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It's cold in Utah and the stone cotage I am staying in is owned by a world class hunter that hardly ever lets the temperature rise above 55. So after my near daily visits to the local Ski and Snowboard Areas in an attempt to keep warm I've been taste tasting a variety of bottles mostly rum and tequila..... The following are some of my favorites!

This Week's Bottle!

It's a tough job but somebody's got to do it!

	Well I'm back in town after an epic winter in Utah ...19 Powder days over 12 inches! It's been great seeing everyone in the shop but am still hopeful to get a few more days in at some of the local mountains! I am going to continue my duties as test pilot for all of you who don't have the time or access although I am going to change up the product to include pretty much every thing we sell!!!!
100% agave tequila is aged in white oak barrels for up to nine months	Elegantly structured and balanced Reposado is perfect for sipping or for mixing that special tequila cocktail Color: Medium golden amber Nose: Hints of sweet fruit, caramel, vanilla and light spice Mouth: A smooth round entry leads to a dryish medium body with fruity agave, vanilla, spice and caramel notes Finish: Smooth & balanced fruity perfumed spice

My romance with Rhum began with Rhum Barbancourt

	...on one of my first trips out of the country! I had taken a job on the cruise ship Nordic Prince as sports director just after graduating from FSU. After picking up the ship in Aruba and learning the ropes of what was to be my most important resposibility...being the bag man for the Cruise Directors who basically extorted money out of the shop owners on each island for giving favorable reviews during their shopping tour lectures.
My first day out on my own was in Port o' Prince, Haiti. Baby Doc was still running the place at the time so aside from the incredible number of pan handlers it was reasonably safe if you stayed in plain sight. I went out collecting with a young Bajan fellow name Ali Giddens who all the women on the ship just adored. He was also fairly deadly in certain forms of hand to hand combat and basically served as my body guard and guide. Anyway to make a long story short being the diligent young man I was at the time, we got the job of collecting tithes done in record time. Our last stop was the Barbancourt Distillery! With 2 hours to spare I received an incredible tour and an introduction to the French Style of making Rhum.
Well 32 years later I still smell the islands when I nose a tumbler of Barbencourt! It has been a while since I brought a bottle of these 2 excellent examples of true Caribbean Cognac home and I am thoroughly enjoying getting reacquainted! the 8 year old with it's slightly spicier taste is one of the true bargains in the world. The 15 year old is rich and smooth, a classic that clearly shows the results patience and of many years of barrel aging!

Rhum Barbancourt 8yr $24.99 Rhum Barbancourt 15yr $39.99

Uncle Jerry gives this his seal of approval toOro Azul

as one of the best values in the store. Could easily cost$10-20 more!

Oro Azul Tequila Resposado $35.99
Double distilled and 100% blue agave, Oro Azul Reposado is carefully rested for over six months. Deep old gold color. Pickling spice and sweet, creamy nougat aromas. A round entry leads to a dryish medium-bodied palate with creamy caramel, faint brown spices, and ripe tropical citrus fruits. Finishes in a very lengthy, fruity manner, with nutty toffee and spice notes. Well-knit, balanced, and delicious.

93 Points BTI Chicago

In the vast deserts of Chihuahua, lies one of Mexico’s best kept Agave treasures; a wild Agavacea species scientifically known as “Dasylirion”. Over 800 years ago, the local indigenous people discovered the magical intoxicating properties of this wild Agave plant. Centuries later we are presented with the distinguished super premium spirit called Sotol.

With its own origin of denomination, Sotol is similar to Tequila only in that it is a distilled spirit of Mexico. “Hacienda de Chihuahua” is 100% wild harvested, slow-steam cooked, naturally fermented (with champagne yeasts), double distilled and aged in new French Oak casks from Limoge, France. Its low 76 proof enhances the product’s mixability. The product is 100% pure and organic and packaged in handmade bottling.

