By Doc Lawrence
Tailgating season down
here is synonymous with college football, a ritual combining sports with food and beverages. While whiskey and in particular
Bourbon are hot items today, other distilled spirits are very popular and
retain their connections with the masses. Rum is one of these.
Papa's Rum & Coca-Cola |
Ernest Hemingway contributed mightily to the exalted place
rum has in our culture. With Delta Airlines set to launch direct flights daily
to Havana (including my home in Atlanta), rum based cocktails will predictably
appear on menus.
I was introduced to one in particular labeled Papa’s Pilar
Rum. Named after Hemingway’s fishing cruiser (which was named after the Gypsy
fighter in For Whom the Bell Tolls), I enjoyed the dark version. However
there is a light rum under the same name.
Papa Aboard the Pilar |
I found the rum to be near perfect as a Cuba Libre,
basically rum and Coca-Cola with lime juice. The subtle cinnamon, anise,
vanilla, caramel, citrus and brown sugar components blend seamlessly with the
Atlanta-born soft drink. For added authenticity, use Key limes.
Papa’s Pilar Rum is approved by Hemingway’s estate and is a
blend of rums from the United States, Caribbean and Central America, aged in
bourbon and port wine barrels and finished in sherry casks. The bottle is
distinctive and the ornate bottle cap is something I will keep.
For tailgating, Papa’s Pilar Rum will become a centerpiece
of conversation. It makes a mighty fine Daiquiri and Mojito as well.
Mr. Hemingway would be proud.
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