Libations

Try Ron Zacapa Centenario Rum... How Sweet It Is

By Dianne Boate and Robert Meyer

Today, we are going to introduce you to a particular rum that we both think is sensational. Knowing about fine products is one of the dividends of long hours of tramping around the countryside, tasting delightful libations, meeting new people, and creating relationships.

Ron Zacapa, winner of many world- class awards, is an import from Guatemala! The secret formula is about 100 years old. It differs from most rums in that it is aged up to 25 years. The first sip says everything-- rich, fragrant with spice and vanilla, something that cries "Attention!" first to the taste buds, then to the other senses.We talked to author, rum consultant, and leading authority on rum, Luis Ayala, whose headquarters are in Austin,Texas. He visits all the rum production companies of the world and keeps track of what is going on.

We discussed the origin of rum and sugarcane, but came to no concrete conclusions. Years ago, Dianne read a text put out by Rums of Puerto Rico that stated India was the first home of rum; Luis said he thought sugarcane originated in New Guinea and was brought to the Americas; a handsome flyer on Jamaican rums suggests that Christopher Columbus showed up in the Caribbean with a Spanish flag in one hand and sugarcane stalks in the other. Take your pick.

We talked about the amazing taste of Ron Zacapa. Luis commented that, "Complexity grows with time." When asked about mixing this rum, he replied, "Ron Zacapa must be enjoyed neat for one to truly experience all its qualities. Those insisting on having it mixed will definitely enjoy it in a Premium Mojito ... they are selling like crazy in Florida."

Ron Zacapa Centenario is imported by Botran Imports USA, (305) 670-9050, danaimporters.com. It retails for$40-$45.

The Answer

There is an old joke about Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas that goes like this: Gertrude is on her deathbed and Alice is hovering nearby imploring, "What is the Answer?What is the Answer?"
Gertrude replied, "What is the Question?"
Let us plunge back into the 17th century, where last month we talked about the British drinking port wine from Portugal because of their own blockade of French ports. Without telling us, the British ships took off for the Caribbean and discovered rum in Barbados, and not a moment too soon. There were big problems with the storage of water and beer rations on the long journeys. Rum was a keeper.

So began the British Naval custom of a "tot" of rum per sailor per day to make up for the major discomforts of sailing ships in those days, to say nothing of a steady thirst.

Slightly off the subject, but isn’t it interesting that at the same time the dispersed Huguenots (French Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries) were starting to plant vineyards in South Africa, those who fled to England used their skills as craftsmen to make what became known as Georgian Silver and to design the first glass cylinder that became our wine bottle of today?

Rum Times

When you read about the hardships people endured in "the old days," you wonder how we all made it this far. There were good reasons for rum production to go into high gear in the 17th century: it kept the navies and explorers busy for the European governments’ money-making expansion plans, supply and demand, and excellent growing conditions for the imported sugarcane in the tropics.

Word Association

Rum is made in romantic places, so the word rum will conjure the good life, balmy weather, something hopeful on what could otherwise be a gloomy day. One cold, rainy January, our bicycles got flat tires in Golden Gate Park near Ocean Beach, so we had to walk the bikes home. It did not take long to get completely sopping wet. Way before we got home, we had figured out the first thing to do: have a stiff drink of rum and orange juice.

Ever the student, Dianne was thinking about word associations, and looked up gin rummy on the Internet, hoping to find a connection between the card game and the beverage. Fifty-three page listings later, with no answer and no end in sight, the whole subject took a sharp turn towards a new idea: If you could call the world of Libations a game, Rum is a very important player and the stakes are always high. Go into any liquor store and you will see it right away-- the competition. But rum may have an edge over other spirits because it is perceived to be something fun. The drinks made with rum have fanciful names and ingredients, and sometimes wear little parasol hats, rather than being serious like a very good vodka or gin martini. You’ve heard people say, "Now that is a serious martini."

Splashes and Dashes

Add a dash of rum to your black bean dishes; splash some rum over your next ice cream. Making fresh fruit cocktail? Hot chocolate? Coffee......The list is endless.