Though not really tequila this spirit has many similarities to tequila. For those of you who like Patron and other very smooth 100% Agave Tequilas I suggest giving this one a try...... It goes down like butter....extremely soft

....Uncle Jerry

Matusalem Gran Reserva

15 year Solera Blend. Known as the "Cognac of Rums", Matusalem Gran Reserva is a full bodied rum with a praline essence and a spicy oak finish. Originating in 1872, Cuba.

Rated 94 Points by The Beverage Tasting Institute of Chicago!

$29.99

The Caribbean's best kept secret!

Cruzan Estate Diamond Rum
A blend of five- to ten- year old oak cask aged rums, Cruzan Estate Five Year is for the serious rum drinker. Sit on the porch with this mellow, amber rum and forget about the day. Named "Best Buy" by Paul Pacult (Spirit Journal), and bestowed with honors from various publications, this rum is sure to be a favorite. Get out your snifter and enjoy neat, or over the rocks with a slice of orange. Enjoy!

$14.99

Uncle Jerry's favorite Aged Rums!

Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 Year Old Rum

Copper color. Sweet, peppery spice and dried tropical fruit aromas. A round, supple entry leads to a glycerous, slightly sweet medium-full body of brown sugar, dried cherries, guava, pineapple, cinnamon, and caramelized roasted nuts. Finishes with a sweet, light molasses and ashy mineral fade. A nice, supple, and surprising sweet aged rum. Should mix brilliantly, or enjoy as an after-dinner sipper.

International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal

RATED: 95 points (Exceptional)

$36.99

Mount Gay Extra Old Rum

Rich amber copper color. Lush aromas of dark chocolate, toasted coconut, caramelized nuts are inviting. A round, satiny entry leads to a rich full body of toffee, brown spices, ripe banana, and creamy vanilla flavors. Finishes with a long, sensuous fade of warm chocolate, cream, and bourbon barrel oak. A hedonistic delight with wonderful depth of flavor and complexity.

International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal

RATED: 94 points (Exceptional)

$37.99

Pampero Aniversario Rum

Deep mahogany. Toffee, baked apple, walnut, glue, and tobacco aromas. Rich entry leads to a dryish medium-full body with treacle, spice, suede flavors. Finishes with a long rich fade of charred oak, spice flavors. A richly styled sipper with great balance. Celebrate the return of a classic rum.

International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal

RATED: 93 points (Exceptional)

$29.99

Cockspur 12 Year Old Bajan Crafted Rum

Rich amber color. Robust sweet toffee, roasted nut, and brown spice aromas. A rich entry leads to a dry-yet fruity full-bodied palate with buttery caramel, roasted nuts, dried fruit and spice flavors. Finishes with a very long, toffee, brown spice, and cigar box fade with a touch of limestone. Superb.

International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal

RATED: 93 points (Exceptional)

$40.99

Euphoria in a bottle from one of the

largest collections of 100% Agave Tequila in the State

Oro Azul Tequila Resposado $35.99
Double distilled and 100% blue agave, Oro Azul Reposado is carefully rested for over six months. Our special resting process delivers a richer, cleaner and deeper tequila. It has a deep old gold color with pickling spice and sweet, creamy nougat aromas. A round entry leads to a dryish medium-bodied palate with creamy caramel, faint brown spices and ripe tropical citrus fruits. Finishes in a very lengthy, fruity manner, with nutty toffee and spice notes. Well-knit, balanced and delicious.

93 Points BTI Chicago

Frida Kahlo Tequila Blanco $49.99

Clear. Honey, roasted yellow pepper, dried, fruits, nuts, spicy aromas. A round entry leads to a lightly sweet, and glycerous medium-bodied palate with sweet dried pineapple, honey, prune, and peppery spice flavors. Finishes with a long sweet spicy fade with an excellent grilled fruit character.

93 Points BTI Chicago

El Tesoro de Don Felipe Paradiso Añejo Tequila $119.99

Deep golden amber color. Rich pickling spice, cola nut, toffee, dried papaya, mint, and buttery sweet potato pie aromas. A vibrant, supple entry leads to a fruity sweet full body of densely compacted exotic spices, dried tropical fruits, caramel, mint, and sandalwood flavors with a very long, spicy and creamy oak-accented fade. A great combination of long oak aging and a vibrant core of fruity agave in a blockbuster style. Wow!

