Tag: Rum Running

Favorite Five Rums of 2021

On By traderjaysIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

There is little doubt, in my mind and opinion, that 2021 was one of the best rum years for the state of Florida in recent memory. There were a ton of new rums brought into the state as well as a great slate of limited run rums… not to mention the insane lineup of Single Barrel releases that the Florida Rum Society brought us all.  After much deliberation, here are my Favorite Five of 2021 (with some honorable mentions thrown in there for good measure).

#5 – Worthy Park 109: This new standard offering from my favorite distillery had been anticipated for over year.  Whispers of it started at Miami Rum Congress in February of 2020 and it finally touched down Fall of 2021. This, for me, has become a cocktail staple in my bar and has replaced a number of different rums, some not even Jamaican. It is versatile and is now my standard Mai Tai rum. To quote myself, “It is like Worthy Park Single Estate Reserve and a Demerara 151 had a rum baby and it was crowned king of the Rum Gods!”

#4 – Appleton Estate Hearts Collection 1994: The wild ride of Appleton Hearts in the U.S. was a little crazy and I still don’t fully understand what happened.  These 3 initial bottlings were released in Europe about a year ago with the anticipated launch in the U.S. in March however March came and went without a whisper.  The last I had heard from a Campari rep was that they weren’t planning on even releasing them here.  Then, kind of out of the blue, they started to drop in November. Finding the set is like hunting a unicorn but they have shown up in some unexpected places.  I was lucky enough to secure a set and I actually love all three of them for how different they all are, but the 1994 is the stand out in my mind.

#3 – Ko Hana Koa Barrel: The Hawaiian Agricole Style rum coming out of Ko Hana is a wonderful breath of fresh air. I love everything they are doing with single cane varietals however this Koa Barrel Aged rum is, far and away, the most unique rum I had the pleasure of experiencing this year.  The endemic Koa wood gives this rum its deep red color along with some fantastic tasting notes of buttered toffee and cocoa. They only release 1-2 barrels a year and you can only buy it directly from the distillery so be on the look out and grab one when available.

#2 – Holmes Cay Australia 2012 (FRS Single Barrel): The first and only Australia release from Holmes Cay, this Beenleigh rum packs a punch!  Originally planned to be proofed down slightly, a happy accident had this rum bottled at full 67.5% and I, for one, am thankful that it is. It is bright with spicy chocolate, rose and eucalyptus and opens up with just a drop or two of water. This first FRS/HC collaboration really knocked it out of the park and I look forward to more in 2022! (There are a few bottles of this pick available exclusively at Five Star Liquors in Longwood, FL.

#1 – Worthy Park Special Barrel – FRS Gemini Barrels: Anyone that knows me is probably not surprised by this selection as my #1 rum of 2021!  This 13 year 100% Worthy Park Medium marque is one of the most special rums I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. The wait was well worth it and I will continue to give non-stop accolades to Zan Kong from Worthy Park, Michele Willard from Backbar Project, and Broc Smith for all their hands in making this a reality for the rum lovers of Florida.  This rum gives a full mouth feel and a bouquet of flavors that go along with the WPM marque including burnt pineapple, black cherry and olive oil.  It has an amazing finish that lingers for hours if you let it. There are an EXTREMELY limited number of these bottles available exclusively in the FRS Online Rum Shop. I have been known to say that I want this to be the last rum I experience before my time on this earth is over!

Here are few honorable mentions that just missed the cut: Hamilton Single Barrel (FRS): Enmore Wooden Coffee Still, Hampden Great House 2020, Grander FRS #2 – Toasted Oak Finish

And there we have it… my favorite rums of 2021.  Do you have a list of Top 5? Would love to see it either in the comments or in the FRS Facebook group!  Here’s to seeing what comes next in 2022!!!  Cheers!

Meet Johann Jobello – Transcontinental Rum Line

On By traderjaysIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Johann Jobello is a Product Manager for sugarcane spirits at La Maison & Velier.

As part of our month long celebration of Transcontinental Rum Line and their new 2021 release, we wanted the Florida Rum Society to meet Johann and have a change to learn more about him…

Johann was raised back and forth between France and Martinique, he’s been a promoter of the Caribbean culture, most recently working at the iconic LMDW shops and currently on the LM&V global team. With his Caribbean heritage and passion for high quality spirits, rum naturally became the perfect field for him to share his passions and expertise.

