Rum Review: Papa's Pilar Blonde and Dark Rum

We all knew it would eventually come to this. Once the craft and quality of bourbon, whiskey and tequila was embraced by the consumer, rum had to be next.

Thank goodness.

Rum has long been on the back of the bar humiliated by its forage into umbrella-ed drinks, cruise-line frozen concoctions and as a diet coke additive. Not known as worthy of sipping and discussing its subtle nuances, its popularity diminished alongside the more masculine spirits.

Ernest Hemingway stated, "Before an attack who can say anything that gives you the momentary well-being that rum does?"

What indeed?

And to have it arrive in a wood box, as these two bottles of Papa's Pilar rum did for review, makes life even more pleasant. The small crate was stamped with Republica Dominicana 14 Nov 2012. The aroma of the wood, the straw-like packing material and the two bottles gave me a flash of the style.

The Hemingway Estate sanctioned this rum, named after Ernest "Papa" Hemingway the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Pilar, the writer's beloved boat in which he had numerous adventures. With the rum's bold spices and a canteen-designed bottle, it's easy to tell the respect (and knowledge of) of the late veteran and outdoorsman by all involved.

Rums from  the Caribbean, Central America and the United States were pot- and column-distilled. They were then aged in bourbon and port barrels then finished off in sherry casks and blended in Kentucky. See Solera aging for the full process.

Swirling the amber liquid in a glass, aromas of caramel, spice and vanilla waft out. Although Hemingway was known for being succinct, the flavors of spice and nuts linger for a nice finish.

Giving the blonde a swirl, I notice notes of citrus on the nose. Slight flavors of vanilla are quickly followed by sheer heat and taper off into citrus.

Both will work well in cocktails, I particularly imagine the dark with mango nectar. However, they will equally satisfy the palate sans mixers.

Although Papa's Pilar rum has been on the market since 2013, it sneaked in stealthily so as not to disturb the bourbon revolution, I suppose. Now, it seems to be making some noise and I applaud it. Hemingway did not go quietly into that dark night and neither shall his namesake rum.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and a restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Infused Wine Review: Franciscan Estates 2007 Magnificat

When is a wine more than a wine? When you know the history. Or…at least when the winery has a history. I always seem to enjoy a wine when there is more to the effort than a faceless, nameless entity behind it.

Recently Franciscan Estates, Napa Valley, California, sent me their 2007 Magnificat red wine to review and I found the prospect even more enticing after reading the back story of the vineyard and winery. Established in 1973 with producing beginning in 1975, Franciscan’s owner Justin Meyer created the estate’s style of small lot wines.

Magnificat was introduced in 1985 under vintner Agustin Huneeus. It is a Bordeaux-style blend spearheading the Meritage class of wines. All good signs for a red wine lover.

The label reads, “This Meritage shows layered aromas of cassis and plum, with ripe black fruit flavors and hints of vanilla and spice.” Definitely there is the aroma of plum and slight hints of vanilla. More interesting, to me at least, is the spice scent wafting out of the bottle softly in a teasing manner.

Once opened to breathe for a bit and poured, the character of the wine shifted to a deeper layering. First tasting is of the fruit, as expected in a California wine, than a strong finish of tobacco. Not a cigarette tobacco, mind you.

No… it’s more of a high-quality cigar tobacco that conjures up memories (or daydreams) of sitting curled up in a leather wing-back chair in your grandfather’s study. The day outside is damp and grey but you don’t mind because you are in front of a fireplace with nothing else to do all day except enjoy the afternoon and the bottle of Franciscan Estates Magnificat. It’s a good, warm cozy feeling which wraps around you like a well loved quilt.

What type of food would you enjoy with this wine? Something you can linger over without hurry, such as lamb or beef stew. If nibblers are more the meal in mind, tapas of peppery beef bites would pair up nicely.

Music to enhance the experience should be meaningful background tunes. I suggest Bach for classical enthusiasts. For others… a bluesy-jazzy choice such as Billie Holiday or Lena Horne.

Bottom Line: Franciscan Estates Magnificat will conjure up a desire to forget the outside world and stay inside curled  up in a chair beside the fireplace reading great literature.

Winery images and sample by Franciscan Estates
Wine image by E. J. Musgrave

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Infused: Book Review: The Smart Guide to Single Malt Scotch Whisky

I was invited to review "The Smart Guide to Single Malt Scotch Whisky" by Elizabeth Riley Bell. I couldn't wait to delve into the intricacies of the libation of Scotland, particularly through the guided hands of the noted leading female voice in the predominantly male field of expertise.

When learning about a new topic/interest, I like to start with words..no great shock I'm sure...and entering the Scotch world to learn, taste (and spit) I find the confusion starts at the very beginning...the name.

Is it Scotch Whiskey or Scotch Whisky?
That's exactly how basic things are for me in the world of whiskey, er...I mean whisky...or do I?

The easiest way to figure out if there is a difference in the actual spirit or whether some folks just don't know how to spell is to ask an expert. Or not.

After researching numerous sources, it all seems to come down to this for me. Whiskey with an 'e' is most traditionally used for American and Irish whiskey(s), while Canadian, Scotch and Japanese whisky(ies) leave the extra vowel out of its spelling. With that said...both spellings have been found on bottles in all countries throughout history and most countries are narrowing down which is preferred. The controversy makes for great conversation while enjoying the liquor, however, which is part of the fun of this drink.

Riley doesn't get that elementary in her manual, it is assumed readers know the difference between the spellings and there are various types of whiskies, and have chosen to enrich their education about Scotch's single malts and blends for the single most important factor: taste.

