Muse of Mixology title
Isle of Fiji Rums
Isle of Fiji Rum
If you know me, you know that I love summer. I love the warm sunshine, the mountains, the beach….. and all of the cocktails that go along with it. Here in Ohio fall has begun, the nights are crisp and cool, and the leaves have started to change colors. It is lovely indeed but I long for those long hot days.
Fiji Islands 2005 rum
Yesterday I received the most incredible gift from my friends at Plantation Rum and the timing couldn’t have been better. First of all-- the packaging was beautiful and when I opened it I was immediately transported to a tropical island in the South Pacific. The box was turquoise like the sea, and the decorations inside looked like palm leaves, tropical flowers, and warm golden sand. Much to my delight there were two bottles of rum inside, and a heartfelt note from the
Maison Ferrand family. They have always been huge supporters of the hospitality industry, and we in turn have done the same by loving and showcasing their spirits. The warm, genuine message highlights the struggles we are all currently dealing with in bars and restaurants and their appreciation to us for fighting through it. I personally can’t thank the Maison Ferrand team and Guillame Lamy enough for taking the time to send this out to me, and many other bartenders around the globe.
The two bottles are their most recent rum releases, which they have been relentlessly working on, during this crazy and unknown time. The first is the Isle of Fiji, which is packaged in an absolutely stunning bottle with the same turquoise-blue-as-the-sea label as the box it came in. At 40% ABV, this is a delicious and smooth rum that has been aged 2-3 years in bourbon casks as well as 1 year in Ferrand casks. The two different styles of barrels cause this rum to have an intense nose of molasses, vanilla, and nutmeg, but there are also aromas of banana, apple and pear. My first thought was “wow this smells amazing”. The flavor is rich and for me the first thing I tasted was dried fruit and what I can only describe as white chocolate. There are also hints of ginger and honey, and a touch of fresh coconut. I think the Isle of Fiji is versatile, and can be used in a light, classic Daiquiri, but also complex enough to be used in a spirit forward cocktail like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.
The second bottle (also with the gorgeous label) is the Fiji 2005 Limited Edition. This is higher proof at 50.2% ABV, aged 14 years in bourbon casks, and 1 year in Ferrand casks. FOURTEEN YEARS!!! This is a real gem, and a beautiful golden color. Fruity notes of cooked cinnamon apples combined with vanilla and nutmeg dominate the fragrance. The flavor is pleasantly mellow and yet there were many layers of ginger, chocolate, anise, and roasted nuts. If you see these rums at your favorite liquor retailer, buy them!! They are both absolutely superb and I can only imagine how beautiful the bottles would look behind a bar.
Cheers!
Cris
