La Favorite

[Tiare]

There are 2 La Favorite I can find, that is the Ambre and the Vieux Cuvee 1993. How are they,anyone know? and compared to the white?

[Hank Koestner]

Hello Tiare,
This is one of my favorite rhum agricoles. I have the amber, and in comparison to the white, it has a nuttier flavor, and the grassy flavors are not as pronounced. I believe it is aged about 18 months. I also have the rhum vieux, which I love also, on it's own or in a Punch Vieux. I believe the age on the vieux is 3 years plus. The amber is A great rhum, and a great choice for our beloved Ti Punch. I have not tasted or seen the 1993. This is the first I have heard of a vintage year from La Favorite. I think Ed could help you more here. I do know this; if the price was fair I would probably purchase it. La Favorite makes consistently excellent products.

[Tiare]

Thanks Hank,

The 1993 looks like this:

http://cgi.ebay.it/RHUM-RUM-RON-LA-FAVORITE-VIEUX-AGRICOLE-CUVEE-1993_W0QQitemZ170039003529QQihZ007QQcategoryZ48109 QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

[Hank Koestner]

What a great looking older bottle. The price would seem about right for a vintage at 45, but if it's 12, it's a steal, but once again, It would be nice to know the age of the rum. I wish I could read Italian. I could not tell if the price was 12 or 45 Euro.

[Tiare]

The price is 45 and the shipping is 12.

I want to buy this one definetily.

[Paulipbartender]

Keep it quiet - you might get outbid!

[Tiare]

Luckily its not an auction Paul, its a Ebay shop, and I think they have a good selection of agricoles and also other rums, take a look. If I had the money I would buy their La Favorite Vieux Agricole la Flibuste, sells for 148 euros.

[Paulipbartender]

I'd find it hard to justify paying very high prices for aged agricole. One of the most expensive bottles on our bar is the Clement XO and while good, it just isn't really to my taste.

I imagine I'll grow into it if I keep forcing it down :D

[Edward Hamilton]

That bottle of La Favorite Vieux was aged more than three years with the bulk of the rhum aged 5 -6 years. 1993 was the last year that label was used. It has changed twice since then.

I agree with Paul, that rhum agricole doesn't always justify the price. But not all agricole rhums are created equally.

Hank's observations of the Ambre are right on.

[Paulipbartender]

One of the things that makes rums so amazing is that price is nearly always a direct reflection of cost of production (luxury category aside) - unlike brandies which are status priced.

Agricoles are of course priced on rarity - vintages - which, I remember discussing with you in Floridita Ed, means pound for pound they never seem to stack up. My personal feelings on agricoles are secondary

[Hank Koestner]

I would have to agree that sometimes agricoles can be a bit pricey. The vintage year concept can be misleading. It all comes down to how much actual aging took place. I was told that some years the rhum produced is deemed so good by the distillers that the put a vintage on it. We all know that this means a higher price also. I have been able to purchase some aged and vintage agricoles down in the Islands, and the prices are definetly more reachable than if the same rums were imported here. There are some very pricey rums that are not agricoles, and we have to question the value.
I myself love agricoles, so I might be more willing to spend in this categorie.
You have to be cautious with vintages, because you may end up with an expensive collectors item, where the rum is not much different from a more standard offering.
At 45 euro and 12 euro, my total would be 75 to 80 dollars. Would I buy it? Probably not. Would I buy it for 45 dollars? Probably.

[Tiare]

I agree its a high price, so its something to think about, I would like to try it but i feel a bit hesitant to the price right now as there are many other rums , i also want to try. but maybe one day..
I do love agricoles though.

[Hank Koestner]

If the amber is available at a good price, you might want to consider purchasing it. You will love it in a Ti Punch.

[Tiare]

The ambre cost euro 29 + 12 for shipping.

[Hank Koestner]

Tiare, thats seems to be a fair price. It converts to about 40 dollars, and the shipping is the same. It would cost the same here. That is about what I paid for my bottle.
And, by the way, your Orchids are beautiful! They are my favorite flower, along with roses. Is your foot better?

[Tiare]

Orchids are very interesting and ,also (some) challening to grow as the species are so specialized, but it takes the self discipline to know your limits and stick to those that can survive in the environment you can provide. Hence the orchid terrarium..which is a small greenhouse really,this one with an aquarium at the bottom.
Thank you for asking Hank, thats very sweet, well my foot is not good but its better, i can at least walk on my own.The main thing, I can walk to my bar!
(and to my work, I need to earn my rum-money)

[Edward Hamilton]

I completely agree that historically vintage Martinique rhums have been overpriced, but there are some very good agricole rhums which offer good value. Unfortunately, that's not what most people see.

Sounds like I'm going to have to come back to London and introduce you to some more rhums of Martinique. I have a feeling you haven't tasted ti punch made with really good rhum agricole yet.

[Paulipbartender]

That's a challenge I'll find hard to refuse.

We'll see you next October hopefully for the RumFest?

[JMac]

Hello All,

New member to this forum but long time rum lover living in BC, Canada. I need some advice/opinion re the above rhums. I'm going to the US in a couple of months and would like to purchase rhum agricole but only have two choices: Rhum JM Eleve Sous Bois or Depaz Blue cane rhum. Any suggestions?

