Chamarel Premium Gold Rum (18 months) 42% - Rum Review

Chamarel Premium Gold Rum (18 months) 42% - Rum Review

Rum Info:

Chamarel Distillery

The history of Chamarel Pemium Gold Rum and how I discovered it are equally important, all be it subjective. Crafted in the tropical climate of Mauritius, the small distillery of Chamarel is picturesquely placed among the hills to the south of the island. A popular tourist spot on route to either the Seven Sands or Black River Gorges. Mauritius is just off the coast of Madagascar, making the conditions perfect for making rum and a popular destination for honeymooners (you guessed it, that’s why the discovery to me was so important). I haven’t been to many distilleries but this is certainly the most beautiful I’ve been too. The majority of the ingredients used in Chamarel’s flavored rum are grown around the site, encasing the place with some amazing aromas of Vanilla, mango and sugar cane.

But now to the rum!

Description:

Chamarel Gold is the perfect concoction of citrus fruits and alcohol. The electric notes from the raw sugar cane are so prevalent, no doubt due to the short aging process of just 18 months. Visually Chamarel Gold is very light, almost a yellowy gold and certainly very light for an aged rum.

 

Chamarel Premium Gold Rum - chilling in the grass

I have to say… this is not rum designed for neat drinking in our opinion. It smacks of high alcohol and you can see that by the high legs around the glass. However when combined with lime and Pepsi Max we are in unanimous agreement that it’s a great tasting drink. The smell is liking to a good Cachaca coming through, is amazing.

While the short aging is less than that of Vintage Cheddar you certainly get a nice floral note and easy blend with mixers. The trade off is that the neat flavor isn’t as rich as most other aged rum

While the bottle says sip and mix, we suggest you ignore the first element of that instruction.

Serving Suggestion:

Pepsi Max with three wedges of lime for the easy going. For more adventurers and keen on Cachaca, this makes a great rum Caipirinha alternative.

Rating:

2 our of 5 limes (1 lime when neat but 3 with a mixer)

Find out more:

http://www.rhumeriedechamarel.com

Written by: Chris. H, Soren. R, Oli. L

How To Pick Cocktails

How to Pick the Perfect Cocktail

I have done some considerable scary things in my time. Such as skydiving and taking a girlfriend on a ‘Lads’ holiday (the two don’t really mix). These however, don’t compare to the fear of picking a good cocktail in a bar. Not scary you say? Well there are several elements to this tricky situation. First comes the feel of impatient eyes looking at you as you stumble through the cocktail menu, again the last person to order! Pressure builds as the bartend looks on and the crowed of thirsty punters behind you increases. If like me, you live in a capital city your wallet (or purse) will be screaming at you at this point as you see the prices hit double digits. Last but not least, the sheer embarrassment sets in, knowing you will have to convince the bartender you like the drink and then be stuck with it until an over eager glass collector takes it from your table. We have all done that fake nod and smile once and im sure many of you take the easy, no nonsence way out by saying “I don’t like cocktails” imagine all this on a first date, on Valentines Day… NIGHTMARE!!!

Breath… as help is at hand. Over many years in the bar + cocktail industry I have developed a couple of rules which will ensure any beginner into the cocktail world safe passage into cocktail heaven.

1. Sense Your Surroundings

The walk from the front door to the bar can provide many clues. Are there cocktail menus on the tables or bar? Is the bar packed with Boston tins and other cocktail equipment? Do they have a wide range of spirits? If yes to these then it’s a promising sign. Next, if lots of other customers are drinking/ ordering cocktails it’s a good indication they know their stuff. Also if you end up in a Tiki bar (Caribbean style) then don’t go ordering an Old Fashioned; they are experts at Caribbean cocktails so order one from that region.

A well stocked back bar is a good sign

2. The Menu

Cocktail menus can be inspiring and quirky, they can also be scary and very complicated. Here are some easy to spot rules.


2.1 Selfies:
If the menu has loads of pictures of their cocktails, it's most likely rubbish! These cocktails tend to be very fruity and sugary.

2.2 Sex On The What?:
There are all sorts of inappropriate names for cocktails out there for one reason only, to entice you to order it because the drink on its own won't. Don't bother with them; you're not 12 after all.

2.3 Keep It Simple:
"laced with elderflower essence… infused with aromatic smoked oak" confused? Focus on the base spirit and the bass flavours that you like. Like Rum (of course you do)? Then stick with that for the base spirit. Next its basic flavour groups and senses (sweet, sour, bitter, fruity, citrus, etc…).

3.Pick Your Bartender:

Knowledge and Engagement is key

If the joint is packed, then perfect time for bartender watching. Find someone who is making loads of cocktails, who is talking in depth to customers about them and the flavours, who is making more than one at once and at pace (indicates they have made it a million times before), who is being asked what to do by the new guy. Find that person and don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know what I want, can you help me?”. You won’t be disappointed.

So throw out your “I don’t like cocktails” one liner as this phrase is simply not true. If you like SOMETHING, then there is a cocktail out there for you.

Got any other good tips to picking a great cocktail? Then let us know and we may include it in our next addition.

Relax and enjoy your well picked cocktail