Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/343109
54 / the tasting panel / july 2014 WHAT'S NEW A Barrel of Rum Since Kenny Chesney's quest to capture the island lifestyle led him to create Blue Chair Bay, there might be no better place to enjoy his rum than in the Florida Keys, surrounded by white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. With a fitting name and even more fitting selection of rums, THE TASTING PANEL ventured to The Rum Barrel in Key West to talk about the newest expression in Blue Chair Bay's portfolio with bartender Alan Gold, who helped create the establishment's "Rum Bible," which features over 220 selections to drool over. Ironically allergic to bananas (he notes that it thankfully doesn't translate to banana rums), Gold was impressed with Blue Chair Bay Banana Rum: "I really don't like artificial tasting rums, but this rum has such a nice nose and aroma—really smooth without being over the top." As he whipped up a couple of cocktails, Gold mentioned that he really wanted to highlight the banana rum with minimalist creations that are befitting of his nickname of "The Rum Guy." Island Mimosa ◗ 1 ½ oz. Blue Chair Bay Banana Rum ◗ 2 oz. sparkling wine ◗ 2 strawberries, chopped ◗ 1 lemon wedge ◗ Muddle strawberry and lemon wedge in a mixing glass. Add Blue Chair Bay Banana Rum and ice. Shake well and strain into a champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine. Banana Pudding Martini ◗ 3 oz. Blue Chair Bay Banana ◗ ¾ oz. horchata liqueur ◗ Shake over ice and strain into a graham cracker-rimmed Martini glass. At The Rum Barrel in Key West, FL, bar- tender Alan Gold goes by the nickname "The Rum Guy."