[angelsword]

Rhum JM Eleve Sous Bois or Depaz Blue cane rhum. Any suggestions?

Of the Depaz Rhums, I have only tried the white. Nice But I didn't think it was extraordinary. But the Rhum JM is something special.

[mac]

Actually I believe there are three La Favorite rums. A Blanc/Amber and an aged dark rum. My favorite by far is the blanc and it makes a wonderful ti punch. The aged is excellent neat !!!

[Hank Koestner]

Yes, those are the best known 3, and they are all excellent. There is also an 8 Ans and the elusive 33. I believe you can only find those last two on the Island. There may be more I am not aware of. I think there are some vintages also.

[Edward Hamilton]

Yes, those are the best known 3, and they are all excellent. There is also an 8 Ans and the elusive 33. I believe you can only find those last two on the Island. There may be more I am not aware of. I think there are some vintages also.

Those mentioned above are the only ones you'll find even at the distillery. But don't get your hopes up for the 8 year old, it wasn't even available at the distillery the last time I was there.

[primate77]

The La Favorite Blanc does not seem available where I live, but I was over in Indianapolis this past week, and I saw a bottle in a small specialty beer and spirits store. If I see it again, what would be a decent price point for a bottle of the Blanc (USD, mainland) that would intrigue me to go ahead and pick it up?

I took a pass on it, but was very intrigued by this rhum as I've seen some of the posts here on it.

I am also intrigued by this Ti Punch, I'm relatively new to the joys of rum/rhum and haven't expanded too far on the mixed drinks using the elixir.

1. Does the Ti Punch benefit greatly from La Favorite Blanc or a similar rhum, or would using say, the white Appleton or Pritchard's Crystal (neither that I've tried but both available where I live) be suitable alternatives, even if they aren't agricoles, or does that just blow the whole drink by moving away from an agricole?

2. What seems to be the most followed or "enjoyed" recipe for the Ti Punch?

[Paulipbartender]

Check the recipes section of the website.........

Raj and Sukhinder @ Speciality Spiritis have the aged La Favourite if our European friend wanted to buy.............

[Tiare]

A Ti punch without agricole is not a Ti punch.

A Ti Punch is to be made with a white agricole or its a Punch vieux. Both are equally nice!

And yes..check the recipe section on this site.

[Edward Hamilton]

The La Favorite Blanc does not seem available where I live, but I was over in Indianapolis this past week, and I saw a bottle in a small specialty beer and spirits store. If I see it again, what would be a decent price point for a bottle of the Blanc (USD, mainland) that would intrigue me to go ahead and pick it up?

La Favorite is about $31 for a 100 proof liter around the US, which compares to about $18.60 for 750ml at 80 proof. I expect this price to go up in the coming months as the euro continues to become more valuable than the US dollar.

That rum is available at the better stores in your area though they might have to order it from their distributor.

I took a pass on it, but was very intrigued by this rhum as I've seen some of the posts here on it.

I am also intrigued by this Ti Punch, I'm relatively new to the joys of rum/rhum and haven't expanded too far on the mixed drinks using the elixir.

1. Does the Ti Punch benefit greatly from La Favorite Blanc or a similar rhum, or would using say, the white Appleton or Pritchard's Crystal (neither that I've tried but both available where I live) be suitable alternatives, even if they aren't agricoles, or does that just blow the whole drink by moving away from an agricole?

2. What seems to be the most followed or "enjoyed" recipe for the Ti Punch?

A ti punch with rhums other than rhum agricole just aren't the same. The flavor of rhum agricole is much bigger than a highly distilled rum like the ones you mention. I like these other rums but there is a huge difference between rhum agricole and a highly distilled molasses-based rum.

The traditional recipe is to cut a slice from the side of a lime, squeeze gently and drop into a small(7oz) glass, pour about 1/4 teaspoon of sugar cane syrup over the lime then pour 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 oz 100 proof rhum agricole over the sugar and lime then stir.

I hope to post a quick video making a ti punch in the next couple of weeks, but I'm on the road until the first week in April.

[Hank Koestner]

Ed and Tiare have summed it up, and Ed's recipe is the best for the Ti Punch.

[primate77]

Thank you.

Is the 100 proof La Favorite going to make a big difference in taste of this drink over the 80 proof?

I guess in other words, what I'm asking, is next time I do see this in a store, and it's 80, should I take pass and seek the 100 (or have them order it at a store near my home)?

[Hank Koestner]

I don't think you will find 80 proof La Favorite, unless I am mistaken.

[primate77]

Per my discussion with Ed today - I am enjoying my first-ever Ti Punch.

I finally picked up a bottle of LaFavourite Blanc about 2-3 weeks ago while down at Randalls' outside of St Louis. I picked up the Petite Canne Syrup even before that. Limes - they're in the fridge.

Ed asked how on earth have I had the will power to hold back from cracking open this bottle for the past two weeks+!!!

Well, the temptation has ended and I made the Ti Punch precisely to Ed's direction, and all I can say is - very, very enjoyable drink!