International Review of Spirits Award: Platinum Medal

RATED: 98 points (Superlative)

Herencia Mexicana Añejo Tequila $79.99

Pale amber color. Sweet buttery,caramelized nut, and pickling spice aromas. Round and supple entry delicately sweet glycerous medium-to full-bodied palate with baked dates, caramel and mocha, and brown spice flavors. Finishes with a long sweet fade of fruit, nuts, and spice.

International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal

RATED: 94 points (Exceptional)

Tres Manos 100% Agave Ultra Anejo Tequila

1.0 Liter $69.99

Tres Manos 100% Pure Agave Anejo Tequila is Triple Distilled from the fermented juice of the heart of the blue agave plant. Tres Manos is a masterpiece waiting to be enjoyed. In the Cellars, we have studied the effect that each barrel has on the tequila. Tres Manos is one of the most innovative super premium tequilas ever produced. When the tequila has aged 3 years in charred French Oak, charred American Oak and used Oak Bourbon Barrels, our master blender calculates the proportions needed for the blending of the barrels, thereby creating the finest tequila possible. The result rivals the master cognac and single malt blenders of France and Scotland. Our triple distillation process through our modern stainless steel pot stills makes a smoother tequila. Due to this more intense distillation process and triple filtration process, the taste of Tres Manos is softer than most tequilas. The taste is exactly what the nose suggests; a wonderful balance of oak derived vanilla and the fruitiness of agave. There will only be 3000 bottles released annually.

True Story

LITTLE KNOWN NAVAL HISTORY
The USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) as a combat vessel carried 48,600 gallons of fresh water for her crew of 475 officers and men. This was sufficient to last six months of sustained operations at sea. She carried no evaporators (fresh water distillers). However, let it be noted that according to her log, "On July 27, 1798, the USS Constitution sailed from Boston with a full complement of 475 officers and men, 48,600 gallons of fresh water, 7,400 cannon shot, 11,600 pounds of black powder and 79,400 gallons of rum." Her mission: "To destroy and harass English shipping." Making Jamaica on 6 October, she took on 826 pounds of flour and 68,300 gallons of rum. Then she headed for the Azores, arriving there 12 November. She provisioned with 550 pounds of beef and 64,300 gallons of Portuguese wine. On 18 November, she set sail for England. In the ensuing days she defeated five British men-of-war and captured and scuttled 12 English merchantmen, salvaging only the rum aboard each. By 26 January, her powder and shot were exhausted. Nevertheless, and though unarmed, she made a night raid up the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Her landing party captured a whiskey distillery and transferred 40,000 gallons of single malt Scotch aboard by dawn. Then she headed home. The USS Constitution arrived in Boston on 20 February 1799, with no cannon shot, no food, no powder, NO rum, NO wine, NO whiskey and 38,600 gallons of stagnant water.

Moral of the story it was safer to drink the booze than the water!

GO NAVY!

In honor of the Tequila and Rock and Roll connection I thought I would highlight Tequila in this edition of the news!

At Crossroads we have a huge selection of Tequila and our staff is

fluent in helping you find the one that best suits your tastes!

TYPES OF TEQUILAS

Tequila can only be produced in Mexico, in the Tequila Region, and must comply with strict Mexican government regulations. In order to satisfy an ever-growing demand and a multitude of consumer's preferences and tastes, tequila is produced in two general categories and four different types in three of those categories.

The two categories are defined by the percentage of juices coming from the blue agave:

Tequila 100% Agave. Must be made with 100% blue agave juices and must be bottled at the distillery in Mexico. It may be Blanco, Reposado, or Añejo.

Tequila. Must be made with at least 51% blue agave juices. This tequila may be exported in bulk to be bottled in other countries following the NOM standard. It may be Blanco, Gold, Reposado, or Añejo

For more information click logo above!!!

