130

Where: Edmonton Delta South Hotel – Grand Ballroom
4404 Gateway Boulevard

When: Friday, September 30, 2016
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Ticket Price: $90.00 each: available online here
(Tickets are also available in-store at Riverbend Wine Merchants (780 434 9444 ))

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What do you receive for the price of a regular admission ticket?

A commemorative Glencairn glass, an event program, a gourmet buffet throughout the evening, over 75 rums to sample, a chance to win a bottle of rum a month for a year and an opportunity to bid on a number of rum themed silent auction items. The price of a ticket includes entrance and rum sampling (you do not have to buy additional sample tickets).

Will the Festival be as crowded as last year?

Based upon the overwhelming success of last year’s festival, the event has been moved to a larger ballroom venue; however the amount of tickets available for sale has not increased. This should ensure a relaxed atmosphere where you can spend time enjoying the noble spirit we call rum.

Are tickets available at the door?

Although tickets will be available at the door, it is strongly advised that you order your tickets in advance to ensure your attendance! Last Year’s event sold out!

Is there parking at the hotel?

The hotel has limited available free parking. However, it is encouraged that you use public transportation and cabs.

Can you get a preferred rate at the Delta as part of the Festival?

Yes! Stay at the Delta Edmonton South for the night at a rate of $165. Call the Delta Edmonton South at 780-434-6415 and ask to book in the Rum Festival open block.

How do you find the rums on the list that you want to sample?

The booklet you receive on entering is set out alphabetically by the local agent/importer responsible for each rum company. The tables in the ballroom follow that list in a clockwise direction. Each table is marked with the name of the agent/importer to help you find them easily.

Do you need to purchase drink tickets to be able to taste the rums?

Certainly not! Sampling is included in the admission price. However, you will require a stamp book for your samples which will be available at the door.

Should you wear perfume/after-shave?

One of the great joys of any spirit tasting event is nosing the glass to identify subtle nuances and delicate aromas. Unfortunately this experience can be compromised by perfume, cologne and after-shave worn on your own person or even by somebody else some distance away. So please refrain from wearing any perfumed scents for the duration of the Festival and advise your guests accordingly.

Should you keep your ticket stub?

Absolutely! Bring your stub into Vines Wine Merchants by the end of Nov. 2016 to receive a 10% discount or $10 off, whichever is the better deal on a rum purchase.

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VinesThe folks at Vines do a fantastic job every year with both the Annual Edmonton Whisky Festival and the Annual Edmonton Rum Festival.

I encourage you to attend and enjoy yourself. It is a great atmosphere with Rum Insiders, Brand Ambassadors, and Rum Enthusiasts from across Canada and around the World. You might even run into the Rum Howler, as I have my two tickets reserved already!

Note: All proceeds raised at this event are donated to the MS Society of Canada – Alberta Division.

For more information please contact:

Vines – Riverbend Wine Merchants (Edmonton)

Posted in Festivals, Festivals and Events | Tagged: , , , , | 2 Comments »

Introducing: Captain Morgan Jack-O’Blast

Posted by Arctic Wolf on September 29, 2016

captain-morgan-jack-oblast-bottle-shotToday Captain Morgan announced a new offering just in time for the October Halloween season. Building upon the success of last year’s release of Captain Morgan Cannon Blast (see my review here), Captain Morgan is adding a new Limited Edition Spiced Rum to the shots category with their brand new Pumpkin Spiced Rum, Captain Morgan Jack-O’Blast Limited Edition Pumpkin Spiced Rum, the first pumpkin spiced rum offering to ever hit shelves

The premise of the new spiced flavour is autumn in a shot glass, as Captain Morgan has blended Caribbean rum with some of your favorite fall flavors, fresh pumpkin and cinnamon (as well as other autumnal spices) creating what they hope will be an insanely delicious shot. Of course, I had to put it through the paces of my review system to see if it was all that Captain Morgan promised.

You may click on the following link to read my full review:

Review: Captain Morgan Jack-O’ Blast

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Although the new Limited Edition Spiced Rum is being marketed for the shot glass, Captain Morgan’s media team also sent me this promotional serving they hope you will enjoy, the Apple Jack-O Cocktail:

Apple Jack-O Cocktail

1.5 oz. Captain Morgan Jack O’Blast
4 oz. Chilled Apple Cider
Ice

Add Ice to a serving Glass
Add Captain Morgan Jack-O’Blast with chilled apple cider
Enjoy Responsibly!

Chimo!

Posted in Rum | Tagged: , , , | 4 Comments »

Review: Buck 8 Year Old Bourbon

Posted by Arctic Wolf on September 29, 2016

BuckBuck 8 Year Old Bourbon is a Kentucky Straight Whiskey produced and bottled by Frank-Lin Distillers, Products Ltd. who have been a bottler and producer of distilled spirits since Frank Maestri founded the company in 1966. (Frank-Lin currently operates out of their new facility in Fairfield California with annual capacity of over 10 million cases of wines and spirits.)

Buck Bourbon is bottled at 90 % alcohol by volume.

Here is a link to my full review:

Review: Buck 8 Year Old Bourbon

“… the initial nose brought forward light grassy smells with an added light sweetness of caramel and butterscotch and a gentle sweep of vanilla. Somewhere in that mixture was a mild impression of graham wafers as well. I allowed the glass to sit, and aromas of corn syrup began to separate from the butterscotch, with wood spice and hints of rye grain. The grassiness which I noticed initially gave way to a more herbaceous quality which reminded me of heather with a light licorice scent melded into it …”

Please enjoy my review!

Chimo!

Posted in American Whiskey, Whisk(e)y, Whisk(e)y Review | Tagged: , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Buck 8 Year Old Bourbon