My wife and I have developed a taste for rum. It's a quicker and easier drink to make late at night than a Margarita. Part of our delite with rum comes from visiting a host Caribbean Islands over the last ten years. We definitely have our favorites. Myers from Jamaica being our preferred cane sugar libation. Each country has their own favorites that are easily found in Caribbean resorts and small town bars.
Captain Morgan Who are you and Where are You From
Last year we spent a little over a week in Puerto Rico. It was there that we had a bit more of the Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum than we have had before. It's also there that Captain Morgan originated even though the particular specimen at hand was bottled in Baltimore.
The front label has a picture of "Captain Morgan" on it, or so we suppose. I like that word better than assume. He's all dressed in his Buccaneer Best with a Red coat and hat both trimmed in gold with his blue cape catching the wind as is the galleon pictured in the distance behind him. His big-bearded smile tells us he is happy about the barrel that is beneath his boot he leans on and lays claim to. He protects his booty with a drawn sword in his relaxed hands that he holds to balance himself.
The back label states ""History tells us Captain Morgan favoured a spicey life and a glass of his favorite rum. Born to wealthy parents, Captain Morgan left the comfortable life for one that proved much more satisfying, that of a buccaneer on the Spanish Main. His feats were many, his exploits many, and his thirst legendary."
I suppose after finishing a half bottle of these words of his grandeur would grow in even greater proportions.
YO, HO, HO and This Bottle of Rum
The bottle goes on to tell us that the Cap's original Spiced Rum is a delicious golden rum with spice and other natural flavours.
When holding this bottle I can take a sniff and receive an overwhelming aroma of Vanilla with just a touch of the rum spirits beneath. A straight taste of this liquor starts with a bit of the same vanilla and then quickly gives way to a strong spirit filled presence and can catch you unawares after just experiencing it's sweet, gentle aroma. It's actually a shock.
I just opened a bottle of pure vanilla extract and did the same smell and taste test and I believe they are very much the same. I really do not pick up the "Spices" in the mixture.
I've had Captain Morgan's Original as my addition for a rum and coke many times. On the packaging they refer to it as
Captain and Cola;
1 1/4 oz Captain Morgan's Original Spiced Rum, 5 oz cola. Combine in a tall glass over ice. Stir well.
If you notice you aren't asked to add lemon or lime as many rum and coke recipes suggest. The citrus cuts into the smooth flavour the liquor gives to the coke. This is best without the fruit. Of course if you are on a long journey across the seas with the Captain with a fear of developing scurvy, then by all means add it. Better yet have the lemon and/or lime on the side another time.
If you have had any of the relatively new cola products with a vanilla flavour listed on the label, then you have nearly duplicated the taste. You will however feel this products high percent alcohol taste and content, Alcohol (ABV): 35.0% (70 proof). That's the sneak attack of this stuff. Because the rum gives such a smooth vanilla flavour it doesn't seem to be a potent drink. Believe me it is!
Last Call
This isn't a rum that I would drink straight, in fact there aren't any rums that I have developed that kind of taste for. Captain Morgan is more of a type drink when just chillin' and not wanting a heavy alcohol taste. It is extremely smoothing to any drink including fruit juices.
For those who are Johnny Depp fans maybe you would like to try a
Captain Jack Sparrow
1 1/2 oz Bacardi 151 rum
2 oz Captain Morgan Original spiced rum
2 oz Southern Comfort peach liqueur
9 oz pineapple juice
Empty a 16 ounce bottle and add 6 ice cubes to it. Add the Bacardi 151 rum, Captain Morgan Original spiced rum, Southern Comfort and pineapple juice. Leave enough room at the top for the foam when you shake it up. Shake until ice cubes are pretty much melted and serve. May be served on ice if desired.Serve in:
Old-Fashioned Glass
As stated earlier my wife and I like Myer's Rum. There are a number of recipes that have both. A couple of especially good ones are
Bahama Mama
3/4 oz. Captain Morgan
Original Spiced Rum
1/2 oz. Myers's Original Dark Rum
3 oz.Tropicana Orange Juice
3 oz.. pina colada mix
or a CalypsoCooler
1/2 oz. Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
1/4 oz. Myers's Original Dark Rum
1/2 oz. peach schnapps
2 oz. orange juice
1 oz. grenadine
1 oz. lime juice
2 oz. lemon-lime soda
and don't forget the Cap'n's
Hurricane
1/2 oz. Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
3/4 oz. Myers's Original Dark Rum
3 oz. passion fruit or mango juice
2 oz. sweet and sour mix
Enjoy!
Myers Original Dark Rum
Bacardi Select Rum
Recommended:
