What's everyone eating this week?

[Joanbunting Profile]

Clive. I need advice. You may realise we adore rum. Iur local supermarket has a spirit prmotion on this week and it includes some St Teresa rum from ..... Venezuela. Is it worth buying?

[Alexandria Profile]

Joan,

Sounds irresistible ..

Hope all turned out fabulous ..

[Renee Profile]

There are some very good reviews for the Rum, Joan:

https://www.rumratings.com/brands/870-santa-teresa-1796

[Gillthepainter Profile Website]

Absolutely delicious, Clive and Joan.

[Joanbunting Profile]

Thanks, that's added to the shopping list then!

[karadekoolaid Profile]

Hi Joan!
Sta Teresa is probably the best producer of rum in Venezuela at the moment. AND Venezuelan rum is the best in the world, so go and buy two bottles!
By law, Venezuelan rum has to be aged for a minimum of TWO years in white oak barrels; when the "angel´s share" evaporates ( because of the temperature, a barrel loses around 8% volume per year), no replacement is allowed. The climate in Venezuela is perfect for producing sugar cane, and because of the heat and humidity, the cane is rich in sucrose.
Another difference is that no additives (like caramel colouring) are permitted and the fermentation process involves only pure cane sugar.

[Renee Profile]

I didn't even know that Venezuala produced rum, KK. I will watch out for it over here.

What is the best way to drink rum then? I know that it's not wise to drink neat spirits, but mixing it will change the flavour somewhat.

[Joanbunting Profile]

Thanks Clive. I will get a stock in About how much would you have to pay for it?

It depends on the Rum Renee. There is the inevitable rum and coke - cuba libre. This need a good wedge of fresh lime and in the Bahamas often a drop or two of Angastura bitters. I also like rum Collins which is rum and slightly sweetend fresh limeade juice or planters punch or ...........whatever floats your boat!

Good dark aged rum doesn't need anything it is a lovely afterdinner with coffee drink - like a good cognac or any other well made spirit.

[karadekoolaid Profile]

I didn't even know that Venezuala produced rum, KK.

RENÉE!!!!!

I can categorically state: Venezuelan rum is the best in the world. Aromatic, spicy, delicious. Even the cheap rums are good, because of the stringent rules regarding its ageing.

Sta Teresa 1796 is an excellent, high quality rum.
Diplomático has won prizes all across the world.
Cacique , especially a version called "Aniversario", is glorious.
Ron Carúpano - in its versions añejo, reserva, and legendario - unbelievable.

What´s the best way to drink it? What ever pleases you most. I like mine with plenty of ice and a squeeze of lime. My wife likes a Cuba Libre. When I used to play cricket, there was a concoction called a "Caribe" - rum, (white) lemonade, Angostura bitters.

[karadekoolaid Profile]

Joan - I´ve just returned from the supermarket, and the bottles of regular, decent rum ( not 6/8/10/18 years old)retail for about $4.50. The high level rums cost around $10 - $15.

[Joanbunting Profile]

The 18 year old stuff here is €17.00. Bearing everything else in mind I reckon it's a bargain! The best French Caribbean stuff is over €30.00

[Renee Profile]

Oh dear, I am in trouble here! I am not a rum drinker, but I promise that will change and I will try to find a bottle! Thanks for all the information Joan and Clive!

[Renee Profile]

Ooops, the Santa Teresa is £50.63, so that's rather out of the question sadly.

https://www.masterofmalt.com/country/venezuelan-rum/

[karadekoolaid Profile]

Renée - look for some of the "regular" brands of Venezuelan rum. The fifty quid bottle is probably a special reserve batch.
Sta Teresa Special Reserve, Cacique,( or Cacique 500), Pampero Oro, Carupano 6 yr old - they´re all perfectly good rums and "normal" for parties, events, here.
Diplomático, Pampero Aniversario, and the Sta Teresa 1796 are all luxury tipples; a bit like fine single malts.
Waitrose has a very good Dipolmatico for £36 quid, I notice.
Amazon has Sta Teresa Special Reserve at £26 and Cacique 500 at £13!

[Gillthepainter Profile Website]

have fun searching for zee rum. I do like a project like that this time of year.

Toad in the hole last night. Goucestershire sausages from the butcher.
We had it a while ago, and Tony wanted it again. Gravy - you can see I've fixed my le C lid with sugru.
You can also see we had it with cabbage.

[Joanbunting Profile]

You should have said. We'd have been over, except M had ordered mince and dumplings !

[Alexandria Profile]

Joan & Clive,

It is fairly reasonably priced in Spain.

Between 15 - 17 Euros a bottle ..

[Wic Profile]

Oh, Gill, that is a wonderful picture, I feel like framing it! Didn’t it come out well. We love Toad. Haven’t had it for ages. Suddenly I’m thinking it will be on the menu this week.

[Renee Profile]

Oh Gill!!! Is there any left?

Thanks Clive, it will have to be the Cacique 500! Good ol' Amazon!

[jeral Profile]

Oh, Gill, that is a wonderful picture, I feel like framing it! ...

Agree
It knocks spots off the Wikipedia one:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toad_in_the_hole

Now, how can I wangle YPs onto my seabass tea plate... I was going to make it simply but I'm sure onion gravy will enhance it no end.