Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/97133
at Sit. Stay. Sip. T o make something truly successful, there has to be the right mix��� great chemistry and energy. That���s certainly the case with Caliche, a super-premium, aged white rum that can pivot from being enjoyed neat to being used in numerous mixed drinks. But there���s a whole other dimension to Caliche: the meeting of two keen minds���the real energy behind this new rum from Destiler��a Serrall��s. At Caliche���s October 3 launch at Whiskey Bar & Grill in Chicago, not only did a sixth-generation rum producer display yet another exquisite product, but we met the human components of the winning formula: nightlife entrepreneur Rande Gerber and Roberto Serrall��s (Master Rum Distiller of the Year at London���s 2012 Golden Rum Barrel Awards) whose family business was started in the 1860s. Nightlife entrepreneur Rande Gerber launches Caliche Rum during an event at Whiskey Bar & Grill in Chicago. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CALICHE RUM fe Caliche Rum Launches in Chicago PHOTO: FRED MINNICK r THE MESSAGE ���I wanted to get involved on the other side of the liquor business, to produce my very own liquor,��� said Gerber. ���It had to be high-end white rum, served either on the rocks, but mixed, too.��� Gerber was introduced to Serrall��s in 2007 and toured the family-owned distillery in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The two men shared a passion for more than just a distilled spirit, but the kindred ���spirit��� to produce something truly special. ���I knew that if I was going to partner with someone to produce ultrapremium rum, Roberto and the Serrall��s family were perfect.��� said Gerber. ���Roberto is a real Renaissance Man. He���s not only proud of his business, but is a true family man who loves music and the arts. ���We went through about 15 to 20 samples; they were all great,��� continued Gerber. ���But when Roberto came to L.A. in 2009 and we met at a bar, he said, ���I���ve got it!��� He poured it, and it was absolutely the one.��� Gerber still needed to vet Caliche with friends, bartenders and mixologists, using blind taste tests. ���Every time, they chose Caliche,��� he recalled. When it came to mixing, he let his employees have free reign���from the simplicity of rum and cola, to Mojitos and Daiquiris. Versatility ruled. When it came to bottle design, Gerber turned to a trusted colleague, who came up with a made-by-hand bottle. And the name, Caliche, refers to the limestone surrounding the distillery. ���It���s great to be partners with someone you can be friends with,��� said Gerber, ���because Roberto and I can stay up until 4 a.m., and just talk���and not always about business.��� ���Thomas Caestecker, Jr. 18 / the tasting panel / december 2012 Marc De Michele. I n Louisville, KY, wine lovers who also happen to be dog lovers can have it all: Vines & Canines, a retail space where you can buy wines from around the world and a leash to walk your dog, caters to those who like their Bordeaux with a side of bark. What began as in-home wine education quickly morphed into more, explained founder Marc De Michele, who noticed a trend when visiting his customers. ���After doing all these tastings and educations in their home, we realized that the dogs were more important to our customers than the guests,��� laughed the owner of Archie, a seven-month old Black Lab mix. ���We came to understand that all people really need to be happy is a dog and a great bottle of wine.��� Locals can stop in for a friendly tasting of wines from a variety of regions, but you don���t have to live in Bourbon Country to get in on the fun: Visit www.vinesandcanines. com for cute t-shirts with slogans like ���sit. stay. sip.��� or wine bottle collar tags. ���Rachel Burkons