Engrossed in Rum

I spent the last few days on the island of St. Croix to check out the production of Cruzan Rum and have learned a lot. Now it is a matter of dissecting all the rum laden information so I can pass it along, which will be happening for the next week. As a little teaser, here are a few of the highlights...

• On St. Croix you will find Cruzan Rum, Cruzan Rum and more Cruzan Rum...Bars are fully stocked but Cruzan is the premier spirit and the cocktail menus are filled with Cruzan cocktails.
• Side-by-side, Cruzan outshines Bacardi.
• St. Croix was once covered with sugarcane plantations, but climate change (specifically lack of rain) stopped all of the production.
• The Bacchus is the place to eat and while you're there you must have the Espresso Martini - full recipe coming but it is essentially Vanilla Rum, Kahlua and strong coffee. (edit: here's the recipe)
• Cruzan is the only rum distillery on St. Croix and is now operated by the 7th generation of a family of rum distillers.
• Cruzan's Black Strap is a fabulous, rich dark rum - dessert cocktail!
• Bobby "G" Gleason (Beam Global's Master Mixologist) is full of ideas, tips and tricks and can make up a new drink off the cuff that is very impressive. I'll have more of his cocktails soon.