FRS: Tell us about your personal rum journey and background.

Johann: Rum has always been more or less present in my life. In the West Indies it is an integral part of our heritage. I wasn’t necessarily aware of it when I was younger– my journey has been far from linear. When I returned to live in Martinique in 2016, the idea of working in this sector gradually emerged. I had no experience in spirits and finally in early 2018, I started at La Maison du Whisky as a spirits vendor  in one of the two Parisian boutiques. I joined the LM&V global team in 2019 and had the opportunity to become deeper involved in production management at the beginning of this year.

FRS: What brought you to join the LM&V team?

Johann: My experience in the store was decisive: in contact with the thousands of references that we had, I deepened my knowledge day after day. Having already a passion for rum, I became intimately engaged with the sugarcane spirit projects from Velier—my passion was multiplied tenfold! When the opportunity to join the LM&V team presented itself, I made my interest known to work more closely with these amazing companies, producers and bottles.

FRS: How would you explain the TCRL concept to people unfamiliar with it?

Johann: The rum category is very broad and diverse. Everyone works differently. For me, the most important thing is that the consumer knows what he is drinking in full transparency. TCRL is the independent bottler range by La Maison du Whisky to offer the experience of tasting across many island and producer styles, with full transparency on where it was aged and for how long, and retaining the integrity of the spirit with no additives or flavoring.

FRS: Specifically, what is it about the TCRL line that you find most interesting?

Johann: Beyond the concept of the range and the values we want to transmit, I like the diversity we have shown in our bottlings. This is for me the most exciting challenge!

FRS: Do you have a personal favorite from this year’s line up?

Johann: Not surprising but the Trinidad 2001 is exceptional. One of best TCRL I ever tried! I think that the Australia 2013 can also a be great discovery for people who never heard about Australian rums.

FRS: Give us your favorite rum cocktail recipe.

Johann: I love Jamaican Negroni! We are less used to drinking rum with bitters but it works very well! My specs are 1,5 oz of Jamaican rum for some extra funk. TCRL Jamaica WP 2015 is perfectly suited. With 1 oz red bitter and 1 oz red vermouth, and big ice cubes.

FRS: When travel starts to be welcomed back to the world, is there anywhere that you just cannot wait to pack your bags and head off to?

Johann: Martinique! My whole family lives there. And I have to go around to visit the distilleries (again)!

FRS: Our members are itching to start traveling again and some have expressed interest in going to Martinique. Do you have any “Can’t Miss” things on the island you can share with us?

Johann: It all depends on what you want to do. Martinique: we obviously think about the beach, but I love to go to the mountainous part in the north or to the countryside far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Gorges de la Falaise in Ajoupa-Bouillon is an outstanding site.

FRS: Have you had the opportunity to visit Florida?  If so, where did you go, and do you have any specific memory that stands out?

Johann: Unfortunately not. I wish that I’ll be able to visit Florida in the future. Florida is a great mix of cultures; I would love to this that.

FRS: Sometimes FRS members will get jealous seeing all the special releases that Europe receives and which never make their way over to The US. Are there any releases that we have gotten here that have made you, living in Paris, jealous?

Johann: I think that from now on this will be less the case with the authorization of the 70cl format. Even if it was our own decision, I’m a bit jealous that you guys have this Trinidad 2001. We didn’t keep anything for us in Europe.

FRS: Do you have any hobbies or passions outside of rum?

Johann: I’m a huge fan of sports in general. I used to work in that field before, for several sports media. I would love to attend to a Miami Heat game. In another life, I would have liked to be an economist.

FRS: What are you most looking forward to over the next year or two?

Johann: Let the world regain a semblance of stability above all. My case comes second, I’m really not to be pitied!

Join the Florida Rum Society and Johann on our upcoming Virtual Happy Hour (Register)

Shop the Johann’s NEW line of TCRL rums in the FRS Rum Shop

Rumdemic from Privateer

On By traderjaysIn florida rum society, Rum RunningLeave a comment

One of the early goals of the Florida Rum Society was to ensure that the best rums make their way to Florida. One of the best, if not THE best, rum made in the U.S. is from Privateer in Ipswich, MA.

