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FOM New England: Rum Tasting Party- 10/13/07 |
Scottes
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 18, 2007
Posts: 490
From: A Little North Of Boston
|  Posted: 2007-09-11 7:03 pm Permalink
Well, I've got the list of rums nailed down. After discussing things with Bargoyle, I decided to take a tiki-centric angle to this tasting. So I did a bunch of research today in work (don't tell), a bunch of thinking, and then hit the Beachbum's books, my Trader Vic book, and my Donn The Beachcomber book. After all this, I lined up an assortment of rums to help explore the history of rums used in tiki drinks. A few non-tiki rums are mixed in that will walk us through the history of rum and hopefully help understand the choices made by the old great tiki bartenders.
Finally, at the end, we'll taste a number of rums which are not tiki at all but are some spectacular rums chosen to show what can be done with a bit of molasses, the right yeast, the right barrel, and the Caribbean climate.
Right now the list is 14 rums long, and may grow to 15.
The general outline of the tasting:
I'll begin by passing out some papers with key information. Choice articles on rum, important web sites, book recommendations, notes on tastes that can be found in rum, a sheet for scratching down tasting notes for each of the rums, and a "cheat sheet" of what tastes you might find in each particular rum.
We'll then explore some history of sugar cane, its impact on the islands, the "discovery" of fermented molasses, and the impact of THAT on the islands and New England. We'll explore some of the processes involved in making rum - making sugar, fermenting the molasses, distillation methods, aging methods and blending. And then we'll discuss my opinions on how to taste rum, the effects of ice and water and time and the glass.
We'll then begin to taste rum.
Each rum will be approached with some interesting history and factoids, and some understanding (and hypotheses) on its impact on tiki drinks. The rums will be tasted in an order that builds knowledge, both for the brain and the taste buds.
Amongst all these rums I will digress quite often, since I'm known to do that, and it will be entertaining since I'm full of useless cra... trivia.
Finally, at the end, we'll sip some premium rums while exploring the aging process - particularly the casks and their effects on the rum, but we'll once again discuss different aging and blending methods.
And then, subject to the mercy of Onkonkuluku University, everyone will be awarded certificates establishing their credentials in the mysterious science of Rumology.
And the Bargoyle will make us all Spindrifts....
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The Mayor Of Exotica
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Oct 09, 2005
Posts: 392
From: Boston
| Posted: 2007-09-11 7:17 pm Permalink
Quote:
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All of the Mayor's samples will be Bacardi Silver.....all 15 of them! 
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I got a down payment on a headache just from reading this!!!
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Bargoyle
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 18, 2004
Posts: 1025
From: Tolland, CT
| Posted: 2007-09-12 10:42 am Permalink
PLease note that the tasting has been moved to the 13th!!
And the start time pushed up a bit (2pm pre-show cocktails...3.30 tasting starts)
Hope everyone can still make it.
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jpmartdog
Grand Member (5 years) 
Joined: Mar 27, 2005
Posts: 650
From: Amesbury, Mass
| Posted: 2007-09-12 2:05 pm Permalink
Bummer, I'm out. No rum for me - gotta work this weekend and finish da newest mural!
Have fun having rum. 
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pappythesailor
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 07, 2005
Posts: 1563
From: Mass.
| Posted: 2007-09-12 2:12 pm Permalink
That's OCTOBER 13th!
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jpmartdog
Grand Member (5 years)
Joined: Mar 27, 2005
Posts: 650
From: Amesbury, Mass
| Posted: 2007-09-12 4:52 pm Permalink
sheeesh, I am a stupid f*#k.... I guess I can go after all. I guess... if I'm not dead!
LOL what a dope.
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The Granite Tiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 02, 2005
Posts: 785
From: Nashua, NH
| Posted: 2007-09-12 5:07 pm Permalink
I still can't go. And I'm sad.
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Scottes
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 18, 2007
Posts: 490
From: A Little North Of Boston
| Posted: 2007-09-12 6:21 pm Permalink
Carl, what if we start thinking about Rumology 201 at your place? (I don't mean to invite all of us to your house, but you did offer last week...)
And if not Rum, what about a night of "Weird Tiki Ingredients"? Perhaps we could get folks to bring over some falernums, orgeat from various places and maybe homemade, the same for passion fruit syrup, Pearl Diver's Mix, and other such odd ingredients? Even the stranger liquors and liqueurs, like Maraschino and Parfait Amour? I think it would be quite interesting to sample different brands of such ingredients, compare them, and compare some cocktails with them.
Just something to think about for a future gathering....
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The Granite Tiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 02, 2005
Posts: 785
From: Nashua, NH
| Posted: 2007-09-12 10:43 pm Permalink
Scottes, I'd love it!
You all have a great time at Rumology 101, and as always, have several for me, and I'll contact you with some possible dates for Rumology 201 or "Rum North" 
[ This Message was edited by: The Granite Tiki 2007-09-12 22:52 ]
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johnman
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Apr 18, 2005
Posts: 452
From: RI
| Posted: 2007-09-16 12:09 pm Permalink
Right now I'm in! I don't think Miss will be able to come so I'm definitely crashing at your place Bargoyle! I know my track record there so driving isn't a really good idea.
Scottes - this sounds awesome man! Thanks for taking the time to put together the tasting.
Hey maybe you could theme a 301 party around classic food? And of course working in the best drink to complement each dish. Could be kind of a pot luck setup and everyone contributes a certain dish. Just a thought.
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Scottes
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 18, 2007
Posts: 490
From: A Little North Of Boston
| Posted: 2007-09-16 12:12 pm Permalink
I think that's a great idea. I was flipping through Taboo Table last night. Rumaki... Mai Tai Pie... Absolutely a good idea!
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Bargoyle
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 18, 2004
Posts: 1025
From: Tolland, CT
| Posted: 2007-09-20 6:44 pm Permalink
There's still a few spots open for the tasting. Grab em quick.
Unlimited seating for the after-tasting party!
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johnman
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Apr 18, 2005
Posts: 452
From: RI
| Posted: 2007-09-20 7:52 pm Permalink
Aloha! I have a couple of friend's from work that have indicated they're VERY interested in coming to the rum tasting (and the after party too of course). I should have an answer from them by the weekend.
I can't wait until this event! I'll be bringing my custom GH axe with me. I'm assuming there will be some rocking going on. And yes, I've been saving my quarters:)
John
Quote:
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On 2007-09-20 18:44, Bargoyle wrote:
There's still a few spots open for the tasting. Grab em quick.
Unlimited seating for the after-tasting party!
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Bargoyle
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 18, 2004
Posts: 1025
From: Tolland, CT
| Posted: 2007-09-21 10:51 am Permalink
Oh, there WILL be rocking out.
And perhaps a bit more as well.
As usual, I've got a few surprises.
[ This Message was edited by: Bargoyle 2007-09-24 12:15 ]
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tabuzak
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Apr 07, 2005
Posts: 250
From: New York City
| Posted: 2007-09-24 10:56 am Permalink
I will be there!
-Jack
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