I adore rum cocktails and aged rum as a slow sipper. So, I was mighty delighted to be offered an invite to a Rums of Puerto Rico event at the Empire State Building, excited to potentially meet some of PR's finest rum producers and a few keen mixologists as well.
Unfortunately, what I got was a sad list of unimaginative cocktails at the bar (Rum and Coke anyone? or how about a Rum and Orange Juice?), a lot of thumpa-thumpa music blaring in my ears (if that complaint makes me old, so be it!), and political speeches aplenty. Throw in two bartenders who put on a pathetic homage to Tom Cruise in the 80's flick "Cocktail" and an odd appearance by Food Network star Claire Robinson (it's not like she's Puerto Rican or a bartender), and you've pretty much got the evening's festivities down.
Even the gift bag (pictured above) was disappointing. Think rum cake and cigars. Seriously.
I hope the producers of this rum reception think more about the rum the next time they come to town. I'd love to learn -- and taste -- more. If the Cotes du Rhone folks could turn their annual event from Cotes du Wrong into Cotes du Right, I have every faith that the Rums of Puerto Rico team can deliver.
Until then, you can find me at the bar at The Edison Hotel's Rum House, downing a Tortuga or two (or three).
The best rums deserve an honorable Ti Punch. That is simple syrup, lime, ice and rum.
It's not what you do with them, it's what you don't do with them.
I like nothing more than a clean glass (thanks to Ed Hamilton who taught me this), some coconut water ice, and a few more splashes from that bottle of 20 year old rum over there.
Preferably at sunset, on the deck of a sailboat, with drink in hand. And a green flash. Off Anegada.
Posted by: Warren Bobrow | March 06, 2011 at 05:14 PM