BARBANCOURT: Haitian Rhum

WHAT IS BARBANCOURT RHUM?

Started in 1862 by Dupre Barbancourt, Barbancourt Rhum is native to Haiti and produced by mixing pure sugar cane juice with a special yeast formula in order to ferment.  After the sugar cane is harvested from November to June, about 72 hours are needed to obtain a cane wine with 7% of alcohol that will be used for distillation, which is a longer fermentation process than most other rums.

In order to produce Barbancourt, a double distillation method known as the Charentaise method is used.  The method originates from the region of France where Mr. Barbancourt was born.  After distilling, the rum is stocked in Limousin oak barrels, similar to some of cognacs.

TYPES OF BARBANCOURT RHUM

There are 5 types of Barbancourt Rhum:

1. Rhum Barbancourt White (youngest rhum)
2. Pango Rhum (rhum blended with pineapple & mango)
3. Rhum Barbancourt Three Star, Aged 4 Years
4. Rhum Barbancourt Five Star, Aged 8 Years; and
5. Rhum Barbancourt Estate Reserve, Aged 15 Years.

I had the opportunity to taste the Five Star Rhum while in Haiti.  In my opinion, it tasted much more like a cognac than a rum, which is why this rhum is so unique. The Pango Rhum was used as the base for many of my cocktails.  It was light, with a natural mix of pineapple and mango. Delicious!

HOW TO DRINK BARBANCOURT RHUM

Barbancourt’s website lists several drinks to try but my favorite is the Black Orchid:

Ingredients:

• 0.7 oz coffee liqueur
• 1.7 oz 3 stars rum
• 1 slice of kiwi

Directions:

Combine ingredients and garnish with kiwi slice.  Sip and enjoy!

Cheers!
Ashlee

MAMAJUANA: Drink From Dominican Republic

WHAT IS MAMAJUANA?

MamaJuana is a drink from the Dominican Republic that’s made by combining & soaking rum, red wine, and honey in a bottle with tree bark and herbs for days, weeks or months. Known to be an aphrodisiac, it was first used as a cure for ailments because of the bark and herbs included.

HOW TO DRINK MAMAJUANA

The drink is usually served in a shot glass at room temperature.  You can also drink MamaJuana in a rum cocktail or mixed with fruit juice, but I like it straight…no chaser!  It’s tasty and goes down easily.

In Dominican Republic, you can buy MamaJuana in packages with all of the ingredients separated and mix them yourself at home. Or you can buy bottles already made and all you have to do is pour to drink. Either way, you will love this concoction.  Believe me, you will sip and enjoy!

My friends and me in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic circa 2009

*Personal Note: I made the mistake of letting my MamaJuana soak for 4 years…and 4 years is entirely too long!  I think a couple weeks will do the trick.

Cheers!
Ashlee