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Archive for the ‘Rum’ Category

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Rum Review: Bermudez Don Armando

Posted by Arctic Wolf on May 9, 2010

This is the second review I am publishing with respect to the rums of Ron Bermudez . I previously reviewed the Ron Anejo Bermudez 5 Anos here on my blog based upon a sample bottle provided to my by Westway L. LTD.  My sample bottle of the Don Armando 1852 Ron Anejo 10 Anos rum was also supplied by Westway L. Limited, as they are introducing the Bermudez rums into my home Province of Alberta.  The year 1852 is proudly displayed on the label of each bottle of Bermudez rums indicating the year in which the Bermudez family began to produce rum commercially.   In fact, the Bermudez rums have been produced in the Dominican Republic practically from the beginning of its nationhood making the Bermudez Distillery the oldest commercial rum distillery in the Dominican Republic.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“…This is a soft, oily, slightly dry rum with a nice spicy oak accent on the tongue.   It is not as sweet in the mouth as the nose will suggest.  Rather than a rich brown sugar we have more of a mellow butterscotch on the palate….”

To read the full review please click here:

Rum Review: Bermudez Don Armando

Please enjoy the review and the cocktail provided at the end.

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Dark Rums, Rum, Rum Reviews | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off on Rum Review: Bermudez Don Armando

Rum Review: Bermudez Ron Anejo 1852

Posted by Arctic Wolf on May 2, 2010

Bermudez 1852 5 Anos de Anejamiento

Photo Courtesy of Westway

Earlier this week I received a welcome call from Westway L. LTD., who are the importers of the Bermudez rums in my home province of Alberta. They had suggested to me about six months ago that they would be bringing the Bermudez rums into Western Canada, and as a way of introducing the rums into this area would like for me to review a few samples of the range.  The rum has arrived and will be released in Alberta with a few weeks.

The Ron Bermúdez  Company, (as I guessed from the label on the bottle) has a long history that stretches back to 1852. This is almost as old as the Dominican Republic itself, and I think it is easy to suggest that the Ron Bermudez Company is an important part of the history of the Dominican Republic.  Don Erasmo Bermudez apparently created the company’s first rum, sold as Bitter Panacea which quickly became extremely popular and provided the foundation for the company’s  success.

The Company is currently in its fourth generation of management, still represented by the Bermudez family. Don Carlos Alberto Bermúdez Pippa, is currently the management leader for the company.  At the time of this writing I have been unable to access the Ron Bermudez website but I leave the link here in case access is available at a future time.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“…The rum flavours are there in spades, make no mistake;  rich caramel and butterscotch flavours lead out with soft ripe fruit following quickly.  A touch of citrus zest finds its way into the oak spices and the result is quite delicious. …”

You may read the rest of the full review here:

Review:  Bermudez 1852 5 Anos de Anejamiento

As always a few recipes follow the review!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Dark Rums, Rum, Rum Reviews | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off on Rum Review: Bermudez Ron Anejo 1852

Rum Review: Bacardi Rum 8 Year Old

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 25, 2010

For my introduction to this review I thought I would write a short history of the Bacardi Company.  I did a little research and realized very quickly that a “short’ introduction was impossible.  So I changed gears and wrote  instead a longer article called  “Ron Bacardi & Cuba – Turbulent Times” and published it “Extras” Section of my Blog  (And published previously on Rum Connection).  If you click on the article name you will be brought to the article.

One thought I would like to add, is that I went into this review fully expecting to dislike the Bacardi 8 Year Old.  It is, after all, quite fashionable to bash Bacardi and claim with a somewhat superior air that anything they make is for the masses, and therefore obviously inferior.  Let me say right up front that it is just that type of intellectual snobbery that made me pass up this wonderful rum for almost a year.  This rum doesn’t just break the stereotype I had in my head … it destroys it!!  Here is an except from my review:

“…. I could not help but notice that the delivery of the Bacardi 8 year old rum was very similar to the delivery of a really good whisky. I am not talking about flavours mind you, I am talking about style.  The rum carries a lovely light smoke, and a firm oak flavour which provides foundation and character.  This is not a sweet rum dripping with honey. It is a firm well oaked rum….”

