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Demerara replacement |
DJ HawaiianShirt
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 04, 2006
Posts: 148
From: NoVA, DC
|  Posted: 2008-04-18 4:01 pm Permalink
I am not one to take shortcuts(unless I'm feeling really lazy). I myself have come to the realization of what happens what you use proper ingredients in a drink. Just recently I finally got my hands on some Martinique rum, and finally I realized what a real Mai Tai tastes like, not one using any old rum you have lying around. I admit that the Martinique rum added something that was indescribable, and there's literally no other rum that one could subtitute for it and get the same effect.
However, I can't find demerara rum. Nowhere. Already I'm plagued with the state-run Virginia liquor stores that carry next to nothing, and I've scouted several DC liquor stores with the aforementioned Martinique rum and perhaps a Venezuelan one here or there being the most exotic thing I can find.
I'm asking you tikiphiles to perform sacriledge and tell me a good rum (or combo of rums) that can get anywhere near mimicking a demerara. And before you DC metro-area Marylanders tell me a great shop where I can find demerara, please know that I don't own a car and it's really not an option for me.
Too many recipes in the Grog Log and others contain demerara and I have no clue if I'm hitting the mark with my poser varieties. Could someone help me out?
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Hakalugi
Site Administrator
Joined: Aug 10, 2004
Posts: 2802
From: Redondo Beach, CA
| Posted: 2008-04-18 7:12 pm Permalink
Check this out:
http://www.tikiroom.com/tikicentral/bb/viewtopic.php?topic=10681&forum=10
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DJ HawaiianShirt
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 04, 2006
Posts: 148
From: NoVA, DC
| Posted: 2008-04-19 04:55 am Permalink
That thread reinforces the "there is no substitute" position, which I fully respect, but I'm trying to force out a proposed substitute.
If I'm making a Navy Grog and don't have demerara, what should I use instead until I eventually find some? Perhaps someone could even induldge me and describe what demerara tastes like? I've literally never had it.
Any of that would be a huge help.
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Chip and Andy
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 13, 2004
Posts: 2078
From: Corner table, Molokai Lounge, Mai-Kai.
| Posted: 2008-04-19 07:04 am Permalink
Well.....
You really can't substitute anything for the Demerera except another Demerera. Nothing else tastes quite like it.
As to suggestions you can try instead of the elusive Demerera....
Try using your newfound Martinique with a well aged dark jamaican. It doesn't taste the same, but still tastes yummy.
Or, take a well aged dark rum (Jamaican, Barbados, pick an island and exeriment) and pair it with a very young rum from the same brand/island. The two should balance out each other and give you the interest in taste similar but not quite like a Demerera.
And, have you tried any of the on-line resources. Lemon Hart is still a bit spotty in its availability, but ElDorado is usually plentiful and can be had on the cheap. Many people love the 12 year, I love the 15 year. The Gold is pretty good too, skip the white because it sucks.
Good luck, and take notes of your experimenting. Let us know what you come up with.
[ This Message was edited by: Chip and Andy 2008-04-19 07:11 ]
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BrickHorn
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Oct 03, 2005
Posts: 178
From: Texas
| Posted: 2008-04-19 1:46 pm Permalink
Man, I just don't understand the Martinique infatuation. In my opinion, a mai tai made with 2 oz. Appleton's Extra is superior to one made with a blend of Jamaican and Martinique rums. But, I've only played around with St. James Extra Old. I understand that there's quite a bit of difference between the extra old and the Hors d'Age.
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Hakalugi
Site Administrator
Joined: Aug 10, 2004
Posts: 2802
From: Redondo Beach, CA
| Posted: 2008-04-19 2:04 pm Permalink
Quote:
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On 2008-04-19 13:46, BrickHorn wrote:
Man, I just don't understand the Martinique infatuation. In my opinion, a mai tai made with 2 oz. Appleton's Extra is superior to one made with a blend of Jamaican and Martinique rums. |
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Have you tried the Hors d'Age?
Quote:
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On 2008-04-19 13:46, BrickHorn wrote:
... I've only played around with St. James Extra Old. |
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Hmmm, okay. We're you aware that the Hors d'Age is quite better tasting than the Extra Old?
Quote:
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On 2008-04-19 13:46, BrickHorn wrote:
... I understand that there's quite a bit of difference between the extra old and the Hors d'Age.
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Alright, based on our discussion, I think you already know what the next step is.
Here's a good recipe to use:
http://www.beachbumberry.com/100dollarmaitai/
Maybe then you'll understand the infatuation... or not.
Either way, you'll have fun trying.
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Hakalugi
Site Administrator
Joined: Aug 10, 2004
Posts: 2802
From: Redondo Beach, CA
| Posted: 2008-04-19 2:09 pm Permalink
Hey! Stop discussing Mai Tais. DJ HawaiianShirt was politely asking about Demerara Rum and possible substitutions. Get back on track.
