Rum Festival in PR

[KINGSTON]

I will be in San Juan PR on Vaca in May. It just so happens that at the same time the Puerto Rico Rum Festival will be going on. Can any one tell me about this? What kind of things go on? Music? Food? Family things?

[Rum Runner]

Here's the link (http://www.tasteofrum.com/). Hope to see you there!

[leisure master]

This looks really great - I was just in PR last November and would love to come back for Memorial Day weekend for the Rum Festival.

Count me in on the fun.

How do you get tickets? I looked at the website and did not see any way to purchase tickets.

Very exciting stuff.

[Rum Runner]

Great question L.M. I've posted it to Federico, the organizer.

It'll be great to meet you down here in May!

[leisure master]

Great question L.M. I've posted it to Federico, the organizer.

It'll be great to meet you down here in May!
Absolutely. Thanks for looking into the tickets thing.

We're locked-in now, we've got flights and a hotel room booked. Didn't get to spend much time in San Juan last visit so it will be good to just do the city this time....and possibly try the Bacardi tour again since we got cut short by rain last time.

[RobertBurr]

Son Robert and I are planning to be in Puerto Rico to participate in the event, one week after Rum Renaissance in Miami, the it's off to Chicago for Ed's event.

[leisure master]

Great question L.M. I've posted it to Federico, the organizer.
Any word from Federico on this? Inquiring minds want to know...gzzg

[Rum Runner]

Any word from Federico on this? Inquring minds want to know...gzzg

I haven't heard back from him. I'll send him a tickler.

[leisure master]

OK, tickets on sale now.

Not the easiest thing to do, but I think I've got 'em.

[RonJames]

Its PR, even if the tickets got messed up you'd still be greated with a drink:D Wish I could go, that one weekend the in laws are visiting FROM pr. No justice.HMMR

[leisure master]

OK, after reading the great time that everyone had in Miami, I am really looking forward to this weekend!

Anyone else going down to PR?

I will be arriving on Friday night and probably headed straight to some bar in old San Juan.

...no plans on Saturday - let me know if any of the judges calls in sick and you need an extra tastebud...;) :D gzzg

[Edward Hamilton]

Ah, I look forward to a little bit of leisure time with you and the lovely misses leisure if she's coming down. I hope to post more on this one tomorrow.

[leisure master]

Ah, I look forward to a little bit of leisure time with you and the lovely misses leisure if she's coming down. I hope to post more on this one tomorrow.
Sounds great Ed - looking forward to it!

And yes, absolutely Nicole's coming along too.

There's no way she would ever let me out of her sight when there's this much fun to be had...:D

[Rum Runner]

I'll be arriving early Saturday morning and looking forward to the events and meeting fellow MoR members and rum lovers.

[Edward Hamilton]

I'm getting in Friday night a little after 9. I just sorry that I have to leave on Monday, I'd really like to spend some time in Puerto Rico and Culebra where I've maintained a post office box for many years. It's always something. At least this will be more relaxing than Miami, at least for me.

[Rum Runner]

I'm happy to hear that you are confirmed Ed.

I believe the Senior and Junior Burr's are confirmed as well as Bob (the rummelier).

While you won't have much time here on Island it's always good to be in the Caribbean. I'm looking forward to a fun weekend and sharing a glass with you.

[RonJames]

Have fun for me guys, I am really kicking myself over this one. Have a barrilito for me!cheers.gif

[TheRumelier]

I'm happy to hear that you are confirmed Ed.

I believe the Senior and Junior Burr's are confirmed as well as Bob (the rummelier).
.

Not confirmed yet and if it isn't soon I will be missing this one. I will just hold my own Puerto Rican rum tasting at home instead!! We did send a couple of bottles of Bambarra Reserve down to PR on FedEx which went to PR then Tennessee, where it is being held up for some reason. Hopefully it will make it in time for you all to taste again.

[RobertBurr]

We're scheduled to arrive in PR Friday at 10:15pm, leaving Monday morning. Short and sweet. Fede was in Miami with us for the entire Rum Renaissance event schedule. He's excited to have everyone on board and we're all looking forward to a real nice time.

[leisure master]

Looks like we're all getting in on Friday night or Saturday morning (we're in at 9pm Friday)....

...so where's the best place to find all you shady characters lurking about on Saturday afternoon/evening?

During my short visit back in November, the best rum bar I found was Caña Rum Bar & Restaurant - they had something like 30 rums.

Open to other suggestions if anyone wants to meet up...or maybe we can have a "pot-luck" somewhere and each bring an interesting bottle to sit around and share? Anyone staying somewhere with a patio/pool area?

Just throwin' it out there....

[TheRumelier]

I just recieved my flight details and I am supposed to be leaving from Grand Cayman!! Also have no hotel details. So not sure if I will be there. Caсa is Federico's (the organiser) restaurant, but it was closed when I was their last time.

[TheRumelier]

It's raining frogs and lizards down here right now, and looking at the latest satellite images it looks like it's heading to Puerto Rico. Isn't this an outdoor event??? Plan B better be ready.

