Rum is not for everyone. If you like Pina Coladas, getting caught with a smile, the feel of the ocean, come with us for a while!  Rum lovers are notorious romantics (I know, I’m one!)  Overwhelmingly, rum conjures up images of endless expanses of sandy beaches, ocean breezes & utter relaxation.

Its inglorious history may be shrouded by swashbuckling pillaging ‘Gaspars’, but who doesn’t love Johnny Depp (ahem, Jack Sparrow). Torches & visions of tropical Tiki Gods are ceremoniously making their way back into our rumbrella consciousness. Campy Polynesian retro island escapism rules!

Parlez vous Francais?  J'aime rhum!  The Island of Martinique produces a version called Rhum Agricole, which is made from the juice of gently pressed sugar cane, first developed when there was a shortage of molasses. Then there’s our Braz bro’s. Eu amo o cachaca!  There are purportedly +5,000 cachacas in Brazil— we’re glad to see gems such as Cuca Fresca samba their way into a welcoming American market.  Amo el ron!  Rums hail from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Latin & South America & from Nepal, South Africa, Tanzania, Mauritius & the Philippines.

We have been hosting Rum events annually since 2002 and we’ve tasted rums from mostly every rum producing, sugar cane-growing country.  Never before has there been such a profusion of styles. Here’s a peek at what we’ve tasted.

In recent years, a new revolution has been taking shape in the US—the Rum Revolution.  Dozens of micro-distilleries are dotting the American landscape, producing some of the most outstanding new rums coming to market.

One such example hails from the Island of Tennessee? (yup, that’s what I said)!  Master Distiller (and consummate entertainer) Phil Prichard of Prichards Distillery will be serving up samples of Prichard’s rums at Teatro on Seventh in Ybor City at our Formal Rum Tasting Dinner on Thursday March 26, the opening event of this year’s Polished Palate International Rum Festival. Joining us are award-winning rums Ron Barcelo from the Dominican Republic, Tommy Bahama & Mount Gay, both from Barbados, selections of Rums of Puerto Rico and Diplomatico from Venezuela. These & more will be infused with cuisine specially designed by Chefs Bill Haines & Philip Zeltsar.

Ahoy Mates! No rum celebration is complete without a pirate lurking in the grotto, Gaspar’s Grotto to be precise (link here for St. Pete Times review).  On Friday evening March 27, Rum on the Bar B Q features live entertainment & rummarinated food and drink specialties.  Jose Gaspar, known better by his nickname Gasparilla, was purportedly a Spanish Pirate, the ‘last of the Buccaneers’ and is claimed to have raided the West Coast of Florida during the late 18^th century. His legend lives on in the annual celebration bearing his nickname.

The Main Festival Event takes place at The RITZ Ybor on Saturday evening, March 28.  Taste dozens of rums from around the world, meet our Judges from the Rum Competition, Master Distillers, Authors & Aficionados. While supplies last, VIP guests receive specialty cuisine, goody bags, Imbibe Magazine, stemware courtesy of Rums of Puerto Rico & reserved seminar seating. Seminars will feature all aspects of rum-its history & production-‘How To Taste’ them and how to mix them, including presentations on classic and new cocktails. Our silent auction features product generously donated by participating rums & other items including Davidoff Cigars and the first authentic absinthe available in the US in more than 95 years, Lucid Absinthe Supérieure.

The Hilton Garden Inn in Ybor City is the official Hotel of the Festival. Contact Stephen Hill at 813-769-0137 for info.

In other news…Tastings, Events, Bits & Pieces...

Florida: University of Tampa Campus on Friday February 27 at the Cigars & Mojito Social.  Ron Barcelo Rums sponsors. Call 813-257-3582 for info.  On Saturday evening, February 28, we'll be at the Science Center 'Wine Under the Stars'. Call 727-289-1721 for more info.  On Saturday evening, March 7, we're at the 20th Annual Abilities Foundation Food & Wine Tasting at Tropicana Field. New York City: Davidoff Cigar & Rum Tastings NYC…This Wednesday, taste Charbay’s Tahitian Vanilla and Tropical Island Rums. Las Vegas: On March 1, Sky Ranch hosts its 18^th annual Hall of Fame Dinner at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas.  Link here for information on reservations San Diego: Save the date…The 7^th Annual Spirits of Mexico Festival 2009 takes place September 10-12...At the recent book signing of The Essential Cocktail, Dale DeGroff WOW’d us with ‘little green things’, some of the tastiest libations we’ve tasted.  They’re sure to green up your St. Patty’s Day celebration!  Have Tiki Bar, Will Travel...appearing at the Rum Festival from the gang at rumreviews.com comes mobiletikibar.com. So portable it even fits in a 'Vette!

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