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Hakalugi
Site Administrator
Joined: Aug 10, 2004
Posts: 2802
From: Redondo Beach, CA
| Posted: 2008-04-19 2:37 pm Permalink
Okay, whatever you say. Sorry about that.
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Little fragrant Tiare
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Oct 12, 2007
Posts: 181 | Posted: 2008-04-19 3:58 pm Permalink
Quote:
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On 2008-04-19 07:04, Chip and Andy wrote:
take a well aged dark rum (Jamaican, Barbados, pick an island and exeriment) and pair it with a very young rum from the same brand/island. The two should balance out each other and give you the interest in taste similar but not quite like a Demerera.
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I agree with Chip and Andy, this seems to be the best thing to do if you cannot find any demerara rum which really is not possible to sub with anything really..
Is there not any online source you can use?
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rupe33
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Dec 08, 2004
Posts: 316
From: DC Metro Area (MD)
| Posted: 2008-04-19 9:43 pm Permalink
Hiya DJ -
I fully respect the car-less method of life in DC. That being said, there are places that are Metro-accessible that it can be found at...
Lemon Hart Demerara is usually available at...
--the Montgomery County Liquor Store in Silver Spring which is accessible from the red line, with a short walk - if you've been to SS in the last few years it is barely 2 blocks from Borders. You'll pay a lot less in MoCo's Silver Spring store:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Apps/DLC/Retail/store_locations.cfm
--and also at Central Liquor on F Street in Chinatown near the Spy Museum - accessible from Gallery Place or Metro Center stops on Metro. Their price was higher than I've paid in Maryland, but the premium may be worth it for the proximity:
http://www.centralliquors.com
--If those fail you or are too far to travel, try calling Schneider's of Capitol Hill: http://www.cellar.com/
I dealt with a gent here awhile back who procured me a slew of various Fee's syrups and limited edition bitters with a very quick turnaround. VERY customer oriented as far as their service. I highly recommend them, although I'm not up on their pricing. If they *don't* carry it, they can likely order it.
If you really want to try it - it can be found! Good luck!
~Rupe
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[ This Message was edited by: rupe33 2008-04-19 21:43 ]
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DJ HawaiianShirt
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 04, 2006
Posts: 148
From: NoVA, DC
| Posted: 2008-04-21 05:23 am Permalink
Thanks guys. Both the demerara substitution idea and the good liquor store locations help. I'm going to check out that Chinatown locale. I've already checked a Chinatown store, but I don't think it was that one.
Thanks all.
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The Gnomon
Grand Member (5 years) 
Joined: May 01, 2007
Posts: 1276
From: MD-DC-VA
| Posted: 2008-04-21 08:12 am Permalink
I have not bought any for a while, but I used to get Lemon Hart Demerara 80 and 151 at the Montgomery County Liquor Kingsview store (westernmost store in the county), and I've seen it at other stores. The Montgomery County stores are often a crap shoot. They carry something for a long time, then they can't get any for a long time. Their excuse is always that, no matter what they order, they are at the mercy of what the warehouse sends them.
Anyway, here is the MC Liquor store locator page. Mouse over a store on the map and it will give you the address and phone number. I have had to call several stores sometimes to find out who's hording the W&N White Overproof or the AE Extra. You'll probably find a few that have Lemon Hart in stock.
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Swanky
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Apr 03, 2002
Posts: 4805
From: Hapa Haole Hideaway, TN
| Posted: 2008-04-21 08:48 am Permalink
Also check this thread for rum sources. I have been getting my demerara mail order for a while, or, by mule over the state line. I stock up when I get low and hope it keeps me till I can find it again. Don't do without and substitute, find some and order it!
And, btw, I use Royal Amber in my Mai Tai. I actually prefer it to the aged St. James...
[ This Message was edited by: swanky 2008-04-21 14:01 ]
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DJ HawaiianShirt
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 04, 2006
Posts: 148
From: NoVA, DC
| Posted: 2008-04-21 12:35 pm Permalink
Gnomon, W&N White Overproof is actually one of the rarer brands that I can consistently find in DC stores. I doubt that DC is the most convenient thing for you, though...
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Chip and Andy
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 13, 2004
Posts: 2078
From: Corner table, Molokai Lounge, Mai-Kai.
| Posted: 2008-04-22 2:52 pm Permalink
I said it earlier, but it bears repeating.....
Lemon Hart is difficult to find these days, at least in my neck of the woods. El Dorado is easier to find, again at least for me it is.
Find one of these two and make it a staple in your bar.
Read this showdown between the two and you will see what I mean.
And maybe we can get Scottes or the Minister of Rum to add a bit to the discussion.
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