Maggie Campbell, the President and Head Distiller, is one of the best in the world and Andrew Cabot, CEO, is an all around wonderful human being! Read more about Privateer on their site.

In Spring, right before COVID 19 turned the world upside-down, we were fortunate enough to be selected to relaunch Privateer’s “single barrel” program (now known as their Letter of Marque series).

Letters of Marque were issued during the Revolution to authorize merchants to act as Privateers. Our Letter of Marque collection comprises single batch spirits from the Privateer cellar, selected in cask by our trade partners as stand out expressions and bottled to specifications in partnership with the Privateer distilling team. This bottle is one of a limited release, never to be available again.

From the Privateer Letter of Marque bottle label

Samples were provided to us in April and six members of the Florida Rum Society connected virtually with Maggie Campbell to walk through six different rum expressions.

It was nearly unanimous that we selected a 109.2 proof New England Rum. It was aged 2 years and 10 months in a New American Oak Barrel. Because of the timing of the selection we decided that it should be known as “Rumdemic” (we think it fits).

The new oak gives it the character of a bottled-in-bond bourbon with a depth of flavor and tastes of oak, caramel, toffee, black cherry, dried pineapple and hint of cinnamon. It is fantastic neat, on the rocks or even in a simple cocktail like a classic daiquiri.

I’m thrilled to be able to bring this once in a lifetime rum to the rum lovers of Florida! There are only 214 bottles of it so don’t wait if you want to grab a few. It is only available at Five Star Liquor & Wine in Longwood, FL. You can visit to call (407-389-0710) for orders.

Black Tot Day turns 50!

On By traderjaysIn florida rum society, Rum Running1 Comment

For those that follow rum, there is a good chance you’ve heard about “Black Tot Day”. For those that haven’t, I’ll give you the short version…

From 1655 to 1970 the British Navy gave their sailors a daily rum ration or tot. This was until July 31, 1970 when the last tot was distributed. This day became known as Black Tot Day (ready more here).

This year was the 50th anniversary of Black Tot Day and was marked by a 24 hour Virtual Rum Event hosted by the Black Tot Rum company. The Florida Rum Society was asked to join said event and made the video below. ENJOY! Up Spirits!

The Pagan Went Down to Georgia

On By traderjaysIn Visiting Tiki2 Comments

I don’t travel a lot for my “day job” however when I do I, obviously, like to try to find a nearby Tiki Bar to experience while I’m in town. This week’s work trip took me to Atlanta. I had the opportunity to briefly visit S.O.S. Tiki in Decatur a month earlier, but this latest visit was a full Tiki Extravaganza.

I’m not sure how long it has been going on, however, lately, there have been a number of “tiki takeovers”. This is when bartenders from one tiki bar travel to and mix at another tiki bar (and then, usually, they do the reverse swap – kind of like a home and home in sports). For this takeover, two bartenders from Pagan Idol in San Francisco came down to S.O.S. Tiki in the Atlanta area.

S.O.S. is located in small downtown Decatur and the entrance is down a side ally. Upon entering there is a small flight of stairs that leads you down into the main bar. The bar is small, slightly bigger than Suffering Bastard in Orlando. As it should be, it is dark and offers some “mystery”. The wall behind the bar features a nice assortment of rums as well as a fun collection of tiki mugs (including some of the Star Wars Geeki Tiki mugs… which I know are controversial but I love them so that earns points in my book).

On my previous visit Ieuan, the manager, was my fantastic bartender.  He was behind the bar to welcome me again however Nick, from Pagan Idol, would be my amazing host for the evening. Nick was fantastic from the start, walking me through the three special drinks they were featuring for the takeover. He explained that Plantation Rum was sponsoring the event and each drink featured a Maison Ferrand product (owner of Plantation Rums).

I decided to start with the Escape from Cognac (showcasing Ferrand Cognac). It was crisp and nice, a great element of orange and it was creamy but not (hard to explain).  It was different from the direction that I usually go with Tiki but very enjoyable. That’s a great thing about tiki and, specifically, these types of gatherings… you have the opportunity to try different things you might not normally choose.

