Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1399
july 2009 / the tasting panel / 7 rums (with the coconut and pine- apple as the most popular), light and dark rums that spend a minimum of 14 months and two years aging, respectively, and a highly-awarded single-barrel bottling that is aged for over fi ve years ex-bourbon barrels, then an additional six months in new charred oak. To underscore the quality of its award-winning liquid, Cruzan now features a new, updated package. "Our consumer and trade partner response has been unanimous," reports David Turo, Se- nior Brand Manager for Cruzan; "they feel that the new look underscores Cruzan's authenticity, craftsmanship, premium quality and rich family tradition." After the distillery tour, Beam Global's master mix- ologist—and Guinness World Record holder for most cocktails poured in an hour—Bobby Gleason (aka Bobby G) took the helm to lead us in a thorough comparative tasting session followed by a quick cocktail demo in the distillery's bar. We covered many ways to improve the quality of the Mojito and Daiquiri, two seemingly simple cocktails that Gleason says are often made incorrectly with Slushee machines and too much muddling (see sidebar). With its new look, its legendary and authentic St. Croix tradition and its progressive partnership with Beam Global, everything points to smooth sailing for Cruzan as it becomes the rum of choice for anyone who has an island spirit. Master mixologist Bobby G (Bobby Gleason) leads a tasting seminar at the Cruzan distillery. The Classic Daiquiri The right way to make a Daiquiri, according to Beam Global master mixologist Bobby G. No blender needed. 1 1/2 ounces Cruzan Aged Light Rum 1 ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice 3/4 ounces simple syrup Shake and strain into a cocktail glass, garnish with lime wheel. Cruzan Aged Light Rum This blend of rums aged two to four years undergoes charcoal fi ltration. A dry rum, it offers up a lighter taste and smooth body, with vanilla and stone fruit overtones and a Chardonnay-like color that distinguishes it from many other light-styled rums. Cruzan Aged Dark Rum Actually an amber gold, this en- gagingly aromatic and compellingly smooth rum is a result of aging for two to four years in heavily handcrafted oak barrels. It's clean and full bodied. There's a distinct elegance to its silky mouthfeel, with notes of caramel, varnish, toasted pecans and a fi nish of citrus spice. Cruzan Original Single Barrel Rum The blend of vintage rums for Cruzan's fl agship expres- sion is aged for up to 12 years and each bottle is individually numbered. The "single bar- rel" refers to aging in new oak casks for an extra year or so, and the rum is then bottled, one cask at a time. One of the most approachable rums on the market, this medium bodied super-premium 80-proof spirit offers complexity from its mellow brandy characteristics to its maple nuances and ultra-clean palate. Cruzan Black Strap Rum Produced from the black strap molasses sugar cane of St. Croix and noted for its low content of fusel alcohol, Black Strap is a world apart from heavy, spiced navy rum. It's a tad darker than most navy rums, quite clean on the entry and noticeably full-bodied. The subtly smoky-sweetness, con- sistency and deep raisin-y hue indicate its molasses base. The Expressive Side of Cruzan Rum