This is just a short note to let everyone know that I am still alive. I had meant to blog every day that I was here, but yesterday got a bit away from me.
Tales of the Cocktail didn't officially start until today, but the
Ministry of Rum Tasting Competition started yesterday. I joined 20+ experts on a panel to taste and score 30+ rums in one day. I'll be doing a complete write-up of the competition tonight after it's all done (we have one session - whites and cachacas - still to go, for a total of 57 rums in 2 days). I will say that this has been an eye-opening experience and that the competition alone made this trip worth the effort.
One thing I am greatly enjoying here at Tales (besides the rum) is getting to meet fellow bloggers and other people that have only ever been screen-names or credits on books or bottles. I spent a great deal of time last night with fellow bloggers like
Jay,
Jeffrey (thanks for guiding me to French 75),
Craig,
Craig,
Gabriel,
Seamus,
Rick,
Blair, and
Paul (I apologize if I missed anyone in that list). We had cocktails at French 75, then wandered down to Pat O'Brien's for the obligatory horrible hurricane-type red drink in a tall cup, before finally lighting at the Carousel Bar, which I have now closed down for two consecutive nights.
Prior to that I had had the great pleasure of having Ed Hamilton make me (and a number of the other judges) ti' punches at the bar in Margaritaville (of all places). It was a great treat - Ed makes fantastic ti' punches, and his process is a sight to behold. Once I get home I'll be posting a video of Ed doing his thing. Had dinner with Ed, Dave from
RnDRumReviews, and Martin from
Forbidden Island in Alameda.
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