Yum Yum Rum, National Rum Day

It's National Rum Day. Not like anyone needs an excuse to drink the festive spirit, but just in case, now you have justification.

I used to pass this spirit off as a sweet party drink sure to give me a raging headache, make me wonder what happened to my sunglass and how I got a fist-full of beads.

My whole perception of rum changed when I attended a rum dinner two years ago at Hemingways Island Grill in Estero, FL. I met Francisco "Don Pancho" Fernandez  the so-called rum czar and sipped on a 25-year-old barrel aged Panamanian spirit that sells for $400 a bottle: Panamonte.

Panamonte drinks more like a cognac than a rum, those rich oak flavors give it a silky quality and I can assure you there are no headaches. I tried Panamonte again this year at it's debut party in Panama, the country, not the city in the Florida Panhandle. Owner Jim Wasson also makes an overproof rum that you can actually sip on its own, called Panama Red.

Country music star Kenny Chesney is also a rum aficionado. He has just launched a line of spirits called Blue Chair Bay Rum. The portfolio includes a White, Coconut and Coconut Spiced selections.

If you look on the shelves in your local liquor store you'll see more and more flavored rums. Malibu is out with the first low calorie selection called Island Spice. It is made with Truvia. There is even a new rum distillery in Southwest Florida called Wicked Dolphin.

When you sit down at happy hour today and are asked, "What are you having?" start the night with a festive rum cocktail, or a refreshing splash over ice. Cheers!

Hangin' With Hemingway

I just returned from a FABULOUS trip to Panama, to attend the Boquete Jazz and Blues Festival. I have some great stories to share, but first thing is first.

After getting home and plugged back in yesterday, I started looking to connect on Twitter and Facebook, with my hosts, people I met and places I visited; The Hotel Panamonte being one.

Imagine my surprise when I pulled up this flier and saw MY NAME on the bottom. Following those of my friends and TRUE superstars, Jeff Lindsay and Hilary Hemingway!

As a radio personality I have received lots of accolades over the years. However, as a freelancer and blogger, constantly working to be bigger and better at my craft; seeing the words "renowned writer" in print just sent my rocket to the moon. Not to mention the esteemed company it was mentioned in, regardless of chance or any other circumstances.

We all have dreams and find inspirations in the smallest place. I just found mine today, on the last line of a flier posted on Facebook. I claim those words! And I'm letting you know, thanks for listening.

Here's hoping you'll find a bit of inspiration for your dreams today.

First Is Fun, Especially With Rum

When I think of rum I remember my first booze cruise in Key West, then that awesome one in Mexico, ooooooo and sampling rum punch at every bar in the Abacos, looking for the best and then there was….well, you get the idea. Rum to me has always been just a fun party drink, until now.

I was among the first in the world (literally) to try Panama Red, an over proof rum from the makers of Panamonte. The first tasting outside of the distillery in Panama, was held last night at Hemingway's Island Grill in Coconut Point (Estero, FL). It was such a big deal that Master Distiller, Francisco "Don Pancho" Fernandez flew in from Panama for a rare appearance.

Upon arrival we were handed a delicious Cachaca Caipirinha then escorted to tables set with three glasses of rum. I had never even considered the possibility of a rum dinner until I was in the middle of one. We started with the Pyrat rum and a plate of crostini, salty Gouda and sweet honey comb; Salt and sugar is always an enjoyable combination. The second course of tropical fruits didn’t excite me much, however, the vanilla rum sauce was excellent with the Zaya rum. Next up, a jerk snapper with a yogurt thyme sauce, served with a Red Sky rum punch. Cooked perfectly, a big hit!  There's more. A dessert I could've drowned in; white chocolate bread pudding and a Bourbon caramel sauce, served with the star of the night; Panama Red rum

So why was is Panama Red such a big deal? Because of it's higher alcohol content, overproof rum is typically used for mixing not sipping; it was a challenge to pull off. Panama Red is made from sugar cane, aged in used Bourbon casks in small batches and then blended together. The rum was very complex with sweet vanilla, hot cinnamon and comforting spice.

After dinner, the force behind Panama Red and Hemingway's, owner Jim Wasson, treated those of us who were still there to a rare, 25 year-old, Panamonte Reserva. This rum had notes of a fine Cognac and we sipped it like one.

I have a new appreciation for rum after learning about the distilling and bottling process. I was amazed that unlike wine, heat is good for rum in the barrel. That’s why the best rums typically come from tropical climates. The shape of the glass and how you breathe into it increases your ability to enjoy rum on it’s own. I was told that white rum will entice vodka drinkers and that there is an actual Rum University.

Hemingway's will be the first restaurant in the US to serve this special rum. A few bottles were purchased last night ($25) but were quickly stashed in bags and whisked off to unknown destinations. The existence of the only bottle in Southwest Florida, that I can confirm at this moment, is the one in my in my personal bar; signed by Don Pancho himself. YES!