Jimmy Buffett Rum

[Edward Hamilton]

To follow his Margaritaville Tequila, there is now Margaritaville Tequila. I found this on the Jimmy Buffet News forum (http://www.buffettnews.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3144131).

I'm a little surprised at the comments by that forum's members so far.

[Paulipbartender]

We ate in Margaritaville at MoBay airport and it was a shrine to 70's pop albums, simple food and hard liquor. I'm unfamiliar with Jimmy Buffet as I'm a bit young - is he a big deal in the US music biz?

[martincate]

Wow, his fans are pretty tough on him.

I let some of the Florida Ministry members comment on Jimmy's popularity.

It's a long esoteric story, but basically Buffet was an important part of killing tiki in America, so I'm not a fan.

[Tiare]

I`m not familiar with J Buffet either..would like to know the story..killing tiki??

[Edward Hamilton]

Here's a link to Radio Margaritaville (http://radiomargaritaville.com) on Sirius satellite and the internet. Jimmy Buffett is a singer songwriter who by his own admission has never won any music awards, but has a huge following. He still tours and spent time in the islands in the 70s and 80s and I'd see him occasionally in the 90s.

He has built an empire and enjoys a pretty good lifestyle in spite of pissing off a few of the wrong people from time to time - part of being a character I suppose. I used to see him in the early 70s on the west coast of Florida playing bars and such before Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer band made it to the big time.

He's taken the island theme to his fans who really enjoy his music. I can't say I own any of his music, though there are millions who do. He has written a few memorable lines and continues to release music every year or so. Not bad for a guy with a guitar who grew up on the Gulf coast not far from New Orleans.

[RobertBurr]

Jimmy Buffett personifies the island (rum) lifestyle. He is associated with Key West, Margaritas, sailboats and American nautical themes. He has a devoted following (parrot heads) and many albums of lighthearted folk-rock music. More recently, he's been involved in food and drink establishments based on this songs "Margaritaville (http://www.margaritaville.com)" and "Cheeseburger In Paradise (http://www.cheeseburgerinparadise.com)."

As Ed mentioned, his branded tequila and rum are his latest licensing deals.

[martincate]

In a nutshell, here are a few edited posts from Tiki Central that Illustrate why Buffet isn't tiki and vice versa. There's nothing wrong with Buffet per se, it's just that there's a distinction between tiki and Buffet. It's like what Florida calls a tiki bar is not a tiki bar. (You need tikis to be a tiki bar - a thatched roof doesn't get the job done. This conversation is pretty off-topic for the Ministry, so probably better after this to turn to Tiki Central for more information- just posting here in case anyone is interested).

From Sven Kirsten, Author of "The Book of Tiki":

"Knowingly or not, J.B. contributed to the decline of Tiki culture, allow me to quote the Book of Tiki, page 52:

"In the 70’s, the thus segregated Polynesian style was watered down further through a certain “Jimmy Buffet-ization”, the introduction of a generic tropical island theme with no definite identity. Be it the Carribean, Mexico, or Polynesia, everywhere was “Margarita-ville”. The popular T.V. show “Fantasy Island” typified this new p.c. detachment from cultural complicity, creating a world of white wicker colonial style decor mixed with exotic plants.
The fern bar replaced the Tiki bar."

It's just two different styles, and we like to keep 'em apart. Tiki to us has style, while Buffet represents un-style."


From Al Knepper, long-time tikiphile:

"This subject often comes up, and there are definitive answers to it. Many members of TC are also fans of Mr. Buffet, personally I enjoy Buffet shows and have seen many. When you talk about Buffet here, you are framing him in the context of the demise of the Tiki Bar. Americas love for the Tropical Cocktail was popularized in the early 30s and is still alive today. The Heyday of Tiki Temple, however, is long since past. Kon Tiki, Don the Beachcomber, Kon Tiki Ports, The Luau, have long since closed. There are many factors for this shift in popular taste. I would point to the Viet Nam War for helping change popular taste away from South Sea Tropical Fantasies. With Nixon drinking at Trader Vic's young people sought their own form of entertainment, different than their fathers idea of a good time. Also in the 70s popular taste changed from Mai-Tais to Margaritas. Many Tiki bars opted for a generic Tropical theme closer to the Caribbean than the South Pacific. Jimmy Buffet's popularity as well as his image of margaritas on a Caribbean beach was a death knell for the Tiki Bar. Was it Jimmy's fault, no. Did his mystique help shift popular taste, perhaps. So he represents a change in a culture we very much love."

