"RTD". Ready To Drink?....or...

[Rum Runner]

Really, Truly, Disastrous?

So I was gassing up my vehicle at the local station/store a few days ago. While inside I spotted a new RTD on the shelf called "Gasolina" (pic below). Labelled as a "High Octane Rum Cocktail" packaged in a 6.75 ounce pouch...straw included. 10 pouches to a box. 11% ABV. "A blend of Rum, Tequila, Fruit Juice and Natural Flavors". I had to by a box of course.

I must admit at least I found truth in labelling here, as the taste profile does match the label name.

On the upside, I have discovered that when I add one pouch to my gas tank every time I fill up, I'm getting a 10 horsepower boost. And people driving behind me are reporting a beautiful "Orange/Papaya" coloured exhaust flame. And an aroma profile with a "hint of pineapple followed by a burnt valve stem fade".

It just doesn't get any better...;)

[VicZinc]

I'm guessing its not available in NYState. I was looking for something like this for my lunch box.

[Edward Hamilton]

Really, Truly, Disastrous?

So I was gassing up my vehicle at the local station/store a few days ago. While inside I spotted a new RTD on the shelf called "Gasolina" (pic below). Labelled as a "High Octane Rum Cocktail" packaged in a 6.75 ounce pouch...straw included. 10 pouches to a box. 11% ABV. "A blend of Rum, Tequila, Fruit Juice and Natural Flavors". I had to by a box of course.


With a blend of rum, tequila and natural flavors and a straw, what else could you want? With a name like Gasolina it had to be packaged for your local market.

[Rum Runner]

I'm guessing its not available in NYState. I was looking for something like this for my lunch box.

As Ed noted, Gasolina is labelled "for sale in Puerto Rico ONLY". It's being produced by a Company named Pan American Products, which is a producer of soft drinks and juices, as well as a large distributor of rice down here. They have ties to a large company of the same name in Florida.

The lunch box idea is a good one... I'll ship a few pouches to you if you want.

I have a number of pouches now stowed in my "Hurricane Locker". It's cheaper than lamp oil, and it'll keep me lit also in case we get hit with a Cape Verde storm here, which is looking all too probable this season.

The shelf life seems good...Expiration date states, "Longer than you will live".

[primate77]

I'm actually just waiting for the day for someone to latch on to this concept and take a product like AMP, Monster or Rock Star Energy Drink and tie an alcohol component to it pre-mixed in the can.

Or maybe there already is one, and I just haven't been looking in the right aisle a the store - perhaps it resides next to the beef jerky and can of Copenhagen?

Did Gasolina say anything on the label as being used as a paint remover?

[RumBarPhilly]

Primate, Budweiser has had a couple products on the market that were energy malt beverages. I do believe other companies have made them as well.

Also, dont forget P.I.N.K. Speaking of which, has anybody tried their rum or is it not out yet?

[mac]

The Gas stations in California don't sell any good prepackaged Rum goodies. Although you can buy Mota at about a thousand legal medical Dispensary's. Not so bad I guess !!!!

[RobertBurr]

Some of these products have been criticized as looking too much like JuicyJuice for kids. I suppose the name Gasolina dispels any misconceptions.

Diageo has a rum and cola pre-mix in Venezuela but it's not catching on well, although it's a big hit in Australia with Bundy, even available on tap at many bars.

[VicZinc]

As RumBarPhilly stated there are plenty of RTDs in NY but all are malt or wine based. I do not care for them. A distilled + mixer would probably be much tastier. NY has very strict liquor laws so it is unlikely that we will see them anytime soon. All distilled beverages and wine must be sold in liquor stores, which are not allowed to sell malts. Malts must be sold in grocery stores. There are premixed cocktail in liquor stores but not often sold as single servings.

[forrest]

There are premixed cocktail in liquor stores but not often sold as single servings.

http://www.shotpakinc.com/storelocator.html
http://www.internetwines.com/jenn.html
http://www.suckandblow.com/

There are others. . . but this will help you on the way.

[Paulipbartender]

Whilst feeling disgusted at being mentioned in the same thread as 'Suck and Blow' may I mention our West Eleven Cocktails?

http://www.specialitydrinks.com/F-467-West_Eleven.aspx

"No corner has been cut in the development of West Eleven and the challenge to produce a ready to serve cocktail as good as if a barman was standing in front of you has been realised" Patience Gould, Spirits Business

It's been fun selling cocktails in bottles, although the economic climate, with retailers favouring value over premium products, is a daily kick where it hurts.

[Hank Koestner]

I was thinking the same as Robert. Soon the first law suit will be filed by the Mom who put the Gasolina in the lunch box by accident.JTR.gif

[VicZinc]

Well intentioned forrest, thank you.

- Shotpak list no retail location within 100 miles of my home
- Suck and Blow (um..) appears to be a serving vessle; you make your own cocktail:mad:
- Specialty Drinks is a great resource for some products, however an 8oz bottle of cocktial would run me about $21(us) with shipping.:(
- Has anyone tried the "Cocktails by Jen" ? btw the shipping cost are very confusing: different rates and surcharges "per bottle" but sold in 4-packs. At first glance it looks like it would cost $19 to ship plus $13 for the 4 (8.7 oz) bottles. If the product is good I'll look into that further.:confused:

[forrest]

Well intentioned forrest, thank you.

Yes well intentioned and deeply 'lubricated'.
Cocktail by Jenn are "good for what they are"- pre-mixed cocktails in a bottle.
Hi Time ships ShotPAk's all the time, i am sure you could find some one else who would also...
Or even better-- pop by The Container Store (http://www.containerstore.com/find/storeList.jhtml?state=NY) or something like it, and pick out the perfect size vessels to fill with your famous Wray and Nephew Over proof Punch!
That is what i would really recommend.

