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Lemon Hart Rum & Poppy Trust Fund

Posted by Arctic Wolf on November 1, 2012

If you have not yet ‘Liked’ Lemon Hart Rum on Facebook, November may be the time to do so while helping them reach their goal of raising up to $5000 for The Royal Canadian Legion’s Dominion Command Poppy Trust Fund. During the month of November 2012, Lemon Hart Rum will donate $1.00 for every ‘Like’ they receive to the Dominion Command Poppy Trust Fund of The Royal Canadian Legion.

About the Poppy Trust Fund

On July 5, 1921, the forefather of The Royal Canadian Legion, the Great War Veterans Association, adopted the Poppy as its “Flower of Remembrance”. Each year approximately 18 million poppies are distributed (by Legionnaires, Veterans and cadets across Canada ) to all persons who makes a contribution large or small. The proceeds, after deducting expenses such as the costs of poppies, wreaths and other supplies, are placed in trust to be used for the benevolent support of Veterans and their dependents.

The primary purpose of the Poppy Trust Fund is to provide financial assistance to veterans in need, and to their dependents. In accordance with the General By-laws of The Royal Canadian Legion, the need may be for shelter, food, fuel, clothing, prescription medicine or necessary transportation. Comforts for veterans and their surviving spouses who are hospitalized and in need, may also be provided.

So Please Visit the Lemon Hart Facebook Page and “Like” Lemon Hart Rum. Here is the Link:

Facebook.com/LemonHartRum

Posted in Dark Rums, Extras, Fund Raisers, Rum | Tagged: , , , , | Comments Off on Lemon Hart Rum & Poppy Trust Fund

Reviews: Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum and The Kraken

Posted by Arctic Wolf on October 31, 2012

Captain Morgan Rum has expanded their range of spiced rums to include a new “Black” spiced rum. I strongly suspect that the recent success of the Kraken Black Spiced Rum has motivated a move in this direction in order to garner a segment of this market. Of course just as was the case with the Kraken, the launch of the Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum was accompanied with a slick media campaign to push the rum into the forefront of the rum aficionado’s consciousness.

I decided that I should revisit the Kraken, and at the same time review the Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum. And what better day than Halloween to publish the two reviews. If you are familiar with my previous review of Kraken Black Spiced Rum, you will notice that the review has not changed much. (I did adjust the score a little to reflect my current opinion.) My Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum review is however, freshly pressed and brand new.

Here are the reviews for your enjoyment:

Review: Kraken Black Spiced Rum

Review: Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Posted in Flavouerd Rums, Rum, Rum Reviews, Spiced Rum | Tagged: , , , , , , | Comments Off on Reviews: Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum and The Kraken

The Year in Tequila

Posted by Arctic Wolf on October 30, 2012

All things considered, I had a pretty good year with respect to the spirit called Tequila in 2012. I was able to help in a small way with Edmonton’s first Tequila festival earlier this month, and I was able to double the number of reviews here on my website. Although Tequila has a small following in my local market (relative to rum and whisky), that small group of tequila aficionados is very passionate about their favourite spirit; and, I believe that group of Tequila lovers is steadily growing!

In an effort to recognize the growing importance of this spirit in not only my locale, but also as a global spirit; I have decided this year to give Tequila its own awards page on my website this year (last year I grouped the Gin, Tequila and Vodka Awards together all on the same page).

It is time to reveal my Tequila awards by looking at the Rum Howler’s Year in Tequila.

Here is a Link to the Awards Page:

The 2012 Rum Howler Awards – The Year in Tequila

Congratulations to all the Award Winners!

Posted in Anejo Tequila, Awards, Blanco Tequila, Extras, Reposado Tequila, Tequila, Tequila Review | Tagged: , , , , , , | Comments Off on The Year in Tequila

Review: Captain Morgan Silver Spiced Rum

Posted by Arctic Wolf on October 28, 2012

Captain Morgan Rum traces its history back to 1945 when Seagram’s CEO, Samuel Bronfman, negotiated the purchase of the Long Pond Distillery from the Jamaican Government and formed the Captain Morgan Rum Company. The company’s iconic rum brand, Captain Morgan’s Original Spiced Rum was based upon a recipe purchased from two local Jamaican pharmacists, the Levy Brothers, who had developed the recipe using rum from the Long Pond Distillery. The brand is now owned by the Diageo Conglomerate, and their Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum is the best-selling spiced rum in the world.

The subject of this review, is the lessor known Captain Morgan Silver Spiced Rum, which (according to the Captain Morgan Website), is a blend of clear, rich Puerto Rican white rum and tropical spice with sweet vanilla character. It is bottled at 35% alcohol by volume and fortunately for me, the Diageo Marketing Team here in Alberta provided me a the sample of the Canadian bottle for my review.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… The initial aroma is pleasant with a pleasing (but very mild) mixture of butterscotch and vanilla rising into the breezes. I sense some tropical fruit (mango, banana and orange peel) and light accents of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Also rising into the breezes is a very light oakiness…. “

Here is a link to the full review which includes a great cocktail of mine, the Spiced Darwin:

Review: Captain Morgan Silver Spiced Rum

Please enjoy the review, Cheers!

Posted in Cocktails & Recipes, Rum, Rum Reviews, Spiced Rum | Tagged: , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Captain Morgan Silver Spiced Rum

Review: Hetszolo Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos (2001)

Posted by Arctic Wolf on October 28, 2012

Tokaj-Hétszolo white dessert wines are made from 100% Furmint grapes at the Tokaj-Hétszolo Estate, which lies on the south side of Mount Tokaj in the north of Hungary, 200 km east of Budapest. This part of the world is known for its exceptional growing climate; and in fact, has been protected since 1772 by the first appellation of origin awarded in the entire world, (a full 83 years before Bordeaux wines were officially classed). The Tokaj-Hétszolo dessert wines are unique not just for where they are created; but also because of the unique manner in which the grapes are harvested. The grapes selected to produce the wine are not picked when they have ripened; rather they are left to “rot” or “Botrytise” on the vine and picked by hand as late as possible in the growing season.

I should point out that the appearance of the “noble rot” depends not only upon the location (or terroir) of the vineyards, but upon the irascible weather. It is not uncommon for no Aszú grapes to appear for several years at a time. This makes the Hetszolo Tokaji Aszu a special wine which can only be produced when conditions are right.

The particular Aszu wine I am reviewing today is the Hetszolo Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos (2001). I was provided with this bottle by Thirsty Cellar Imports who is the local importer here in Alberta.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… The wine displays a pleasing golden amber in the glass, and the initial nose brings forward immediate notes of green apple jelly and fresh green grapes. Swirling the wine gently in the glass brings much more into those breezes above the glass. The scents of freshly opened cans of apricots and pears; a sweet aroma of honey and caramel; light sensations of freshly sliced lemons and pineapple; and a vague but persistent impression of cashew peanuts all dance playfully above the glass…. “

Here is a link to the full review (which contains a little more information about botrytised wines):

Review: Hetszolo Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos (2001)

Please enjoy my review!

Posted in Dessert Wine Review, Wine Reviews - Port | Tagged: , , , , , , | Comments Off on Review: Hetszolo Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos (2001)