Rum renaissance: 8 places in Palm Beach County to savor National Rum Day
With National Rum Day on August 16 fast approaching many people will be thinking mojito, Mai Tai, piña colada, dark and stormy, rum punch or even a good old rum and coke.
They may also be thinking "What fool would let this great day happen on a Tuesday?"
Regardless of the day, a celebration is definitely in order according to several local distillers who say this sugarcane-based liquor is making a comeback.
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Chris Bolt, owner of Revenge Rum in West Palm Beach, said "it is the true American liquor" and was once distilled not only throughout the Caribbean, but all along the east coast of the United States.
After prohibition, rum sort of fell out of favor and was replaced in popularity by other spirits, Bolt said. But, he said, it is making a major return to prominence.
Revenge Rum currently makes a white rum using Grade A molasses from sugarcane produced in Florida.They also have future plans for a barrel-aged offering.
Though excellent in cocktails, most white rums aren't considered sipping rum. To get to that more mellow, smoother, sippable final pour, Bolt said the secret is the fermentation process. Revenge Rum has been described as having hints of butterscotch and pineapple.
Rum is indeed making a comeback, said Sarah Kowarski, director of marketing and events at Steel Tie Spirits Co. in West Palm Beach. The company and industry have witnessed a large uptick in consumption. She said she's seen this reflected in the company’s sales but also across the marketplace.
Rum is regaining popularity amongst the selection of premium spirits, Kowarski said. She believes this is likely due to its unique flavors, as well as the versatility — you can sip it without any mixers or enjoy it in cocktails.
Steel Tie Spirits Co. produces four types of rum. In addition to a white rum, they make a spiced rum, a black rum and a double barrel spiced rum. Their spiced rum is their most popular, followed by the black with white and limited edition double barrel spiced tied for third.
Kowarski said the creation of their double barrel spiced rum is a lengthy process that begins with being aged for two years in white American oak barrels, then removed, spiced and transferred into new white American oak barrels for another two years.
In honor of National Rum Day, Steel Tie is holding a celebration of the spirit at their distillery for up to 150 people. The event will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and will feature music by Roots Shakedown.
Tickets are $40 and will include unlimited drinks. There will also be a free entry option with an open tab.
To top it off on the day of the event, Steel Tie will be offering 20% off all of their rum and vodka bottle purchases — except the double barrel spiced rum. Get your tickets today while there are some still available.
Many other local establishments also will be celebrating National Rum Day with some creative libations.
Eight places for great rum drinks/specials
Topside at the Beacon
The Deadman's Chest is enough to make most participants turn pirate and say "argh." This shareable cocktail features overproof Demerara 151-rum, aged Puerto Rican rum, dark Jamaican rum, grapefruit, falernum, cinnamon and pomegranate. $75. Information: topsidejupiter.com
Topside at the Beacon, 1107 Love St., Jupiter
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Tommy Bahama
Celebrating more than just National Rum Day, Tommy Bahama is celebrating Rum Month through Sept. 4. For the occasion their mixologists have come up several new rum-infused potions. One of these is the surf 'n swizzle. This refreshing beverage features Tommy Bahama Rum #2, orgeat, lemon juice, Crème de Banana and Angostura bitters. Information: tommybahama.com
Tommy Bahama, 126 Soundings Ave. Jupiter
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1000 NORTH
This Jupiter establishment's Piña Punch featuring Siesta Key toasted coconut rum, Gosling’s rum, pineapple, coconut sweet and creamy, is a beautiful take on the classic piña colada. $18. Information: 1000north.com
1000 North, 1000 US 1, Jupiter
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AquaGrille
AquaGrille's rendition of the all-time rum classic, the Mai Tai, features AQ Rum Blend, dry Curacao, lime, avocado pit orgeat and toasted almond. $14. Information: aquagrillejuno.com
AquaGrille, 14121 US 1, Juno Beach
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Elisabetta's
Both the West Palm Beach and Delray Beach locations will feature their strawberry mojito for $13. It has two ounces of Big Cypress local rum (distilled in Miami), fresh muddled strawberries, one bunch of mint, three lime wedges squeezed in, one ounce of simple syrup and one ounce of lemon lime juice. Information: elisabettas.com
Elisabetta's, 185 Banyan Blvd., West Palm Beach and 32 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach
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Barrio
Barrio will be slinging a trio of boozy crowd-pleasers including their pineapple guava daiquiri for $12, raspberry peppercorn daiquiri for $13 and the Painkiller for $14, sporting Ron del Barrilito rum, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, nutmeg, fresh juices, and coconut cream. Information: www.barriowpb.com
Barrio, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach
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City Oyster
Whether you fancy yourself a swashbuckler like Captain Jack Sparrow or just a super laid back Caribbean-loving guy like Captain Ron (played by Kurt Russell), City Oyster's melon cooler is a great way to celebrate National Rum Day. This bar favorite features Bacardi rum, soda, fresh watermelon, and house lemon lime for $13. Information: cityoysterdelray.com
City Oyster, 213 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach
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Louie Bossi's Ristorante Bar Pizzeria
This Boca hot spot's Italian mojitos featuring one ounce of Aperol, an ounce of white rum, an ounce of simple syrup, an ounce of lemon/lime juice, two ounces of Prosecco, one lime cut in quarters and one bunch of mint are worth enjoying anytime. Information:
Louie Bossi's Ristorante Bar Pizzeria, 100 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Celebrate National Rum Day at these Palm Beach County hot spots