[Rum Runner]

I'll be arriving in OSJ right about 10AM Saturday.

I just spoke with Peter from "Jam" Rum Bar in Condado. This is a fairly new opening. They carry everything they can get their hands on. Peter will be on duty there Saturday night.

I have not visited it yet, but this might be a place some MoR members wish to relax at after a day of tasting on Saturday.

I can see Leisure Master taking over the bar. I hope you are bringing your cocktail jacket.

[RobertBurr]

RR, you're the local expert. Steer us in the right direction.

Bob, some people get confused between TCI and Cayman. All you British islands look alike. We're not doin' this gig without you. Get Fede on the line and make it happen.

[TheRumelier]

As of Thursday morning 7:30am still no good news. I also think the Bambarra Rum we sent down has been held up in Tennessee after already being to Puerto Rico!! So maybe neither of us will be there. There is a possibility I might have to stay longer to get a cheaper flight, so it all might work out in the end. I'm still taking my raincoat if I come, busy mopping out my office now after all the rain we've had the last couple of days.

[leisure master]

I can see Leisure Master taking over the bar. I hope you are bringing your cocktail jacket.
yes, sir..as well as the matching pants!

...but no promises how long they stay on...

Actually I forgot that many of you will be tasting on Saturday at the competition, so we'll meet along the way somewhere. I'm staying at the HoJo's at 202 San Jose St. Not sure if my cell will work but it's 646-265-8369.

I'll be easy to spot - look for the overweight white guy in the tropical shirt...wait a minute....

Actually, the Jam rum bar sounds promising - that was one of the few places I did not get to when I was in PR back in November.

[Rum Runner]

I have your number in my cell now LM.

I believe Cana rum bar at El Convento Hotel is now closed permanently.

The Rumelier stayed at the El San Juan Hotel last trip and reported that KOCO rum bar and restaurant there was decent.

As soon as we're let loose and figure out a plan we'll let you know.

[TheRumelier]

It looks like I'm in but the Bambarra is still stuck in Tennessee, some dispute about the t-shirts we sent and surprisingly not the rum. Just got my flight details, now I have to pack for an 8am flight tomorrow. Should be there if all goes well at 2pm. Plenty of time to drink some rums!!
KOCO is not recommended unless you take a flash light to see the rum menu.
I'd rather have a rum in some bar on Old San Juan.
I just received Blackwell Black Gold and the Edwin Charley Foundation which has to be the best looking bottle in the world. The only white rum to make it on my premium rum shelves. It looks better than the two gold versions due to the colour and the piece of glass sugar cane inside. Fantastic. Hopefully the taste will live up to the bottle.
See you in PR.

[Rum Runner]

Glad to hear that you're in Bob.

If nothing else we can buy a couple bottles of Ron del Barrilito 3 Star and hang out in the Plaza with rumdog007.

See you on Saturday.

[rumdog007]

Glad to hear that you're in Bob.

If nothing else we can buy a couple bottles of Ron del Barrilito 3 Star and hang out in the Plaza with rumdog007.

See you on Saturday.

I wish! :(

Just finished up a tasting of 12 Sakes with forrest this evening. A neat little event.:D

[RonJames]

If nothing else we can buy a couple bottles of Ron del Barrilito 3 Star and hang out in the Plaza with rumdog007.


Don't laugh but I've had a good picnic or two outside of el morro with a something in a brown bag stowed in the picnic bag. I've haven't checked there sipping rums but barachina, cafe el punto, botin, and cafe amapola serve up a pretty good mixed drink.

[RobertBurr]

The Taste Of Rum event was a great success, with a large crowd of rum lovers enjoying a wide variety of rums from PR, Dominican Republic and other territories. Great music, great BBQ, great seafood, flair bartenders competing. The competition was well designed and ran smoothly. Kudos to Fede and Miguel and Joe and all who helped make this event a great success. It was a real pleasure to hang out with RumRunner - he really knows his stuff, as well as Rumelier - we found a 1990s era bottle of Zacapa 23 and purchased it for $100, while drinking down half another old bottle of it. Photos to follow...

[Rum Runner]

What a great time! It was wonderful to meet and taste and chat with Ed.

The two Burr's...Robert A. and Robert V. are as knowledgeable as they are humorous. Their lighthearted spirit makes the "Spirit" all the more enjoyable.

The Rumelier is a great fountain of info...and I've never seen a Welshman cough up the money quicker than when the bartender at Cana Restaurant brought out that pristine old bottle of Zacapa 23!

MoR member LeisureMaster and his beautiful better half were on hand at the Events venue and were a pleasure to meet.

The Judging was very well run as Robert noted. The results will be revealed on late Tuesday or Wednesday when Joe Cabassa has a chance to tally the scores after returning from a business trip to the DR. They will be posted here ASAP.