As he cautioned "This is a 100 proof cocktail."

Yup - one will raise the spinnaker and get you racing. More than two though might sink the boat! Definitely a drink for enjoying at home, without even a thought of getting behind the wheel of a car.

Thanks for the recommendation on such a nice drink. The taste of this rum is "interesting" and I do enjoy it. The Petite Canne (which I also opened for the first time tonight) reminds me very much of Tupelo honey.

The spinnaker is up... time to pour the 2nd and see what happens.:D

[Tiare]

I totally agree with you, the Ti-punch is a fantastic drink! good luck with your 2nd..3rd..

[JMac]

YES!....so that Randalls does have La Favorite.....I feel an ol' fashion bootleg run from Arkansas to Missouri soon.....

PS is it the 50% ABV I liter bottle???

[primate77]

Hey Jmac - it was the Randall's in Fairview Hts which is a short 20 minute trip (tops) from the Saint Louis Arch. It is 100 proof, as someone pointed out to me earlier that all LaFavourite Blanc is 100 proof, and I beleive that is the case. Very nice rum. Very different, but I enjoyed the taste of it.

You should make the run, it is a very fascinating store! Really large and varied collection of rums. I think I pointed out, it is the only place that I know of that carried Brinley's Gold flavored rums outside of the states where they claim to have distribution (probably because Randall's is a.k.a. Internet Wines and Spirits). The store is large - it's about three standard strip mall storefronts put together with the walls knocked out between them. Rums go three shelves deep along half the length of one wall, and the whole back end of that shelf is Brazilian rum and Cachaca.

I found their prices to be rather good on many things - hence the fact I walked out the door with I think 8 or 9 bottles when my original intent was two!

[JMac]

thanks Primate77...I really want to get some La Favorite, Oronoco, and a rum cream for the holidays.

If you like the La Favorite definitely try the Neisson Blanc.....

It seems like you have the same good intentions that I do....only one or two bottles then voila....I need a Sherpa to help get the rum to the car!

[primate77]

A sherpa, two mules and a bigger budget!!!

Funny, we are on similar paths! I purchased the Cruzan Rum Cream a few days back as well.

When the bottle of LaFavourite is dead, then I will grab the Niesson and see which one is more to my liking.

I did not see the Oronoco at Randalls. I don't know if he carries and just was out, or if it's not in his lineup. Actually, I've not yet found it in any of the liquor stores I've gone to yet - so if anyone has any tips on what liquor store in Illinois does carry Oronoco, please let me know!

[jparrott]

Enjoying a riff on the Aviation Cocktail with La Favorite blanc instead of the gin, and a dash of Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas bitters. The Seaplane? In any case, it's delicious. And, of course, a dash of eas's own Rothman & Winter Creme de Violette rounds it right out.

[primate77]

"The Seaplane". I like it!

[Michael]

Enjoying a riff on the Aviation Cocktail with La Favorite blanc instead of the gin, and a dash of Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas bitters. The Seaplane? In any case, it's delicious. And, of course, a dash of eas's own Rothman & Winter Creme de Violette rounds it right out.

That sounds like an agricole approximation of a Blue Moon Cocktail. I suspect we'll just have to imagine the taste of the Jerry Thomas bitters, unless we chance upon a particularly well-stocked bar. What would you suggest that we substitute?

[eas]

Why substitute for the Jerry Thomas bitters? If you're at this forum you're probably not one who so easily compromises, so I'd suggest either procuring a bottle of Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas Bitters (call LeNells in Brooklyn, they might be able to help), or if extremely patient and adventurous maybe make your own batch (just be sure not to kill your kidneys with said certain snakeroot).

[jparrott]

My second choices would be Fee Bros Whiskey-Barrel-Aged or Chuncho Amargo.

[rumdog007]

My second choices would be Fee Bros Whiskey-Barrel-Aged or Chuncho Amargo.

jparrott, What is Chuncho Amargo? Thanks!

[Michael]

jparrott, What is Chuncho Amargo? Thanks!

Until jparrott has a chance to answer, here is a link, with picture, to this type of Peruvian bitters, used in the Pisco Sour:

Amargo Chuncho (http://www.perucooking.com/amargo%20chuncho.HTM)

[Michael]

My second choices would be Fee Bros Whiskey-Barrel-Aged or Chuncho Amargo.

Thanks for the suggestions. We do have a bottle of the aged Fee Bros recommended, so we only have to locate some Crиme de Violette.

[Rum Runner]

Hess wrote a piece about Peruvian Pisco Sours and the Amargo Chuncho Bitters (http://thespiritworld.net/2006/06/19/pisco_sour/) some time ago.

Michael, it appears the pic of the bottle you posted comes from the Peruvian Cooking web site. So I think this product is available now in the USA.

[rumdog007]

Thanks! I just ordered 4 bottles from Atlanta, GA.

[jparrott]

Michael got it! My cocktail-weenie friends are pretty sure this is a cherry-bark bitter.

[rumdog007]

Thanks for the suggestions. We do have a bottle of the aged Fee Bros recommended, so we only have to locate some Crиme de Violette.

Michael, Beltramos has the Creme de Violet. I saw it last week.