Help I need some ideas?

[Stamina1914]

Hey guys. So I work for a major hotel in the Washington DC area for the past 2 years. I just got a promotion from sales to the Food and Beverage department. We are going to have a x-mas party this week. Most of the folks there know I drink rum but are not to big about rum themselves. We were all asked on the evite to bring our favorite bottle of wine and ofcourse I would like to bring some rum.

I am not going to say that I have a lot of pull since I am new to the team. But the idea of having a rum bar at the hotel is something that I can not stop myself from thinking about.

So the question is, I bring a bottle of rum(s) and then what? Just have them taste it? I thought about bringing some zacapa, or zaya(Guat), but if figured that this might be to sweet for these guys and turn them off and plus they cost a pretty buck. I decided to go with the cruzan single estate $25 and the eldorado 15 $29. But after they taste it, then what? Should I do a full presentation....should I just give them a taste and let them come after me asking about rum? I welcome any thoughts that this board may have. Thanks.

[Mistahunter]

First of all...I think you made two very good choices. Those rums will speak for themselves. I think that the only other rum I would consider would be the Mount Gay XO. They are very good introductions to the premium sugar cane spirits. If you give them Zaya or Zacapa (which I do enjoy), then you risk losing them to the sweetness.

The question I would struggle with is how to serve...neat, on the rocks, mixed???

I'll revert to my instincts...these rums speak for themselves. There is no reason to force them onto a virgin palate.

Introduce, savor, and let the discussion progress.

[thrall]

What is the worst thing that could happen if they dont like your idea??......they say no?? ...So what...they say no and nothing has changed....except that they know you are willing to come up with and throw out ideas....points to you one way or the other

What is the best thing that could happen if they like or are impressed with your idea??...They love it and the answer is yes! You get to set up your rum bar and strut your stuff......

I think you have to make the pitch of your idea as something you think will be a selling point for the hotel...point out how popular and hot the premium tequila thing was/is.....

Give it a shot....you have nothing to loose and possibly everything to gain by puting your idea on a platform......

Good Luck!

[RonJames]

Great idea stamina, you got some good rums lined up. I'd bring a bottle of yellow tail cheapo wine then bring a bottle of rum as well. I'd not waste the zaya guat. on beginers. I'd bring the ED 15 because its heavy, great, and different from my next advise. Bacardi 8. Its different than the ED, cheaper, and has a name they'd recommend.

[RonJames]

recognize not recommend

[gatomalo]

RonJames, you love that Bacardi 8! You're always promoting it! gzzg

I'm with you though, the fact that they'd recognize the name could be a big factor in convincing them to give the rum a go!

cheers.gif

[Edoc]

Just some personal experience converting folks over to rum: It may seem like an unassuming choice, but I've a lot of success with Pampero Anniversario. This rum has impressed quite a few of my friends-- it's well balanced and has the depth and richness to drink neat, or add to a Cuba Libre and other mixed cocktails. And, much to my delight, my local liquor stores are keeping this rum in stock.

[Bluehammer]

I would bring Zacapa (some expect and desire the sweetness), ED 15, and the Bacardi 8. They are rums most may not know of, but a easily found. I would also make sure to bring some Ginger Beer or Ginger Ale since many people are hesitant to drink spirits neat. I would leave the rum bar discussion for some time later, perhaps at work. I think that bringing up a new concept during a social event might seem a bit forward. I would come armed with some in depth knowledge of the rums you bring, but only present this info when asked. It would be kind of like putting out bait and waiting to the reel them in instead of going at them full throttle.

You may also consider some basic rum cocktails to suggest for them to make too. Just my 2 cents.

[Edward Hamilton]

If you've been asked to bring wine, I'd definitely bring wine. And if you want to bring some rum, bring any of the rums suggested above with an ice cube and then step back and let them enjoy it on their own terms.

Wine and rum pairings can be difficult at best, but they may find a new appreciation for rum. I've introduced a lot of people to rum and find the greatest success when they are looking to try some rum. I wouldn't be disappointed if everyone told me that they'd try it later. Wine and rum are hard to pair.

On the other side of the coin, they less they drink of the rum, the more there will be for those that do enjoy it.