Throughout the guide, Bell has three sidebars ~ Whisky Lexicon, The Noser Knows and The Distillery Cat's Meow ~ giving helpful terminology, tasting notes and historical facts enhancing the guide immensely.

Starting with the labels, storing malts and cost vs. value in section one, Bell gives great insight to the differences and similarities of the distilleries' names, locations and tastes. Moving into the chapter on tasting, the reader receives step-by-step instruction on the best process to get the most out of the experience.

In section two, the authority then gives detailed tutelage of the whisky-making process, including water choice, barley standards, distilling techniques and maturation and cask choice.
For those not wishing to open a craft distillery, jump past two and read section three detailing Scotland distilleries by geographical standpoint with maps, history and types of offerings available throughout the country and islands. From the well known Glenfiddich and The Glen Livet to the lesser familiar distilleries,
Bell gives intimate insight, tips and history of each with a respectful, yet conversational tone.


In a phone interview, Bell discussed with me the ease of obtaining Scotch nowadays from boutique distilleries ("much easier with internet"), being a female in the early days of the male-dominated world of Scotch ("not difficult at all"), and how do American mixologists rate in knowledge of Scotch?

"As with anything, it varies from place to place," explains Bell. "There are growing opportunities in bars that offer a wide selection of choices, and, often times, there is a mixologist on site who is knowledgeable about them. Also there have been some very exciting things done ~ particularly in the larger cities you see this more often ~ of experimentation done with Scotch cocktails.

"I think American mixologists can hold their own with Scotch. It is certainly a growing field I find that mixologists today  know a great deal more about single malt than they did 20 years ago and we all benefit from that. It's one of the best times as far as availability, quality and opportunity we've seen in the exploration of Scotch whisky."

The author admits she is clearing out and making way for new bottles in her stash by auctioning her own personal collection of decades worth of Scotch in October. The sale will take place at Bonhams 1793 NYC.

For more information on the author and guide, visit WhiskySmartGuide.com or follow her on Twitter @WhiskySmarts

Bottom line: Elizabeth Riley Bell's straight-forward approach, coupled with fun graphics, detailed maps, step-by-step instructions and history make The Smart Guide to Single Malt Scotch Whisky an absolute must for the scotch drinker, maker and collector of all levels.

Review copy and images provided by publisher and Elizabeth Riley Bell.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Read her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M and Retired Living magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Infused: Review Volere Wine in a Purse

I was asked to review a wine.

Wine in a purse to be exact.

As a wine drinker, and fan of cool purses, I was intrigued.

The Volere box arrived and I found inside a sassy red handbag made of recyclable materials filled with a Merlot-Pinot Noir blend. Hmmm... compact size, cute container and disposable without guilt. All pluses so far.

Volére is the carry-with-you boxed, ahem... purse line of three artisan wines: Pinot Grigio (Tan/white purse), Merlot/Pinot Noir (Red purse) and Rosé (Pink/white purse). Price point is $14.99. The wine producer is Cantina di Soave from Italy’s Veneto region. Price is comparable with box wines and the packaging lands squarely in the omg-that's-so-cute, I-must-have department. 

Each purse holds 1.5 liters (two bottles worth) of the Italian wine making it very user friendly. No more lugging two clinking glass bottles and an opener, and no more worry about dispensing of breakable glass. Nice. Okay, but how does it taste? Because no matter how adorable, how efficient (great compact size for two bottles' worth) and how affordable it is, if its taste gets it thrown away with most of the wine still inside, it's a no-go anywhere wine.

The label on the Merlot/Pinot Noir blend describes it as "silky, vibrant red with delightful notes of red berry, cherry and currant, with a hint of vanilla."

Definitely the berry/cherry was present and that hint of vanilla was exactly that. A hint. Not overpowering, not even strong. This bright, delightful (yes, they described it accurately) Italian blend perfectly matches its exterior. Sassy, playful and flirty.

This is a fun wine. If you give it even 30 seconds worth of thought, you have over thought the situation. It isn't meant to be discovered, allowed to breathe or contemplated ~ simply enjoyed.

Food pairings? Again, simple is the solution. Salmon or tuna, and cheeses such as asiago, brie, gouda pair nicely to keep it light.

As I mention in this early review (click to read) the central part of wine enjoyment is food pairing; however, that wine connects with other factors to create an entire experience. Drinking wine while overlooking a lake is a different experience than that same wine being enjoyed while snuggling in front of a fireplace.

Music also plays a role along with the food, wine and atmosphere, detracting or enhancing the mood and experience as well. Match it all the way through for success.

My motto: Wine + food + environment + music = great experience.

My choice of music: For this wine, with an outdoor-grilled, or picnic-like light meal, I would select conversation-friendly music as you will undoubtedly be sharing this with your friends on a deck, boat or at that favorite amphitheatre. You can't go wrong with 80s music such as Cyndi Lauper or Cher, or any decade's pop music. Nothing heavy, depressing or too straight-laced for this flirty red.

Would I serve this to a Master Sommelier? Not a chance. But there are fewer than 200 of them in the world. Would I serve it to a wine snob? No way. But I would serve it to my friends in a heartbeat.

Bottom Line: Volere "wine in purse" is fun, fashionable and flirty in taste, and perfect in size for a few friends. I anticipate a line of attache-case wines in the near future for those larger parties.

Images and sample supplied by Cantina di Soave Vineyards.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Read her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M and Retired Living magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.