Booze Review: Cockspur Rums

Yes, We Cane

Rum having a bit of a renaissance at the moment, especially dark rums made for sipping. Not only are there more brands (from more countries) making their way to the shelves, but their distillers are taking more care with their flavor profiles. We must admit, our experience with rums made in Barbados has been limited. We were excited, then, when Bajan brand, Cockspur sent us a couple of bottles for review— The Old Gold and VSOR 12.

Cockspur was founded in 1884 by Valdemar Hanschel. It was later passed to the Stade brothers, who were able to create a consistent flavor profile by introducing the first continuous column still to Barbados. They now produce a Fine Rum, Old Gold, VSOR 12, Rum Punch, Spiced Rum, Falernum, Overproof, Pineapple Coconu Splash and Green Apple Splash (most of these are only available in the Caribbean and Bermuda). First, we tasted the Old Gold, an 80 proof blend of light-bodied rum and old, full-bodied pot still rum.

On the Nose:

Cockspur's website says it presents notes of vanilla, cream and honey. We agree, but we'd also add caramel, light oak and maybe a hint of orange peel.

On the Tongue:

The flavor is smooth deep and sweet with a spicy finish as it reaches the back of the tongue. There are also some grassy notes at the throat. It has a long finish, with a pleasant spice eventually coating the tongue. In laywoman's terms, it's tasty enough to sip on the rocks with (maybe) an orange peel garnish and would taste great in a cocktail or with a simple splash of ginger beer.

Moving on to the VSOR 12, the 80 proof Very Special Old Reserve—a premium rum blend of the oldest rums kept on reserve at Cockspur's distillery in Barbados.

On the Nose:

The website mentions notes of toffee, vanilla and oak. We also noticed aromas of apricot or peach and orange. Point blank... it's scent is smooth and sexy.

On the Tongue:

There's definitely a creamy mouthfeel and (which basically means the flavor smoothly coats your entire mouth and disperses smoothly, like cream). The flavor is reminiscent of a good bourbon with strong vanilla, oak and spiced fruit notes. This is definitely a rum for solo sipping or creating cocktails that usually contain bourbon. Also, when it gets cold out, this'll be perfect for hot buttered rum.

Overall thoughts:

These are pretty darn good rums. Both are smooth and flavorful with just the right amount of bite. While we enjoy the VSOR 12, we found the Old Gold a little more pleasant because of its lightness (but maybe blame that on the weather in the NY area finally warming up a bit). Would we keep it in our home bar? Yes! Would we bring it to a house party proudly? Totally! We hope you'll try it and let us know your thoughts.

As always, Indulge wisely and responsibly.

Booze Clues: 5 Fun Facts about Rum

Hey Sugar!

Yesterday, we introduced our #TIPsyTuesday series on Instagram, twitter and Facebook, where we share information, tips and fun facts about wine, spirits and cocktails. Having recently enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of complimentary Appleton Estate Rum cocktails and Caribbean cuisine at New York's Solomon & Kuff Rum Hall while learning about the history and future of one of Jamaica's key exports, we figured rum would make a great starting point. If you missed our posts, here are the tidbits of trivia we shared (plus a couple of extras).

As many of us know, sugar became a major crop throughout the southern United States and Carribean. (Unfortunately, the sweet stuff was also a key component of the transatlantic slave trade.) 

Throughout history, rum, gin, whisky and  American whiskey have been used as forms of payment, even until the early 1900s in some places. (We still work for booze sometimes here, hehe.) Rum, especially, has been used to pay sailors, soldiers, farmers, day laborers and sometimes even slaves.

We must say this was a happy accident. Had it not happened, there would be no such thing as a daiquiri, a mojito or a piña colada (and that would basically ruin summer).

Very often, spirits are produced in areas with a large presence of limestone because the trace minerals in the water impart a fresh, slightly sweet taste. That, in turn, means the spirit will also have a more pleasant flavor.

The byproducts and waste are mostly used to further fuel operations at the estate to ensure a more eco-responsible production process.

Joy Spence, seen here with the newly unveiled Appleton Estate 50 Year Old, is the Master Blender at Appleton Estate and is also the first woman to be appointed Master Blender in the world (#blackgirlmagic).

Oh... we got to blend our own bitters at the event. Our mixture is currently resting in a cool, dry place, but stay tuned to our Instagram to see if we did a good job or not, and in the meantime, if you're in New York be sure to stop by Solomon & Kuff.

Booze Reviews: Ron Abuelo Anejo & Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka

Hot, Sticky, Sweet…

I’m always pleased to find booze news and cocktail recipes in my inbox. However, coming home to find a package containing bottles of booze to review is a definite day maker. The most recent box contained these two bottles:

 












Tomorrow is National Hot Buttered Rum Day, so the bottles were accompanied by a cocktail recipe (which I’ve shared at the bottom of this post). However before I could combine them, I had to taste them individually.

Ron Abuelo Añejo: Slightly sweet and a bit spicy with notes of vanilla and a hint of nuttiness. Ladies, it’s pretty strong in taste AND alcohol content (just about 80 proof). If you’re not a serious drinker, I suggest you keep this one for making mixed drinks (or serving to gentleman callers). I actually like sipping it neat (no mixers and no ice) in the evening.

Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka: Tastes just like I piece of caramel candy, but with a kick (a 70 proof one). This is a drink for someone who likes their drinks sweet, but still wants the feel the warmth in their chest. It plays nicely in cocktails, hot chocolate and coffee, but it’s also a delightful treat on its own.

Put them together, add a few more ingredients and you get:

HOT CARAMEL BUTTERED RUM 
 


3 oz Ron Abuelo Añejo
1 oz Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka
2 Tbsp stick Unsalted Butter, softened
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
2 Tbsp Honey
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
Cinnamon Stick

Add all ingredients (excluding rum and vodka) into a hot drinking cup or mug.  Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined and have formed a batter.  Add Ron Abuelo Añejo rum and Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka.  Pour in hot water (1 cup or more to personal taste) and stir vigorously until the mixture has dissolved.  Garnish with cinnamon stick.

I actually made myself a batch, and it was deliciously naughty! Oh, and the perfect shoe pairing for this drink is either a cozy pair of slippers, or…

Samanta Viv Boot (via CSNStores.com)

Technorati Tags: cocktail recipes,liquor reviews,Rum,vodka,boots

Booze Clues: What to Drink While Watching the Golden Globes

Glamour in a Glass

Having friends over to watch the Golden Globes? Wondering what to serve you guests? Here are a few suggestions, inspired by some of the night’s big screen nominees:

Inception: Those who are into the mind-bending thriller genre will be rooting for Leo Dicaprio & co. Serve them a Lucid Dream Stealer.

It’s a traditional absinthe drip. Pour cold water over 1.5 oz. Lucid absinthe.  Stir and enjoy the trip. *Note, it’s a flavor similar to licorice, but MUCH stronger. Not for those with timid taste buds.

 

Black Swan: Ahhh the graceful, yet disturbing psyco-thriller… and who can forget the kiss between Natalie Portman & Mila Kunis? Serve those who fancy the ballet flick a Dobel Tequila Twisted Swan.

1 1/2 oz Black Raspberry Liqueur                                1 oz DOBEL Tequila
1/2 oz amaretto liqueur
Shake DOBEL Tequila & amaretto with ice. Strain into chocolate rimmed martini glass.
Shake vodka with ice & layer into martini glass

The Social Network: Where would we be without good old F-B… without an easy way to share thoughts, info and recipes? Your communally-minded guests will enjoy a Flor de Cana Zuckerberg Zinger. Feeling really social? Make it a punch.

1 oz  Flor de Caña 7 year-aged rum
1 seedless Watermelon
One good pinch of Cayenne pepper
4 Sugar cubes
1 oz  Lime juice
1 oz Club soda                                                 Dissolve the sugar cubes in 1 oz. of club soda. Add and muddle several 1-inch pieces of watermelon. Finally, add the rest of the ingredients one at a time and stir as added. Chill.

Good luck to all the nominees! Check back soon for our red carpet shoe review!

 

Technorati Tags: cocktails,cocktail recipes,Golden Globes,Inception,Black Swan,The Social Network

Don’t Mess With Me Monday: Sam Edelman Winsford Booties

 

A Hot Toddie for a Haute Hottie

Mother Nature gave some people a white Christmas this year, and dumped loads of snow on others just in time to screw with their Monday morning commutes. You’re not the type to let that stop your show, though. It’s a good thing shearling styling is a shoe staple this season. These Sam Edelman Winsford ankle boots (available via DNA Footwear for $209.99) are the perfect partner in the battle against the treacherous terrain and temperatures. The lug sole provides traction, and the 1.5 inch platform will keep the salt and grimy build up on the street from ruining your shoes. The 5 inch demi wedge heel might be a tough balancing act for some, but it’s a cake walk for you, and the fact that it’s a bit chunky only makes it better. Then there’s the clog-like detailing and furry ankle accent, which provide a rugged, yet cozy look.

Tonight when you wet your whistle, you’ll want to warm it, too. Chase the chill from your bones with a Spiced Hot Toddy made of spiced Flor de Caña Nicaraguan rum, boiling water butter and a cinnamon stick. It’s a smooth, soothing, slightly spicy way to end your day. Plus, the Flor de Caña is strong enough to keep your street cred with your drinking buddies. That means if you drink too many, you may be teetering on those 5 inch heels. Remember, there’s ice on the ground, and your backside definitely won’t enjoy a swift trip to a concrete kiss.

Technorati Tags: cocktails,shearling shoes,Winter 2010 shoe trends,Hot toddy recipe,Flor de Cana Rum

Booze News: Happy National Daiquiri Day

Sweet Drinks for All

So here's a little something we bet you didn't know. Today, July 19th, is National Daiquiri Day. Apparently, (and according to Bacardi) the cocktail was conceived in a small town called Daiquiri, Cuba in 1898 by a mining engineer named Jennings Stockton Coz. The drink became popular, and the recipe spread throughout the area, eventually finding its way to the glass of Earnest Hemingway (who became one if its most famous fans). So, tonight toast the day at your neighborhood bar with a Hemingway Daiquiri (recipe & image courtesy of cocktailtimes.com). If your bartender doesn't know how to make one, you may suggest a career change, but only after suggesting and receiving a mixture of Appleton White Jamaican Rum (or another quality white of your choosing), fresh lime juice, fresh grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur. Remember, though, to mind your limit.