Bacardi OAKHEART

Recently, Bacardi sent me a sample of their new spiced rum, OAKHEART. Rum is a personal favorite of mine and I've no less than 10 bottles of 6 different kinds in my cabinet. I decided to make it a true challenge and see how OAKHEART stood up to the classic and #1 leader in spiced rums, Captain Morgan Original.

I decided to perform the challenge as impartially as possible. I spread the test over several days to allow for a fresh perspective with my nose, tongue and brain instead of trying to perform the tests all in one night and missing something. I even had my wife to help to provide an added level of impartiality.

The CHALLENGE:

OAKHEART vs Cpt. Morgan Original

The first test was the blind smell test. The first that I was given smelled of vanilla, cinnamon, with a hint of nutmeg. I was sure it was Captain, but asked for it not to be revealed until after I tried the second. The second drink smelled oaky, and had a more caramel and nutmeg aroma than vanilla or cinnamon. Of course, it was the OAKHEART that was the second.

I then moved on to a blind tasting of the drink neat. This time, OAKHEART was the first drink. It was oaky in taste, but not overbearing to make you think you're drinking Jack Daniels. It definitely had a more pronounced caramel flavor quality with a hint of spice, and a nice finish with a touch of sweet fruit. And to top it off, it was smooth, almost to the point where one would ask if it was really rum you were drinking. Comparing it with my second drink, the Captain definitely had strong vanilla and cinnamon notes, but it also had the kick at the end that one anticipates when drinking liquor straight.

My initial impression was that OAKHEART is quite an impressive drink. It has layers of flavors woven together like a tapestry and yet was so smooth that I was pleasantly surprised. I definitely wasn't expecting it to be this tranquil.

The next tests were to enjoy it over ice, and then to mix it with Coca-Cola. As one would already expect, enjoying OAKHEART over ice would be a given. Even in a glass stein taken from the freezer, this drink is good. But what about mixing it with Coke? Initially, the oak may make you think you're drinking "Jack and Coke" for a second, but that quickly passes. The rum compliments the vanilla/caramel flavor already in the Coke and since so many people enjoy fruit in their cola (cherry/lime/etc), the hint of fruit from the rum gives a nice ending. Don't be too surprised if you start seeing requests for "OAK and COKE".

The final test was to mix the rum in strawberry daiquiris. The OAKHEART again was the first drink and the subtle oak flavor to the daiquiri make for a new, refreshing drink. The spice mildly gave it some of that familiar character with which we are all familiar. The Captain daiquiri had more exposed cinnamon and nutmeg flavor, but also had that slight kick on the end.

My overall impression is that Bacardi's OAKHEART is a solid drink that will do well. The company ventures back into the spiced rum category, and does so by sticking to its roots. Don Facundo Bacardi Massó, the founder and namesake for the company, wanted to "tame" rum to make it into a refined drink for upscale taverns, and did so by filtering rum through charcoal and aging it in oak barrels to further mellow the drink. OAKHEART is just that, a mellow spiced rum that is respectable neat, on the rocks, or mixed. The one thing that Captain Morgan has going for it is the vanilla and how it brings out the cinnamon. Those are my two favorite flavors. However, Captain is not the easiest going down. And why drink something that's rough going down if there's something that's easier? Maybe Bacardi will one day take the spiced rum a step further and incorporate greater vanilla and maybe call it NATIVE, or something. After all, distilled rum came from the Caribbean, and vanilla is native to Gulf Coast Mexico (the Spanish conquistador Cortés is credited with introducing vanilla to Europe and the word is derived from the Spanish "vainilla" which means little pod).

OAKHEART is a rum that has definitely found its way to my liquor cabinet. And with it's quality, and it's suggested retail price point, it should definitely find it's way to yours. It's a velvety bouquet of sweet aromas and flavors that will enhance any occasion.

Tweet-up 2011

This past weekend, my wife and I had the great pleasure of being invited to Tweet-up 2011 in Chattanooga, TN.  Tweet-up is an annual event put on by Tiki Bar Online (David Jones and Keith Hollar), Stogie Review (Jerry Cruz and Brian Hewitt), and hosted by Burns Tobacconist/Chattanooga Billiards Club (Wes Thornton and Matt Allen).  This was it's 2nd year, and let me tell you that it was not only well done, but stands to be the biggest thing outside the IPCPR in our industry given a little more time.

Some of this year's guest list included Jon Huber (Crowned Heads) , Matt Booth (Room 101), Frank Herrera (La Caridad del Cobre), Sean Williams (El Primer Mundo), and Steven Ysidron (Savinelli).  There were also everyone's favorite reps such as Zev and Dave of Drew Estate, and Allan of Oliva and a great deal of people who enjoy a good herf.  This list is not exhaustive by any means, it's just that there were so many people there.