[RonJames]

lolololol, I was thinking when I wrote that post "man, these guys are going to think Im married to Bacardi 8", so you got the nail on the head gatomalo. It is far from the best rum out there but...it does give a great bang for the buck and it is an easy entry. Bluehammer has some good advice, hold off on the rum bar idea. Get them addicted 1st.

[Mistahunter]

I bought a bottle of Bacardi 8 last week as a result of reviewing these discussion boards...and I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised. Is it my favorite? No - but I could see this as frequent go-to rum (especially, considering the price).

I don't know if there have been any posts about this...but it would be interesting to see what folks feel about which rum is the best based on "dollar-for dollar" value?

Bacardi 8 could be competitive (I paid $19.99 for it).

[Patapouf]

I bought a bottle of Bacardi 8 last week as a result of reviewing these discussion boards...and I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised. Is it my favorite? No - but I could see this as frequent go-to rum (especially, consdering the price).

I don't know if there have been any posts about this...but it would be interesting to see what folks feel about which rum is the best based on "dollar-for dollar" value?

Bacardi 8 could be competitive (I paid $19.99 for it).

That's a great question and a difficult one to answer! It all depends on the market you're in. In my case I'd rarely touch Bacardi 8 because I have, to name a few examples, Appleton Reserve, El Dorado 5 and 12, Flor de Cana 5, Havana Club 7, Plantation barbados... all within a couple dollars (often cheaper).

The HC7 is actually $3 less and in my mind much better, imho. Btw, B8 is around $30 in my market.

[dom]

In my market, the Bacardi 8 also sells for 30$, where the ED5 sells for 25$. So I usualy tend to go for the ED5, which in my mind is the best "bang for the buck". But i'm sure in other markets, that would be different.

[Bluehammer]

Bacardi 8 here is $16 and some change. I can understand if you have to pay more and as a result do not like it. But for me it is good times. By the way Total Wine rocks. Sorry, I do not mean to sound high and mighty. At least you guys up north can get some good cigars!cigar.gifcigar.gif

[chazzzer]

I'm a big fan of Appleton Estate V/X, I just bought a bottle on sale for $18 here in Oregon (it's usually $20). It's a blend of 15 different-aged Appleton rums. Mmm. mmm, mmm...tasty. There's also a Appleton Estate Extra 12 (about $27) which is a blend of rums all over 12-years-old. There are others too: Reserve, Master Blenders Legacy (includes a 30-year-old plus others), and 21 Year Old, but those three aren't offered for sale here in Oregon. (Don't get me started about the stupid Oregon Liquor Control Commission that runs all liquor stores in the state.)

For a more inexpensive rum, I usually get Appleton Special. It's cheaper than anything Bacardi here (about $13), and much better in my opinion.

As you can probably tell, I'm hooked on Appleton (and on gold rums...I just don't do white). A few trips to Jamaica convinced me that Appleton was great, and I think it's really underpriced as compared to the competition.

[gil]

Just some personal experience converting folks over to rum: It may seem like an unassuming choice, but I've a lot of success with Pampero Anniversario. This rum has impressed quite a few of my friends-- it's well balanced and has the depth and richness to drink neat, or add to a Cuba Libre and other mixed cocktails. And, much to my delight, my local liquor stores are keeping this rum in stock.


Pampero Anniversario certainly impressed me last weekend when I stumbled across it in a bar on a Christmas night out. I hadn't tried it and was really blown away. Its now on my must get list. Unfortunately i've already ordered my Rum treats for the festive season but i may have to squeeze a small last minute order in now. How such a rich rum would go down with complete rum novices I'm not sure - my friend (who isn't a Rummie) was happy to pass his glass on to me. Bacardi 8, on the other hand is in my opinion, an excellant intro as it is obviously quality but unassuming and reasonably smooth.

Stamina1914 - if some don't want to try your rum its not a problem. There are only two people you need to please to realise your dream and thats the Food and Beverage manager and the General Manager so make sure your rum meets them!

cheers.gif

[Paul C]

By the way Total Wine rocks.
Agreed, I stumbled on it last time I was in Phoenix and was very pleasantly surprised.

[Mistahunter]

Pampero is a great rum...I can get it across the bridge in NJ for about $33.

It's definitely a "go-to" rum....