There are many spirits I associate with summer, from gin (in harmony with tonic) to pastis (preferably in the south of France) to Campari (with a touch of soda, please). But no potable speaks more to me of heat and sun and sweat than does rum, especially quality, superior rum enjoyed on ice, with perhaps a squirt of fresh lime juice.
Maybe it's because rum is the indisputable king of the Caribbean spirits. Or perhaps it's the drink's easy camaraderie with citrus and other flavours of the region. But when I'm relaxing in the heat, after any hearty thirst has been well and duly quenched, there's nothing quite like a glass of quality rum.
Just last night, for example, after spending a long day in and out of the office, I thoroughly enjoyed both an aperitif of iced Matusalem Classico, a vanilla-accented 10 year old rum from the Dominican Republic to which I added a hint of fresh lime, and an end-of-the-night sip of slightly chilled Appleton Extra, a robust blend of 12 to 18 year old rums blessed with plentiful spice and dried fruit notes.
Tomorrow night, if the weather stays hot, I may pair a glass of rich, sweet and roasty Zaya 12 year old with a chunk of spice cake after dinner. And I have a feeling I'll thoroughly enjoy every sip and bite.
We're very interested in your news, notes, comments and questions, so please feel free to contact SBWoB by clicking on the link below. Or you can add your comments when you sign up for the World of Beer Update, a mid-month e-mail newsletter that brings even more of the world of beer to your computer.
