Gifted Rums Guide Debut - March 8

[RobertBurr]

This Event Is Sold Out

The debut of the Gifted Rums Guide will be held at the charming and historic Venetian Pool in Coral Gables, Florida on Saturday evening, March 8, 2008.

http://www.giftedrums.com/guide.html
http://www.venetianpool.com

All rum enthusiasts are invited to attend this event amidst the flowing waterfalls, 850,000 gallon pool and classic casino to celebrate the debut of the printed guide and to enjoy a sampling of many of the world's finest rums.

[Edward Hamilton]

I'll see if I can make it down that way for the event. At least, knowing Rob, there will be some good rum and I won't have to bring all of my own, but I might anyway.

[Hank Koestner]

Living in Orlando, I think I can make this event!

[angelsword]

I'll be nearby but have to work that day. Should I bring some of my rums?

[RobertBurr]

Yes, by all means come with or without rum and let's celebrate. Bringing some rum is another reason to celebrate even more.

[ssmena67]

Robert, this is Sherwin Mena. I was at the Guatemala Rum tasting and had the great opportunity to meet Daniel. Thank you again for the great event. Looking forward to meeting you at Venetian pool event. Please keep me informed.

Sincerely,

Sherwin "Sean" Mena (http://www.realestatehotlink.com)

[Capn Jimbo]

At end of Robert's last tasting, Daniel surprised us all with what I now know was six of his very special creations. When he got to the hickory (fourth) he explained this was for people interested in "big wood".

It was then that dear Sue Sea broke us all up when she shouted out "I know all the women would be really interested in that one!" Of course this was after we'd tasted about 15 rums, what a hoot.

That's my girl.

Anyway Daniel, as you know we missed the really big wood - the oak - as we left just one rum too early, so please do be sure to bring the oak. Sue Sea thanks you...

[RobertBurr]

March 8 at Venetian Pool (http://www.venetianpool.com) in Coral Gables will be a seminal event in the history of rum... I'll be serving some of my infamous slow-roasted pulled pork -- both the spicy barbeque and the buttery roasted garlic -- along with at least 30 of my favorite rums.

Whatever it takes to fly, drive, catch a bus, hitch-hike or walk to this lovely, charming, tropical, exotic watering hole -- I recommend you be there to share a fruitful two hours of indulgence in the finer points of life on earth with other like-minded individuals.

There will certainly be surprises... and delightful delicacies... a plethora of potent possibilities...

Consider yourself warned, enlightened, advised, informed and briefed.

[Capn Jimbo]

I'll keep it simple: anyone who failed to attend missed the rum event of the year, at least in these parts. It wasn't just the rum, there was plenty and forgive me for the reps and companies I leave out:

Santa Teresa. Vizcaya. Seales. Appleton. Cockspur. Mount Gay. JM Rhum. Clement. Diplomatico. Ron Barrilito. Barcelo. El Dorado. Beleza Pura. Four Square. DonQ. Crisma. And more...

All being generously poured at tables surrounding the tasting area.

It wasn't the gorgeous women. Sue Sea and I arrived early and couldn't seem to find the Venetian Pool. It was just then we saw a striking Latin woman in black cocktail dress, spike heels and clutching a bottle of Vizcaya picking her way across a lawn. "Are you looking for the rum event?" she graciously asked. If we weren't, we were then, lol...

It wasn't the great food: scrumptious pulled pork with a creamy, spicy cole slaw and Key Lime pie. Thank god, we forgot to eat before we left. And it wasn't the great crowd and company - a sold out event for 150 I was told by Ms. Burr.

No, it was the setting. The historic Venetial Pool in historic Coral Gables. Now this is old Florida in all its magic and splendor. The folks at the Venetian say it best:

Certainly it is the only swimming pool of its kind with its vine-covered loggias, shady porticos, spanish fountain, three-story observation towers and cascading waterfalls that spill into a free-form lagoon complete with coral rock caves and palm-fringed island.

Even that doesn't do it justice. It has the patina of age and history, as though it were carved out of a coral reef. Being there takes you to another time and place. But even that was not the high point of the evening. And what was that you say?

Simply it was when I alone - among the many attendees - blessed Robert with the gift of one of my now famous tasting glasses. At great expense I might add. Yes, yes I know it only cost $1.99. But there is no IKEA in Miami (unlike Fort Lauderdale, ha!). And gas isn't cheap anymore. And what price can you put on this glass' unique ability to maximize the nosing and tasting experience of rum.

$1.99 indeed!

Robert, thanks for yet another magnificent event.

[Edward Hamilton]

Congratulations Rob on a great event. Hold on your glass, this is just the beginning of the events planned in South Florida and other venues to be announced soon.

[RobertBurr]

Jimbo,

Thanks for the review. You nailed it. The setting was lovely, it was our kind of crowd, the food hit the spot and the rums were wonderful. And, we raised about $500 for our boy scout house. Thanks to all who contributed.

Thanks for the official Captain Jimbo tasting glass. Yes, you saved me at least $42 in gas not having to drive to Ft. Lauderdale and buy one.

Thanks, Ed, you're right. There's going to be some good news about future rum events in South Florida coming soon.

[Hank Koestner]

Two things: One, I must have one of the Capt's tasting glasses, and two, I have to schedule time to get to South Florida.
Is there a picture of Jimbo on the glass?