St. James Royal Ambre

[RonJames]

Cracked open a bottle of St. James Royal Ambre last night that went well in a planteurs punch but I know nothing more about this rum. Sipper? If mixed what drinks do you use it in? Im off to scottes rum page as I think I remember a review on it but I'd be interested in others thoughts as well.Btmup.gif

[rumdog007]

Not the best sipper. There are a couple above it in the line which are delicious sippers. But, this rum when combined with a Jamaican dark, say, Meyers Dark make one hell of a Mai Tai. It is said that the combination approximates the taste of the Wray & Nephew 17 year old rum. Trader Vic exhausted the supply of the 17 in the 40's and found that combining 2 rums kept the character of the drink. See Beachbum Berry's books. drool.gif

[Paulipbartender]

If only it did taste anything like the 17 year old...

Sadly not even close.

[Tiare]

I agree that its not much of a sipper but mix ok.Even better is hors d`age.

[RonJames]

Sadly I don't think I've ever had a well made mai tai, only the type served at bars and I don't think it would compare to Tiare's mai tai's. I will have to go with rumdog and give it a try. That 17 wray n nephew is probably about as allusive as a jackalope

[rumdog007]

Sadly I don't think I've ever had a well made mai tai, only the type served at bars and I don't think it would compare to Tiare's mai tai's. I will have to go with rumdog and give it a try. That 17 wray n nephew is probably about as allusive as a jackalope

You, definitely need to follow her lead http://www.amountainofcrushedice.com/ . But, please don't forget Dood!

http://www.rumdood.com/

They are both working hard on the ultimate Mai Tai.

But, you really need to read this:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/02/WIER14PSQI.DTL


drool.gif

[RonJames]

Thanks rumdog, I need to educate myself on those references. They seem to be the begining and end and all things mai tai.drooling.gif

[Michael]

Thanks for the link rumdog to an entertaining column. glass.gif

I missed that one in the local rag (the real Chronicle is sorely missed). Is the Torani Orgeat a decent substitute for homemade (the question likely makes Tiare and Dood cringe)? Orgeat of sufficient quality is the one Mai Tai ingredient that seems hard to locate, W&N 17 year old excepted of course.

How would our experts rate the recipe suggested in Gary Regan's column? We've been enjoying the ongoing search for the perfect Mai Tai and await further developments. cheers.gif

[rumdog007]

Michael, sadly, the Torani is not good at all and is not even on the radar compared to homemade. But, through Amazon, the Tessier is decent. A few years ago the Trader Vics was made with real almonds, cane sugar syrup, and a minimum of preservatives. It worked pretty well. Now, it is horrible. The Monin almond syrup, while not right is a better fit than the Torani.

[Carbon]

Michael, sadly, the Torani is not good at all and is not even on the radar compared to homemade. But, through Amazon, the Tessier is decent. A few years ago the Trader Vics was made with real almonds, cane sugar syrup, and a minimum of preservatives. It worked pretty well. Now, it is horrible. The Monin almond syrup, while not right is a better fit than the Torani.

I have the Monin, but I just don't like how it smells or tastes. I know it's probably better than the Torani, but I guess people really were right about homemade being the only real way to go.

[rumdog007]

I have the Monin, but I just don't like how it smells or tastes. I know it's probably better than the Torani, but I guess people really were right about homemade being the only real way to go.


Yes, hit it with a 1/2 ounce of high quality almond extract and shake like hell! It makes it better. But, really try the Tessier.

[Carbon]

Yes, hit it with a 1/2 ounce of high quality almond extract and shake like hell! It makes it better. But, really try the Tessier.
Haha, thanks for the tip. I don't think I'll be making Mai-Tais at home though (as attractive as that prospect once was). It just isn't something I could drink often enough to want to go to the trouble.

[Rumrunner]

I'm enjoying a a saint james royal ambre right now- 1oz in a lowball glass, ice and Sprite with some lime jiuce. I like it :)
I call it the Cliffhanger :)

[RonJames]

Sounds good rumrunner, which says a lot because right now I have delhi belly. I'll have to give it a try soon.

[Hank Koestner]

This agricole has a bold flavor with an edge to it. It makes a good Ti Punch with a tad more lime than usual.

[RonJames]

I was hoping you would reply Hank, I always think of you as an authority on agricoles.

[Rumrunner]

:) I was feeling pretty darn chipper when I wrote that post (trying to get rid of this pesky head cold I have). The Saint James is the first agricole I have ever tried. Probably not the one I should be experimenting with, lol.
My ongoing inexperience with Rhum Agricole lead to me to experiment with all available bar stock in my basement the other night, lol....just happened to be the simple ol' sprite that tickled my fancy. I tried a few other soda's (egad) but the sprite gave it that more refreshing taste I was after.





Sounds good rumrunner, which says a lot because right now I have delhi belly. I'll have to give it a try soon.