From Adrian:

"In the heydey of the Polynesian Pop era it was considered a formal affair when visiting a Polynesian restaurant - Don the Beachcomer, Trader Vics; people would dress up to have dinner there. These were exotic restaurants with exotic meals in exotic surroundings.

Jimmy Buffet is more of the Caribbean and/or South of the Border beach-bar lifestyle. Not exotic by any means but more "lets get drunk and screw." When I picture a Jimmy Buffet gathering, I picture tequila shots, Corona Extra and Fish Tacos."

_________

JB in recent years has tried to jump on the tiki bandwagon- his last tour was called the Tiki Time tour, but it just rings false. Certainly he espouses an island lifestyle, and that more than certainly can include rum. It's not worth getting too upset about, it's just that the tiki aesthetic and the Buffet aesthetic are different. We don't have any Buffet on the jukebox at Forbidden Island for example, and no one asks for it.

To come back to Florida for one second, however, while there are thousands of thatched hut Buffet-y beach bars calling them tiki bars, Florida is also home to the finest example on Earth of a true mid-century Tiki Palace: the Mai Kai in Ft. Lauderdale. Please visit it if you can for great vintage exotic rum drinks, incredible decor, (so-so) food, and a fantastic live stage show. A true living museum to the past. www.maikai.com

[Tiare]

Thanks for all this weatlh of information!! :) there is really a distinction between Tiki and Buffet.

[Edward Hamilton]

Thanks for all this weatlh of information!! :) there is really a distinction between Tiki and Buffet.

This is the first time I've seen those two words in the same sentence. I didn't see Buffett's last tour or hear the music.

That's Jimmy Buffett, a distant relative of Warren Buffett (http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/10/billionaires08_Warren-Buffett_C0R3.html).

[RobertBurr]

Warren is Jimmy Buffett's cousin's uncle. They are related.

[mac]

Man you guys are tough !!!!! Jimmy Buffet is an american hero !!

[Edward Hamilton]

This forum's being nice to Jimmy, take a look at what the Jimmy Buffet fan club is saying about his new rum. The link's at the top of this thread.

[Michael]

This forum's being nice to Jimmy, take a look at what the Jimmy Buffet fan club is saying about his new rum. The link's at the top of this thread.

Ouch, what a reception from his fans! We'll take a pass on this one.

[Edward Hamilton]

The worst part is that no one has tasted it yet. Perception is a very powerful marketing tool. The funny thing to me is that, like mac pointed out, Jimmy is something of an American hero. His concerts are always sold out with people of all ages and he's a very popular guy. Somethings just don't cross over well. Maybe if he sold expensive shirts his product would be perceived to be of a higher quality. Maybe not.

[mac]

If Tommy Bahama can blend a fine spirit why not Jimmy Buffet ???? Just because he's an America Hero and a decent author doesn't mean he should market crappy rum and tequilla Buyer Beware !!!

[Edward Hamilton]

Even if none of us every buy a bottle of Margaritaville Rum, there will be plenty served in the Margaritaville and Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants.

I'd like to at least taste it before I pass judgment on Jimmy's juice.

[primate77]

I'd much rather prefer to hear what comes out of Warren Buffet's mouth over Jimmy Buffet's any day of the week.

How he got as popular as he did (and is) is beyond me. Obviously, LOTS of alcohol had to be involved!