You may read the full review here:

Review: Bacardi Rum  8 Year Old Rum

Please enjoy the review and the cocktails added.

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Dark Rums, Rum, Rum Reviews | Tagged: , , , , | Comments Off on Rum Review: Bacardi Rum 8 Year Old

Review: Hispaniola Mamajuana (Herbal Rum Liqueur)

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 20, 2010

Photo Courtesy Rum Runner Imports

Hispaniola Mamajuana is a liqueur based upon a herb infused rum and wine drink called mamajuana which is indigenous to the Isle of Hispaniola (modern island of Dominican Republic and Haiti).  The original mamajuana was a medicinal drink whose roots reach back to the original inhabitants of Hispaniola, the Taino, (who Columbus mistakenly called Indians).  This original drink was more of a tea beverage made by boiling local roots and perhaps bark.  As the drink evolved, honey was added as a sweetener, and over time rum and wine were added and the drink became the mamajuana known on the Island today.

In doing my research on this unique product, I came across a few suggestions that the original drink has medicinal properties to help with everything from arthritis to toothaches.  But the most intriguing suggestion is that  it has the ability to increase potency in men, and desire in women.  It is playfully called ‘Viagra Dominica’ by its adherents.  This means my review should be most interesting as I, like you, am genuinely skeptical, but genuinely curious about Hispaniola Mamajuana.

Hispaniola Mamajuana is produced by  Mardi S.A. made from aged rum and honey as well as a secret recipe of over twenty different herbs and spices. It bottled at 30 % alcohol by volume.  My sample for this review was provided by Rum Runner Imports who are bringing the product to market in my home Province.

Here is an excerpt from the review:

“….There seems to be a myriad of aromas trying to escape as soon as the glass is poured.  Anise,  woody herbs, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, honey, and faint airs of brown sugar all rise up in a stew of exotic aroma.  The nose is aggressive and almost seems medicinal with hints of menthol.  (I guess I should not be surprised as the original mamajuana is considered a medicine in folklore.)…”

You may read the full review here:

Review: Hispaniola Mamajuana (Herbal Rum Liqueur)

As usual I have included a couple of original recipes for your enjoyment!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Flavouerd Rums, Rum, Rum Reviews | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Hispaniola Mamajuana (Herbal Rum Liqueur)

Rum Review: Mount Gay 1703 Old Cask Selection

Posted by Arctic Wolf on April 18, 2010

Mount Gay 1703 Old Cask Selection

A well Sampled bottle of Mount Gay 17031703 is the year that the Mount Gay Rum was first produced on the Isle of Barbados, making Mount Gay Rum one of the oldest, if not the oldest brand of rum in the world.   Because Barbados is situated as a gateway from the Atlantic to the Caribbean, sailors from the Old World often used the island as the  first resting point on the way to the New World.  This meant Barbados was ideally suited for trade between the two worlds in the eighteenth and nineteenth century.  Part of that trade was rum which is why the island is rightfully considered the birthplace of  the rum trade.

The Mount Gay 1703 Rum is a premium blend which features aged rum stocks from selected barrels of the Mount Gay treasured reserve.  These barrels have been aged 10 to 30 years and feature the best that Mount Gay has to offer in the areas of Craftsmanship and Quality.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“…The rum has a bright coppery colour with black stains. It looks very rich and lively in the glass almost like a shiny new penny.  A swirl of the glass shows a nice sheen of oil on the sides with small legs tricking back into the rum.  Dark molasses and baking spices rise to my nostrils followed by a smokey leather.  Perhaps it is the colour of the rum fooling me, but I catch a scent of copper pennies in the air as well…”

Here is a link to the full review:

Rum Review: Mount Gay 1703 Old Cask Selection

As well you may enjoy my Cocktail Suggestion… Romantic Traffic

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I would like to thank the First Edmonton Chapter of the Rum Chums for providing the Sample of Mount Gay 1703 for this review.  It is truly great to have found friends such as these!!

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Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Dark Rums, Rum, Rum Reviews | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off on Rum Review: Mount Gay 1703 Old Cask Selection

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