[VicZinc]

Thanks forrest, I like that idea. Of course I usually carry my WNOP in my hip flask - not to subtle.

To get back on topic: I thought the juice-box look would be more understated. I guess in truth the RTD was not as important as the convenience of the innocuous little package - and of course the idea of drinking something that tastes like gasoline. Love that burn!

[Rum Runner]

Did Gasolina say anything on the label as being used as a paint remover?

No it does not. For exterior paint removal we rely on category one or higher Hurricanes. For interior paint removal we rely on the local 151 proof rum...Be advised though, when using the interior method of removal, DO NOT light your cigar. My eyebrows are finally coming back in after my "experience".

[Rum Runner]

To get back on topic: I thought the juice-box look would be more understated. I guess in truth the RTD was not as important as the convenience of the innocuous little package - and of course the idea of drinking something that tastes like gasoline. Love that burn!

Vic...The pouch is a good idea. They also produce a "Mojito" pouch. I have not tried that one yet. I've always been a sucker for the smell of 93 octane, as well as fresh laid asphalt...and don't get me going on those old creosote soaked telephone poles.

[RobertBurr]

I've always been a sucker for the smell of 93 octane, as well as fresh laid asphalt...and don't get me going on those old creosote soaked telephone poles.

So I'm not the only one to get excited sniffing the old train tracks running through the ancient part of town.

[rumdog007]

They smell like victory....

[RumBarPhilly]

It's been fun selling cocktails in bottles, although the economic climate, with retailers favouring value over premium products, is a daily kick where it hurts.

Paul, I recall you starting this endeavor earlier this year, how has it gone so far? Also, any plans on finding an importer? While it wouldnt sell it for the bar, Id love a few bottles for home for those nights I just want to grab a glass and pour.

[Paulipbartender]

Thanks Adam. This whole project has been fantastic fun. First reinventing the classic cocktails by hand then dealing with bulk rum importers to blend our own rum and with distillers to get just the right gin and vodka. We also spent weeks trialling different fruits, then pieced them all together until we were finally fully satisfied with the results.

The conclusion - it is possible to make cocktails as good as you might get in 99.9% of bars in a bottled form. You can use the best ingredients and you don't need additives or preservatives, they just need to be tunnel (slow) pasteurised then the alcohol keeps them stable. The down-side.....almost unsurprisingly.....is they aren't cheap. But then top quality never is. They're selling for an equivalent $6 for a 250ml bottle at 8.5% abv.

We're on sale in the 2 premium national UK supermarkets - Waitrose and Sainsburys - and it's been snapped up by event spaces. Bottled cocktails are perfect for opera, theatres, music venues etc who have high volume staff, moneyed customers and dumb ass staff.

We've had enquiries from importers but we need to prove they have 12 month shelf life first. Our accelerated ageing tests only 'proved' we have 9 months so far. Last thing we need is spoilt palettes being sent back from the States or mainland Europe! So we're optimistically waiting...

I've been nailing them for months. It's too much like hard work mixing your own at home!

Any chance we're going to see you here for the RumFest Adam? If not, would you fire me your address so I could send you some samples? I'd love to hear your professional opinion.

Nice 'Tony Soprano' pic by the way. Fegedaboudit!!

[Rum Runner]

So I'm not the only one to get excited sniffing the old train tracks running through the ancient part of town.

I presume you are sniffing the creosote soaked rail ties...and not the tracks.

I suspect there are more like us out there Robert. Shall we start a special interest group?

[Edward Hamilton]

- Has anyone tried the "Cocktails by Jen" ?

I see them discounted at the larger liquor stores across the country. Maybe the packaging wasn't cute enough?

While I was enjoying a ti punch with a friend in California, a friend poured herself one of Jen's vodka cocktails but the only thing that impressed her was how easy it was to pour over ice. As Paul knows, fruit flavors are very hard to bottle.

[RumBarPhilly]

Nice 'Tony Soprano' pic by the way. Fegedaboudit!!

Well I am born and raised in Jersey!

I won't be able to make it to RumFest. Its tough between the bar and having a family with two lil ones. We might make it to the U.K. one of these days, but if it was during RumFest, it'd be purely coincidence.

The test of time is a tough one. I am working with Bluecoat Gin to produce a rum for me. We're doing a small run this quarter, but next year, we want to do a full line. Unfortunately Im not sure how the flavors will work with the time issue. Our hopes is that all the rum will be snatched up and drank before the cucumber rum tastes like pickle rum, ha!

I'll send you my address in PM. Thanks!

[Gary Katz]

Try My Beverage Co. has started to launch "TRY MY CAIPIRINHA" RTD Caipirinha made with Fresh Lime Juice and Artisanal Cachaca in New York and New Jersey. As well as "TRY MY LIME" RTD Caipirinha Malt, also made with Fresh lime juice. Both products are delicious and blow away any of the existing RTD products that I have tried.
The Malt is in Supermarkets and the Caipirinha is in liquor stores, bars and resturaunts.
They also have new flavors on the way that are awesome, Mango, Passion Fruit and Acai in both the Cachaca (spirit) based and the Malt based products.
People went nuts over the stuff at the New York Bar Show and said that "it was like drinking a fresh fruit cocktail".
Basic info on them can be found at www.trymybeverage.com
Best regards
Garycheers.gif

[Texas TikiGod]

The Gas stations in California don't sell any good prepackaged Rum goodies. Although you can buy Mota at about a thousand legal medical Dispensary's. Not so bad I guess !!!!

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s356/BigRigRob/laughing025.gif


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