While enjoying my beverage, and before things got to busy, I was able to chat with Ieuan and Nick some. Ieuan opened S.O.S. Tiki 4 years but then stepped away for a bit.  The call of tiki wouldn’t let up and he’s been back behind the bar and managing it for around 2 years.

Nick, as my bartender for the evening, received my favorite question… what’s the one rum you’d be stuck on an island with for the rest of your life. He went with a Agricole overproof because he figured he could sip it, make a Ti Punch, mix it, a little of everything.

I moved on to try the Toucan Dance, which featured Plantation 3 Star rum. This one is straight from the Pagan Idol menu. It was a little heavier, think Pearl Diver, but had an amazing balance of coconut (not overly powerful), orange and house-made Fassionola. The Pagan Idol team did a wonderful job with their exclusive, while supplies lasted, menu.

Michael from Plantation Rums brought some of the newest Plantation Single Cask offering.  I had the opportunity to sample a few as well as chat with Michael about my love for different rums and how much I enjoy the Plantation rum products. He was very generous with his time and sharing his insight about rum and the endless options it offers. His passion for rum and Plantation was clear… I think that’s one of my favorite things about tiki/rum is talking with people who are passionate about what they do and Michael was no exception.

From a tasting perspective, I was able to enjoy the Barbados XO and the Trinidad 1997. I have to say that the Trinidad is unlike any rum I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing. It is smoky and nutty, you can taste the Peat Whiskey from the cask then there is a bit of tobacco and vanilla on the end that lingers. Hopefully I will be able to find a bottle of my own, though, I know that sometimes can pose a challenge… especially in Central Florida where pickings can be slim. (Michael, if you end of reading this, tell me where to look!)

(Can I take a quick minute to say that I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with a number of members of the Plantation Rum team over the past few months and all of them have been wonder individuals. They are always willing to discuss their craft as well as their products, and they are genuinely interested in hearing about other people’s love for rum.)

After some tastings I then asked Nick if he could put together a Pagan Idol Mai Tai for me… he was extremely generous with his craft and I hope he realized how appreciative I was. While he was upfront that S.O.S. didn’t have all the rums that Pagan uses for their Mai Tai Rum Blend, it was a very enjoyable combination. He used some Smith & Cross and Rum-Bar Dark as well as some of the Plantation Single Cask Peru 2010 that was available. He, of course, added Pagan’s homemade Orgeat as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward, hopefully, to having a true Pagan Idol Mai Tai in San Fran in the future.

Finally, throughout the evening I had a chance to chat with some S.O.S. regulars who were on hand. Bruce was a great guy and we chatted about our own Mai Tai blends. I also had the chance to talk with Jeff about rums as he is a rum rep for several brands including Clement, Rhum J.M, Chairman’s Reserve and Admiral Rodney. He enjoyed hearing the story of “Trader Jay’s” and he, along with his lovely new wife, agreed to be my next two subscribers.

It was another enjoying Tiki Evening! The takeover was an amazing surprise and everyone I encountered from the S.O.S crew to the visiting Pagan bartenders to the Plantation gang to the friendly regulars were wonderful to talk with. It was a great, inclusive atmosphere where everyone was welcome. I very much look forward to another visit to S.O.S. in the future as well as, hopefully, crossing paths with all the individuals I had the pleasure of interreacting with. Cheers & Mahalo!

Rum + Dinner = Perfection

On By traderjaysIn Visiting TikiLeave a comment

A few weeks ago Mrs. Trader (Nautical Nina) and I had the opportunity to experience the Sapphire Falls Rum Dinner. The Universal Orlando Loews Resort puts on this event 2-3 times a year. Each time they feature a different rum brand and pair their multiple offerings with a five course dinner. This past evenT starred Plantation Rums. From start to finish it was a Rum-Riffic evening! SPOILER ALERT: We LOVED this event and will be back for the next one and would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who is a Rum Lover or a Foodie (or BOTH, like us)!