[RonJames]

I've gotten to the point in life where I love new experiences, if they are good...great! If not so good...hey I have a fun laugh and say it was worth the try. Sounds like me and you are on the same page rumrunner. Here's to experimenting sooncheers.gif

[Rumrunner]

Indeed, this is a great time in life. As I ease into my early 40's now, and have in the past 4 years made a couple of babies :), I find myself going out less and entertaining/and experimenting indoors.
The other night I bbq'd steaks for the lads, salmon for the ladies (at -30C outside, bahh) while sipping rum cocktails. Is that not what life is all about -lol ;)

Cheers!


I've gotten to the point in life where I love new experiences, if they are good...great! If not so good...hey I have a fun laugh and say it was worth the try. Sounds like me and you are on the same page rumrunner. Here's to experimenting sooncheers.gif

[rumdog007]

Here's an experience for both of you:

Rhum Saint James Hors D' Age

Very good as a sipper though in small amounts. It makes quite the statement! drooling.gif

The Extra Old is no slouch, either.

[Rumrunner]

Thanks Rumdog...that one is on my radar screen now :)
Lemme tell you, after I had a few of the royal ambre the other night, I had 'statement written all over my face, lol :)


Here's an experience for both of you:

Rhum Saint James Hors D' Age

Very good as a sipper though in small amounts. It makes quite the statement! drooling.gif

The Extra Old is no slouch, either.

[RonJames]

Thanks Rumdog, I've got to track down some Hors D'age. My liquor store has a pretty good stock compared to most so Im not complaining but they only have 2agricoles:(

[Hank Koestner]

Thank you for the compliment RonJames, but there are others on our forum that I would consider an authority. I am just an educated consumer!Btmup.gif

[rumdog007]

Thanks Rumdog, I've got to track down some Hors D'age. My liquor store has a pretty good stock compared to most so Im not complaining but they only have 2agricoles:(

http://drinkupny.com

Try these goys. They have the Neissons and will ship free for orders over $100.00. cheers.gif

[Rumrunner]

Rumdog, thanks for that link. I just had a moment so peruse the site and noticed they do ship to Canada, which is sometimes hard to find. I'll get dinged on shipping and various taxes but good to know if I'm need of a 'special treat'. :)

Thanks!





http://drinkupny.com

Try these goys. They have the Neissons and will ship free for orders over $100.00. cheers.gif

[Craig_Hochscheid]

I have read over on Tiki Central that St. James will no longer be imported to the USA, according to Jeff Berry (AKA, The Beachbum). Anyone else heard this?

[Thomas King]

St James is still available in Texas as of Christmastime, and was the first Rhum Agricole I ever tried. The Royal Ambre I like as a mixer and a sipper, even though it has a vaguely agavelike flavor to it.

The only other Rhum Agricoles I can recall seeing here in Texas are Rhum Clement and Depaz. I've had the Clement VSOP (nice sipper).

[Edward Hamilton]

I have read over on Tiki Central that St. James will no longer be imported to the USA, according to Jeff Berry (AKA, The Beachbum). Anyone else heard this?

I was told that by the distillery a few years ago. But the importer's rep told me emphatically that that wasn't true. Seems there's a bit of a communication problem here and there.

[Joe Riley]

We used to carry St. James, and it is still available to us, but since I have Neisson, La Favorite, and Rhum J.M. (and I'm awaiting another Martinique Rhum Agricole that I'm told is on the way to me this year) I don't feel a pressing need to carry St. James any longer.

Nothing wrong with it, you understand, it's just a matter of shelf-space, and the three that we have right now are more interesting to me personally.

[dreliason]

NOt a big loss ... St. James is okay, at best.

[Sylbaris]

Ron: I know your post is over a year old, however it gives me one more opportunity to pay homage to the wonderful Rhum Agricoles, the Mecca of which is Martinique! St. James prior to 1902 was one of the premier rhums produce on that island. After St. Pierre was reduced to a cinder following the eruption of Mt. Pelee, St. James moved their operation to a safer part of the island. They continued over the next century to be the most prolific and recognizeable if not most popular rhum exported from there. Now, we are seeing a much more varied selection from Neisson, Depaz, JM, La Favorite, La Mauny et al. However, I still believe the best that island ever produced was Rhum Bally, a now extinct relic and wonderful memory, unless you stumble upon one and have a pant load of ducats to spend. It has been quite some time since I have been there, yet few if any of the rhums currently being exported from there have any of the character and joie de vivre of their really old rhums. I know Depaz bravely situated on the ankles of Mt. Pelee has the capacity to deliver the real goods I have tasted them yet they continue to try to sell us their most commercial appellations. I am sure that probably every distillery there has their special estate reserves that just never make it to these shores. That said, I think a Ministry of Rum sponsored pilgrimage to Martinique would be awesome! Ed, I have friends there, if you think we could reach out to all of the distilleries to host special tours for our pilgrims. The French Creole cuisine and beaches are off the chart too! Let's chat!

[RonJames]

No worries on bringing the old chat out my friend. I was actually thinking agricole this last weekend. I usually only see the one depaz product out...and Im not even sure how to call it. Is it a paille, ambre, vieux? As for French Creole food I've been trying to look that up on the internet as well.

[Edward Hamilton]

I know Depaz bravely situated on the ankles of Mt. Pelee has the capacity to deliver the real goods I have tasted them yet they continue to try to sell us their most commercial appellations.