The NOM standard defines four types of tequila:

Blanco or Silver
This is the traditional tequila that started it all. Clear and transparent, fresh from the still tequila is called Blanco (white or silver) and must be bottled immediately after the distillation process. It has the true bouquet and flavor of the blue agave. It is usually strong and is traditionally enjoyed in a "caballito" (2 oz small glass).

Oro or Gold
Is tequila Blanco mellowed by the addition of colorants and flavorings, caramel being the most common. It is the tequila of choice for frozen Margaritas.

Reposado or Rested
It is Blanco that has been kept (or rested) in white oak casks or vats called "pipones" for more than two months and up to one year. The oak barrels give Reposado a mellowed taste, pleasing bouquet, and its pale color. Reposado keeps the blue agave taste and is gentler to the palate. These tequilas have experienced exponential demand and high prices.

Añejo or Aged
It is Blanco tequila aged in white oak casks for more than a year. Maximum capacity of the casks should not exceed 600 liters (159 gallons). The amber color and woody flavor are picked up from the oak, and the oxidation that takes place through the porous wood develops the unique bouquet and taste.

Reserva
Although not a category in itself, it is a special Añejo that certain distillers keep in oak casks for up to 8 years. Reserva enters the big leagues of liquor both in taste and in price.

A Jimador is the custodian of the fields who tends the sacred Weber Blue Agave Plants

MYTHS ABOUT TEQUILA

Tequila comes from the distillation of «pulque».
WRONG. Pulque comes from the fermentation of the sugary sap «aguamiel» obtained from the maguey or Century Plant (which is botanically related to the agave plant). Pulque is fine but it has nothing to do with tequila.

This lovely child knows Tequila ....Selection Suprema from

Heredura is nectar of the gods and probably the best Tequila in the world at $350!

Tequila and mezcal are made from a cactus.
WRONG. Cactus plants grow in the desert and are of a different genus than the agave. There is no known liquor obtained from the cactus.

El Jimadors in action using traditional methods for getting the pina to the brick ovens!

Mezcal contains mescaline.
WRONG. Neither tequila nor mezcal contains any mescaline or alkaloids at all. However, peyote (a variety of Cactus) contains mescaline, an alkaloid that produces hallucinations.

The worm is part of the tequila or mezcal process.
This is a nice legend, but not true at all. The worm is placed in some mezcal bottles as a marketing gig. However the maguey grows worms that are a delicacy in Mexico fetching astronomical prices at luxury restaurants. The best known are “Gusanos de Maguey” and “Chinicuiles”.

Tequila has medicinal properties.

There is no scientific evidence about any medicinal properties of neither the agave plant, mescal nor tequila.
However if you drink a “caballito” every day, it will make you a happier person.

Hasta la vista!

One of the best White Rums in the world! It's lots better than Bacardi for a buck or 2 more. Ed Hamilton the Minister of Rum and I had a long talk about cocktail rum when he visited us back in June and we both feel that Appleton along with Don Q are the best values in the store. With a recommendation from 2 boat bums who between them spent 50 years drinking rum all over the Caribbean how can you go wrong? Taste the difference give Appleton a shot.

$9.99 .750 L $20.99 1.75 L

Tequila 101

The Poloma

....is a classic cocktail from Mexico! Not as labor intensive as a Margarita ...when made with club soda it's clean and pure

and with done with Squirt it's tart and a bit sweeter.

Cockspur 12 Year Old Bajan Crafted Rum $40.99

Cockspur Fine Rum $24 89 Points BTI

Deep golden amber color. Sweet buttery caramel and toasted nut aromas. A buoyant entry leads to a dryish medium-bodied palate with dark caramel, nut, and peppery brown spice flavors. Nicely poised and very refined in flavor.

3,062,804 Puerto Ricans can't be wrong Don Q is with out a doubt the very best Rum made in Puerto Rico.

You know when I was traveling the Caribbean for a living the best thing about the life style was when my native friends shared their cultural traditions with me usually in the form of their secret spots, art, food and drink! In Puerto Rico the rum of choice was always Don Q which is made by the Seralles Distillery who have been making rum since 1865! Bacardi besides being considered harsh was considered a Cuban interloper not a true Puerto Rican Rum!