Upon arrival at Sapphire Fall, we were directed downstairs to Amatista Cookhouse.  There we checked in and were welcomed to the patio for beer, wine or, of course, rum.  They had a punch pre-made with Plantation Three Stars rum. I will say that while good, the punch could have benefited from being served over crushed ice like a Painkiller.  There were some passed appetizers while everyone waited to be welcomed in the dining room.

We had the pleasure of talking with Phil, Assistant Director of Food and Beverage, before the doors opened to welcome us to our tables. Phil is an amazing host and definitely is one that will go above and beyond to make you feel welcome.

Prior to entering the dining room we were assigned a table. Nautical Nina and I joined Rum Master Eddie, his wife, son and brother all at Table #1. As we entered and found our table, we settled in for dinner. The rum punch from outside was also available at each table but the best was yet to come.

We started with Sticky Santiago Spareribs which were agave braised with a pineapple mango chutney. The ribs were paired with a Carnaval featuring Plantation Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple Rum. I already knew I was a big fan of Stiggins’ Fancy rum and this drink was wonderful.

It had a little charred pineapple in it, which was a nice touch. It was during this first course we were introduced both to Aaron, our mixologist for the evening from Sapphire Fall, and Rocky, Rum Ambassador for Plantation Rums. During the course of the evening Aaron would share how he built each rum drink and Rocky would give great information on each Plantation rum. (Rocky had amazing stories about the lengths that the Planation team goes to in order to ensure a premium, quality product. It was really wonderful to have the opportunity to hear those stories first hand.)

Next we moved to a Simple Seared Scallop paired with a Voodoo Lemonade made with Plantation Three Stars.  The lemonade was nice, light, made for pool side enjoyment. 

Then the soup course was a Bahamian Bouillabaisse (with snapper, shrimp, calamari and mussels) which was paired with a Plantation Original Dark Overproof “Red Tide”.  Since first coming out I have enjoyed the O.F.T.D. Overproof from Plantation and Red Tide was very nice… had an Old Fashioned feel to it, slightly sweeter.  It was a good contrast to the seafood soup.

The main course was an amazing Caribbean Rubbed Ribeye which was matched with, in my opinion, the highlight of the evening… The Smoke Show with Plantation Original Dark. Aaron served it “trapped” in smoke and then released the drinks and smoke to fill each table. The aroma of the smoke paired perfectly with the drink and steak. This was so enjoyable that Phil, and our wonderful waiter Henry, were kind enough to grab us another round.

We “ended” with a Autumn Spiced Cheesecake and Plantation Barbados 2002 Gran Terroir rum for sipping.  The cheesecake was fantastic with hints of cinnamon, clove, allspice and more.  The Barbados 2002 is a great sipping rum… it is how a Barbados Rum should be… a little “lighter” than a full Jamaican rum but able to stand on its own and represent Barbados with a slightly sweet finish.

The good news was that the evening was not even over yet… we ended back on the patio with hand-rolled cigars, coffee and one of Plantation’s newest offerings, their Xaymaca Extra Dry.  I have had the opportunity to become very familiar with this wonderful offering from Plantation… so much so that it actually is part of my “Mai Tai Rum Blend”.

I would be remise if I didn’t call out the fact that I had the opportunity to meet “Typhoon Tommy” (designer/builder of the beautiful Suffering Bastard tiki bar) and his fiancé, Kari (creator of Magical Tiki Meet Up). It was wonderful to chat with them about all things rum and tiki, and I hope that our paths will continue to cross in the future.

It is hard to put into words just how fantastic the Rum Dinner was. Phil’s team hosted an amazing evening and Aaron did a wonderful job building and pairing the drinks. (Shout out to Henry too… he was attentive and personable and has a true eye for guest service!) It was wonderful to hear the stories from Rocky and have the opportunity to chat with him thought out the evening (how do I get his job?!?!). Fernando, the incredible manager of Strong Water, also made an appearance and, like always, it was a pleasure catching up with him.

(Special THANK YOU to Rum Master Eddie who is always a wonderful host and makes sure we don’t miss the invites these events!)

While the next hasn’t been scheduled, Nautical Nina and I will definitely be joining!  Keep your eyes on my Instagram (@trader_jays) and I’ll be sure to post as soon as the next one is announced… I’d love the chance to taste some rum and eat some amazing food with everyone.