The Depaz rhum that is being imported to the US was blended to meet the expectations of the US importer not necessarily to be what the Depaz wanted to be known for in the US.

As for a pilgrimage to Martinique, that's a great idea. I'd like to pursue that and am talking to several companies about a Caribbean cruise to several islands where we could really get to know more than a few rums.

[Sylbaris]

Ed: That sounds great! If you need any help, I know a couple of cruise professionals that may assist in illuminating the logistics of such an adventure.
In any case, I am onboard! Martinique, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico & The Virgin Islands would be a great itinerary for starters!

[BARÓN]

i just bought bottle of St. James Royal Ambre and im gonna drink it tomorrow.its gonna be my 1st rhum agricole so im kinda excited about it

[RonJames]

tell us what you think of it, its very different than molasses based.

[BARÓN]

i will but i didnt happen yet.one of my friends needed my help and i changed my plan on weekend..i plan to drink it on next weekend

[BARÓN]

tell us what you think of it, its very different than molasses based.

right,its different.i opened the bottle and the smell reminded me of cognac little bit.i started to be a little bit skeptical cuz i really hate cognac..i took a couple sips and the taste of it surprised me.its really different than molasses based rums.not only smell reminds me of cognac but i like it though.the taste is strong and very interesting to me with long finish.
i will try to get some other rhum agricole to compare it to this one.
is saint-james royal ambre´s taste similar to most of rhum agricoles?

[RonJames]

I wish I had a good answer to that one Baron, my rhum agricole depth is limited. I will say that the ambre made a great planteurs punch that my wife ended up liking too much (early bed and headache). I know the taste of the white (blanc) is different from the aged, probably more so than molasses based rums. Interesting note with the cognac, I didn't realize it at the time I drank the ambre but from my mental notes I could easily agree with you on that.

[Sylbaris]

Baron & Ron James: If Ed can put it all together with a MOR Pilgrimage Cruise, you will certaainly taste the best that island has to offer. The Neisson White Rhum is probably the best example of Rhum Agricole currently finding its way north. The LaFavorite a notable entry for the Vieux. But I know hidden in plain sight on the shelves of their local bars and grocery stores is much better to be found. However, it will surely be the people and the ambiance that will envelop you when you visit that will add volumes to the treasures found within their bottles...Let's wish and dream until then.

[gordonbeall]

Ron.. or is that Rum?.. anyway... I have to add a bit of personal history to this thread. Waaaaayyy long ago, about 1964, I was in high school and a good friend lived right across the street from the school. He had recently moved in and so of course a number of us would retire there at the end of the school day. One really good reason was that soon after moving in my friend had discovered a whole CASE of St. James Ambre which the previous owners had somehow left in the basement....!!!! (Not kidding!) So this was my intro to rum, which we mixed with coke, and what else would a teenager do after all. Am sure it is still good with coke, but have since learned to at least use it in a Mai Tai, which 007 suggests.. and he is right, mixed with a fine dark Jamaican, or even something from... well... how about Peru?... in any case, it does make a great addition to a Mai Tai, IMHO. I will always have a special place in my heart for this rum.love1.gif

[Jolipapa]

To have a fairly comprehensive view of French West Indies rhums (and around), check here:
http://www.lacompagniedurhum.com
they offer a fantastic choice, if not the best one! (I have strictly no link).
Some are mouthwatering - Bally 1929! or Neisson 1991 -, and you will discover a few that can't be found elsewhere (St James 1765, or Fleur de Canne Old).
Believe me, don't check this site if you're depressive, it will make you cry! LOL

Two agricole brands are missing : R ( http://www.rhumstbarth.com/ ) & DeSilver (http://www.desilverstbarth.com/ ) that I recently discovered, but have not tried yet. Amazingly (?) both come from St Barthelemy (and so are classified as Guadeloupean) but are more than hard to find. I just located a single place in Paris where to find the DeSilver. So more about to come about in near future.
Have you ever heard of these two? If yes, what do you think of?

[gmarket]

Hey Jolipapa. Where did you find the DeSilver (St Barthelemy) in Paris? I am in Paris in a few weeks and wouldn't mind picking one of these up. Let me know when you get time. It'll make a change from St James and Clement for me :-)

[Edward Hamilton]

Saint Barths and Marie Galante fall under the jurisdiction of Guadeloupe, but there is no rum or rhum distilled on Saint Barths. Hopes this clears up some confusion.

[Jolipapa]

Exactly Ed, no distillery and even no sugarcane, I have the idea it originates from Marie-Galante, but I'm not 100% sure yet. What makes it different are the herbs.

@gmarket : I mailed you the address, let me know if there are other brands you may be interested in.

[DJ Mal]

Picked up the St James Ambre at Vine & Table while in Indianapolis the other day. It was on the closeout shelf for $15. Sipping it over an ice cube and not really crazy about it. I like the La Mauny 1749 way better as a sipper. I'll try the St James in a T Punch as suggested here.

[DJ Mal]

I must say the St. James Ambre tasted better as the ice melted a bit. I do like it in a T Punch though.