[Rumpelteazer]

I doubt that Jimmy Buffett is personally involved in all the marketing decisions regarding his branded restaurants, liquors, and tourist trinkets.

The best predictor of his rums' quality is his tequila. And that does not bode well.

His fans typically love his music, tolerate the man, and loathe his business dealings.

[Rum Runner]

I doubt that Jimmy Buffett is personally involved in all the marketing decisions regarding his branded restaurants, liquors, and tourist trinkets.

The best predictor of his rums' quality is his tequila. And that does not bode well.

His fans typically love his music, tolerate the man, and loathe his business dealings.

That may be the most succinct and accurate observation I've seen on him. His music (from what I've listened to) is all about the laid back, liberal lifestyle beach bum. His business side is a polar opposite. He's a unique character.

[Hank Koestner]

That may be the most succinct and accurate observation I've seen on him. His music (from what I've listened to) is all about the laid back, liberal lifestyle beach bum. His business side is a polar opposite. He's a unique character.

And this, for better or worse, makes him an American icon. He did work himself up the ladder from nothing. If you listen to his music, he is mostly a story teller, and you can't help but smile. His concerts are quite a bit of fun. As far as the Tiki culture compared to other Island lifestyles, well, it's all about rum to me!

[MarkVT]

And this, for better or worse, makes him an American icon. He did work himself up the ladder from nothing. If you listen to his music, he is mostly a story teller, and you can't help but smile. His concerts are quite a bit of fun. As far as the Tiki culture compared to other Island lifestyles, well, it's all about rum to me!

^ I'll agree with that. I've been a big fan of his for years, own plenty of CDs, though I've never managed to get tickets to a show. I love the stories in his songs. They're not ground-breaking songs by any means, they probably don't deserve the awards they've never won, but I think they're fun, they make me smile, think about easy times on a gorgeous beach and take me away from the rat race for a few moments. As much as JB is an 'island' personality, I've always wondered why he never had a rum line. I'm hopeful the new booze will be worth drinking, and I'll certainly buy a bottle and drink it with an open mind before passing judgement.

As for the fans and his business dealings, I'm not sure where the problem is. He's managed to capitalize on a massive image he created from nothing but a beach bum's lifestyle. Personally, I'm impressed. He must have realized his music was going down hill some time ago, it's not nearly as popular as it once was, so he adapted, diversified, and created his 'empire'. Whether you think it's cheesy or not, it's worked, and it's worked well.

[Bill]

I'm not a huge fan but it's hard not to be when you visit the Keys. What amazes me about the guy, who really did come up the hard way, is the diversity of his talents. Singer, songwriter, recording studios, restaurant chains, writer of some interesting novels, conservationist, pilot of seaplanes, etc.

I enjoyed his books.

Looks like his tequila got mixed reviews, but he's also behind Land Shark beer which was pretty successful. It will be interesting to see what kind of rum he comes up with, but I don't think I'll be seeing it anytime soon up here in Ohio.

As far as Tiki goes (we had a pretty neat tiki nightclub in Cleveland), I think people were pretty tikied out by the time Buffet came around.

[RumBarPhilly]

but he's also behind Land Shark beer which was pretty successful.

Land Shark... I refused to buy this for the bar, tasted like pee. Id much rather drink a Carib or Presidente any day. Shoot... Id rather have a Corona or Sol!

[Bill]

Land Shark... I refused to buy this for the bar, tasted like pee.

Hmmm. I guess I'll leave the comparisons to the professionals, lol. But someone has to do it.

[RumBarPhilly]

Its all in the marketing, with a good campaign, people will buy it and THINK that they like it. (Case in point- Corona)

As for products like Miller Chill and (What were they thinking) Bud Lime, doesnt matter how much you market it, its a bad idea.

[primate77]

Adam - I agree. Pacifico is not bad though. Hard to get, but try to get your hands on some Fat Squirrel by New Glarus Brewing out of New Glarus, WI. Very nice.