 

(smoking  Ideology by 262 Cigars - Thanks Clint)

The event started on Friday and the day culminated with a trip to watch the Chattanooga Lookouts, the local minor league baseball team. Saturday was the big day since most people were not at work.  There was the midday gathering at Burns East, where we helped Erin Park (@boxprezprincess) celebrate her birthday and saw Jon Pelham walk away with about 60% of everything in the raffle (followed by Kristy Lyda who walked away with 30%).  Then the 2nd session was at Burns Downtown for a liquor tasting.  Finally the night wrapped up at the club, Envy, for the afterparty which was sponsored by Savinelli (Thanks Steven).  It was there that we discovered it was also Matt Booth's birthday, and the Jager commenced to pouring.  Kind of reminded me of when I hung out with LMFAO a couple of weeks ago.  Do I hear "Shots?" 

I will admit that I didn't take too many pictures mostly because I was enjoying myself, but I did take some.  I knew that there would be several that would pop up since Burns had a dedicated photographer running around.  I also got video of Matt from Burns giving thanks to all the cigar industry guys, which was echoed by the crowd.  I have this to say about the event, if you're passionate about cigars, then this is family.   Make plans to come next year, for it will definitely be bigger and better!

National Rum Day

So every 16th of August is National Rum Day, one of my favorite days of the year.  Although I enjoy all spirits, I am very partial to rum.  Spiced rum in particular.  And no, I don't believe that it has to do with the fact that the LeRoys hired privateers.

Bacardi, the leader in traditional rum sales, recently announced that they were once again going to produce a spiced rum, called Oakheart.  Captain Morgan currently is the leader in spiced rums, distantly followed by Sailor Jerry.  Surpassing ol' Jerry shouldn't be too difficult with such a small market share and weak product offering.  But does Bacardi have what it takes to take the Captain head on?  Financially it does, but let's see how the product stands up to the balancing pirate.  I, for one, can't wait to give it a shot and share my review!

In other National Rum Day news, Bacardi also recently won a dispute in the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Third Circuit over the Havana Club rum marketing, trademark and brand.  If you'd like to read the particulars, click here:

http://www.bacardilimited.com/news080411.html

Crowned Heads partner with E.P. Carrillo Cigar Co.

Crowned Heads have just announced that they have partnered with  Ernesto Perez-Carrillo to create their first brand, "Four Kicks" and you can thank Kings of Leon for influencing the name.  

“Four Kicks’ is a concept that has been with me for over a year now. After an intensive 6 month search of the best cigar-makers in the business, it became clear to us that Ernesto was the choice to bring our vision to fruition,” commented Jon Huber of Crowned Heads.

With a release of late 2011, these sticks will come in four sizes (Corona Gorda, Robusto, Sublime, and Piramide) and have a suggested retail of $6.95-8.65 per cigar.  Can't wait to give these guys a try.

Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta Serie No. 13

Recently I picked up the newest vitola in the Cabinetta Serie, the 7.5” x 38 Lancero.  This well-wrapped, slightly firm stick is capped with a dark sun grown Criollo head and has a lighter Ecuadorian shade with a Nicaraguan filler.  There was a nice even sheen and the veins were rather slight.  The aroma was that of earth and nuts.

 The cigar lit very easily and produced a very creamy, vanilla taste with just a hint of coffee.  This 1st third was very smooth and mild.  The ash held on at an inch to an inch and a half.

The 2nd third opened up a bit more into a more medium flavor with a bit less creaminess.  Spice notes became apparent and blended well with the already existing earthy/hay notes.  The smoke remained constant and plentiful throughout the entire cigar.

The final third became a bit milder with the spice notes mellowing.  There was a return of the coffee notes and an introduction of cocoa, and the two blended really well together.  The smoke was smooth and cool the entire smoke until the last inch where it finally became warm.  I only needed to relight once at the end around where the light and dark wrappers meet.

This was a very pleasing smoke that did not disappoint.  I give it a 93.

 

IPCPR 2011

Last week, the convention that everyone involved with the cigar and pipe industry looks forward to was held in Vegas.  Unfortunately for me, two other conventions were held in two different cities during the same week involving the entertainment industry (my main occupation).  So needless to say, my time was divided and many sacrifices made (3 conventions are a lot to attend). But on the flip side, I had a great time meeting people and seeing new products, watching new talent and finishing the week with a South Beach party where all you saw was tanned bodies and white outfits until sunrise. Then I saw my pillow until the following night.  Now that's a party!

But enough about me, let's talk IPCPR 2011 and the information you seek.

To start things off, IPCPR has a new CEO.  William S. Spann is filling former Executive Director Joe Rowe's vacancy after Rowe retired.  IPCPR president Gary Pesh said:

"On behalf of the Board of Directors of the IPCPR, I want to extend a hearty welcome to Bill Spann who, we are confident, will help continue moving the association forward in behalf of its retail and manufacturing members. At the same time, we wish Joe Rowe a long and happy retirement. He will be missed.”

Previously, Spann served as Commander during a 20-year career with the U.S. Navy, chief of staff of the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, and president and chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of Greater Florida.  He also served as part of Governor Jeb Bush’s executive leadership team as communications director and then chief of staff at the Florida Department of Children & Families.

As expected, IPCPR is where a great deal of products are launched.  The following are some that I've been asked about the most, so I thought I'd shed some light on them.

CAO:

OSA Sol:  
From the Olancho, San Agustin valley in Honduras comes CAO's OSA Sol.  This blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran filler is to be full of flavor without being overly peppery or soft and bland.  There will be three sizes (5x50, 6x54, and 6 1/2x58) priced from $5-7.  Look for these to hit the shelves by September.

DREW ESTATE:

My Uzi Weighs A Ton (MUWAT):  
Possibly one of the least surprising introductions since it was one of the most talked about on the web yet most elusive cigars is MUWAT.  A collaboration between Drew Estate Tobacco Company and Joya de Nicaragua, this sweet yet boldly flavorful smoke is quite the traveler with a San Andreas Negro Wrapper, Ecuardorian Connecticut Binder, Brazilian Mata Fina Filler coupled with Nicaraguan Fillers. Initially in three sizes (5x50, 6x60, 7x60 with a 4x44 named "Bait Fish" with a later release ), these will sell between $8-11.

Undercrown:
Originally created by the torcedores to smoke in Nicaragua while rolling the Liga Privada, the Undercrown is intentionally harvested 4+ weeks later resulting in a higher natural sugar content and a richer, creamier flavor.  There will be five variations (5x54, 6x52, 7x54, and 6x60 in Parejo with one 6x52 in Belicoso) between $7-10.

TORAÑO:

Vault: 
Carlos Toraño, Sr created a "Blend Book" in 1982 to record every blend concept on which the family has ever worked.  This book contains both released blends and blends with potential.  Current president Charlie Toraño and VP of Sales and Marketing, Bruce Lewis, revisited the book and happened upon an unreleased blend that caught their eye, the Liga A-008.  First recorded in 2000, Charlie and Bruce sought to improve the blend by finding the missing ingredient, which they found in the tobacco from Ometepe, Nicaragua, an island on Lake Nicaragua home to two volcanoes with rich, fertile soil.  This rich earthy and spicy stick has notes of ripe fruit and nutty creaminess.  Available in three sizes between $7-8 (5x52, 6x50, 6 1/8 x 52).

And yes, the rumors seem to be true, Dennis Rodman is releasing his WB brand cigars. 

As more announcements slowly become released product, you will see more of them here and their reviews as well. Until then!

TORAÑO TEAMS UP WITH DWAYNE WADE

Almost forgot to post this.  Thanks Gabriel Pineres for the release!


July 14, 2011— Toraño Family Cigar Co. had the honor of being asked to be the official cigar partner at “The Party with a Purpose” event hosted by Miami Heat superstar Dwayne Wade at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel &Casino to benefit the Kids2Camp fund.

Taking place on Wednesday July 13, 2011 the red carpet event was a spectacular affair where event goers mixed and mingled with NBA Champion Dwayne Wade and other athletes to include current Miami Dolphin wide receivers Devon Bess and Brian Hartline. Also in attendance was former Miami Dolphin tight end and current voice of the Miami Dolphins Joe Rose. The event which took place poolside at the Hard Rock Hotel featured cocktails and pork cooked in “La Caja China” which is a traditionally Cuban way of roasting pork. Continuing with Cuban tradition Toraño Family Cigar Co. was well represented as Master Roller Felipe Sosa and Carlos “Llaca” Toraño were in attendance as they cut and lit some of Toraño’s finest cigars for event goers.

Dwayne Wade stood on stage to thank sponsors and event guests for helping raise awareness and funds for the Kids2Camp fund which provides scholarships to disadvantaged or disabled youth as well as the opportunity to attend camps. As he was finishing his speech the “voice” of the Miami Dolphins Joe Rose announced that the Toraño Family had a special surprise for Wade as Carlos Llaca-Toraño presented Wade with a box of Limited Edition Carlos Toraño 2008 Tribute Churchill Cigars. A gracious Dwayne Wade thanked Carlos as he opened the box with excitement.

President of Toraño Family Cigar Co. Charlie Toraño was unable to attend the event but stated, “As a cigar company in Miami we are proud to take part in functions to help the less fortunate in our home city. We felt privileged to be asked to take part in such a special event”.