The Events venue in Old San Juan was very charming. "Paseo de la Princessa" buttressing up against the Old Fort "El Morro" added a wonderful sense of history. The Merengue, Salsa and Reggaeton music was pumping....The food samples were excellent....And did anyone else besides Ed note that the Cruzan Rum booth was pouring the Estate Diamond? Not only was the nice woman pouring it...she was also poured into her costume. Splendid results on both ends!

This Event came to fruition in a relatively short period of time and frankly I had set my expectations low as to how it would come off. I was really greatly surprised and delighted on how well this first time event was attended and run.

Congratulations to Federico for the dream and for the team he assembled to make it a reality.

Let's look forward to next year.

[leisure master]

I completely agree - it was a great time, with the best part getting to meet and catch up with all the other "rummies" that attended. Thanks to all of you for making Nicole and me feel so welcome and part of the group!

Here's a link to some photos, including some photos I took when we were in PR last November and got to tour the Barcardi and Barrilito facilities...

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcsWbRuzcsWLC-A (http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcsWbRuzcsWLC-A)

here's a sample:

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/desmojo/shady.jpg

[RobertBurr]

It was great to see Leisure Master (Joe) again and talk about the Rhum Rhum Room -- and a great pleasure to meet Nicole. San Juan is simply a perfect setting for such a festival as it richly reflects the storied history of the new world and it's own unique spirits perfectly in context. The Don Q Gran Anejo, the Trigo Reserva Aneja and the Bacardi Reserva Limitada were flowing freely in the VIP tent, thanks to our hosts at the Rums Of Puerto Rico.

Regarding those old, 1990s era bottles of Ron Zacapa Centenario 23: we finished off half a half bottle at the bar at Caсa, a nice place to repose in La Convento Hotel. Then Bob asked if they had another bottle they might consider selling. Apparently it's not popular on the island. There was an "old" bottle sitting around in the store room that they were happy to part with for $100 cash -- which Bob and I eagerly placed on the bar. The label is old, not as sophisticated or well made as my samples with full royal palm leaves weaved around the bottle. We'll save it for a special occasion.

[TheRumelier]

Joe, did you wake me up to take that photo???
I must reiterate what everybody else has said. A great time was had by all.
Well organized from start to finish, great job by Fed. and Joe. Hopefully this will an annual event in the festival calender, just wish I could have given my liver more of a rest after Miami!!
It was a great location for the festival and even though the weather didn't co-operate it was very enjoyable to sit in the VIP tent all day drinking some great rums and eating some good food.
Very fortunate to spend some time with Slyvia from Seralles and Luis Trigo. Spending time with people on the frontline of rum production is always a treat. I will put some photos on my site soon, when I finish the Miami page!!
Guys, please don't tell the wife about the Zacapa!!!!

[Rum Runner]

I completely agree - it was a great time, with the best part getting to meet and catch up with all the other "rummies" that attended. Thanks to all of you for making Nicole and me feel so welcome and part of the group!

Joe, MoR membership does have it's privileges!

Great photos by you of the Event and the Bacardi and Barrilito tours!

[RobertBurr]

Guys, please don't tell the wife about the Zacapa!!!!

tell her it was a present from cousin Rob.

[RonJames]

Im glad to see the event was a success, it sounds like everyone had a blast! With any luck it will be an annual event and the misses and I will be able to make it next year. glass.gif

[Rum Runner]

Im glad to see the event was a success, it sounds like everyone had a blast! With any luck it will be an annual event and the misses and I will be able to make it next year. glass.gif

James...You and the Misses were missed at the Festival here. We hope to see you next year.

[RonJames]

James...You and the Misses were missed at the Festival here. We hope to see you next year.

Thanks Rum runner, I look at those photos and it makes me smile, but then it makes me kick myself for missing good times. The nice thing about the rum community being smaller is this gives us more opportunity to run into each other, there WILL be a next time and oh that barrilito will taste good then! cheers.gif

[Rum Runner]

The Taste of Rum competition awards have been posted on the Festival's website (http://www.tasteofrum.com/taste/prirc-competition/2009-prira-results/).

[leisure master]

Thanks for posting that - very interesting.

One question - what were the (or were there any) judging guidelines for "creativity" in the various categories?

If it was subjective, out of curiosity what did you judges look for when evaluating creativity?

[Rum Runner]

Creativity was for bottle/label design. The San Francisco International Spirits Competition has a similar category.

[TheRumelier]

Bambarra Reserve, our first competition and our first win!!!
Will have to celebrate with a dram or three tonight!!Btmup.gif

[Rum Runner]

Bob. Congrats on Bambarra taking home the award!

cheers.gif

[TheRumelier]

Bob. Congrats on Bambarra taking home the award!

cheers.gif

Cheers Jim,
Don't forget to send me your address so I can top you up!!

[leisure master]

Bob. Congrats on Bambarra taking home the award!

cheers.gif
What he said.

Congrats!!

[TheRumelier]

What he said.

Congrats!!

Cheers Joe,
It's a shame you didn't get a chance to try it. I should have bought a bottle to VIP tent!!