Miller Chill, Bud Lime... isn't this all basically rehash of that dreadful "Tequiza" or however you spell it, beer that was out a few years back. Awful.:eek:

[tym2relax]

Land Shark beer brewed by Anheuser-Busch. Wow, you would think he could find a better brewer to make this stuff. A Buffet fan gave me one to try and I could not believe how bad this was.

I would not expect any better from the rum.

[RumBarPhilly]

Adam - I agree. Pacifico is not bad though. Hard to get, but try to get your hands on some Fat Squirrel by New Glarus Brewing out of New Glarus, WI. Very nice.

Miller Chill, Bud Lime... isn't this all basically rehash of that dreadful "Tequiza" or however you spell it, beer that was out a few years back. Awful.:eek:

Ahh... Tequiza... the beer that came out when I was 19 and by the time I was of legal drinking age, it didnt exist anymore. So despite never trying it, I do know that these "tropical-infused" beers are never any good. Perhaps they need a Jamaican in a tux screaming Hoo-Ray Beer!

Not too familiar with Fat Squirrel whats it like?, what other beers does New Glarus make?

[Dood]

Every time I try a tropical-infused beer, it turns out to be awful. That won't stop me from trying to brew my pineapple wheat beer though!! I can't be stopped!

[primate77]

Adam - Fat Squirrel is a nice, unfiltered ale. Their other popular ones that I know of are Spotted Cow, which is a fruity tasting lighter ale, and their Belgian Red, which is a "cherry beer" brewed with cherry, wheat and barley.

They produce 6 or 7 beers that are offered all year round, and a handful of seasonal beers, probably another 6 or 7 I'd guess.

Unfortunately, I think this beer is really hard to find outside of Wisconsin.

Tequiza when you were 19??? And I think somewhere you stated you were either 27 or 29 now? Was Tequiza that long ago??? Man time flies when some beers really sucked!

[Jerry]

eek.gif Tequiza is alive and well out here in Arizona............

[RumBarPhilly]

Primate,

If I look hard enough, I can probably find my Tequiza T-shirts I got when I waited tables at Applebees way back.

Why do crappy chains promote crappier products?

[rumdog007]

Viva, Tequiza! My sister in Sarasota would love to get her hands on a few cases. Her local shop quit the product and she is beside herself. Go figure....HMMR

[coconuts]

Ok, pet peeve time- there are two Ts in Buffett.

A few PHs I know have tried the rums. The reaction was exactly what I expected- they were described as mediocre by people who aren't even rum aficionados.

They're serving them in the New Orleans Margaritaville now. I'll try them and report back.

[Edward Hamilton]

Why do crappy chains promote crappier products?

Most of the time, chains are buying large quantities and are bought from the lowest bidder without a lot of regard to quality. Besides the buyers job is to save money not deliver the best product. Most of the smaller, higher end producers won't drop their prices to the level that they need to in order to get in the door.

The good news is that things are changing. The beer selection at many chain restaurants has improved and with it the cocktail list will follow. But don't worry, your rum bar won't see any serious competition for a long time.

[Edward Hamilton]

Ok, pet peeve time- there are two Ts in Buffett.

Thanks, I missed it, obviously I'm not a parrothead? Or is that parrot head?

[rumdog007]

Thanks, I missed it, obviously I'm not a parrothead? Or is that parrot head?

or, Parrott HeadtJTR.gif

[coconuts]

We tried the Dark in New Orleans. It wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting, in fact, it was decent, if simple. Lots of molasses on the nose, but nothing else. No heat, no anise, no herbs, no vanilla, no oak. It was far, far smoother than I expected- really smooth, with little to no pepper or heat on the back. It definitely tasted like it had either molasses or caramel added to it- it had that slippery texture (but not like cachaca) I associate with flavored rum to it.

Appleton makes it.

If it's $15-20, it's not a screaming deal, but it would be as good or better than anything at the same price point on the grocery store shelf (and that's a key distinction- the grocery store shelf, not the liquor store shelf).