RATED: 88 points (Highly Recommended) One of the highest rated White rums in the world ...Clear. Subtle, tropical flower nose. A round entry leads to a smooth, very dry, medium-bodied palate with sugarcane stalk and dried herbs. Finishes with a snappy, peppery fade. A very nice, understated, mixing-style rum.

1.75 L $17.99 .750 $11.99

Minister of Rum Ed Hamilton Visits Store I met Ed by accident recently and when we started to talk about boats, friends and the islands of the Caribbean we were both surprised not to have met a long time ago! Ed spent 25 years being the classic Caribbean cruiser, has written 3 books on the glorious subject of Rum and is considered to be the world's foremost authority on the subject. He also is the importer of Neisson and La Favorite Rhums from Martinique. We take a lot of pride in being one of the great Rum shops in this part of the country and were pleased to have him give his seal of approval to the selection in the store. Ed & I agree that Ti Punch is our favorite rum cocktail and we now have an honest to god, real Martinique Cane Syrup to make it with. You know Martinique Rhum is not like any other Rum in the store. It's 100 proof (not watered down to accommodate American norms) and not only potent but extremely flavorful. The white rum is like no other when you nose it you will experience the islands! Talk to Uncle Jerry or one of the staff about the finer points of making this killer before dinner drink or check out the recipe below. By the way these come in liter bottles not fifths!
	Ti Punch ...when Jimmy Buffet sings about a bottle of rum and a lime in the song Banana Republics this is probably what he is referring to!!! Recipe Pour a splash (1/4 teaspoon) of cane syrup in a glass. Squeeze a small slice of lime, cut from the side of the lime, over the cane syrup. Add a measure of rhum agricole blanc, stir and add ice. Allow the ice to chill the cocktail, while the flavor of the rhum, sugar cane syrup and lime blossoms.
	These are two of the very best Rhums from Martinique ...Made from cane juice instead of molasses the whites are extremely rich tasting and the Reserves (left) are literally the stuff tropical dreams are made of!!! The Reserves are fabulous for sipping but may be used in the recipe below to make a Punch Vieux! All should be in the shop next week! Punch Vieux For a drink with a richer, more mature flavor enjoy a punch vieux. Mix a ti' punch with rhum vieux, but with a little less sugar cane syrup.
	Don't use a lime wedge! At Le Select a bar I frequented in St. Barths they used lime wedges in their Ti Punch. Ed told me that this is uncouth and that the proper way is to cut a quarter like slice out of the side of the lime and squeeze this on to your cane syrup stir then add the rhum and stir again add ice and let it blossom. We now stock Petit Cane Syrup!!

New in the store!!!

Margarita Aficionados

Zapopan Tequila

...the real deal ...blended with cane spirits rather than corn and instead of adding caramel coloring they actually age it 4 months in oak ....a true reposado! Drinks nearly a good as 100% blue agave tequilas and will make the Margarita of your dreams. Compare to the big brand names!

$28.99 / 1.75L

Herencia Mexicana Tequila

For the tequila aficionado this is a rare treat. A small producer more concerned with tradition and quality than quantity.

Blanco $59.99

Reposado $69.99

Anjeo $79.99

Del Maguay Single Village Mezcal

Just to let you know how much Monty and Uncle Jerry love ya we found this little collection of Del Maguay Single Village Mezcal at Aspen Food & Wine. It's more flavorful than Tequila but we don't want you to think that this divine spirit bears any similarity to what is common Mezcal. It;s spicy, peppery and as good or better than the very best tequila or any other spirits for that matter. If you like Agave Flavor and don't mind paying for something that is truly extraordinary we brought in 1 bottle each of the following styles.
	Crema de Mezcal, is a combination of Miel de Maguey (unfermented syrup of the roast agave) and Mezcal San Luis del Rio - double distilled from 100% mature agave Espadin, produced the original, natural 400-year-old, hand-crafted way. Crema de Mezcal has a nose of roast maguey, with vanilla and pear, a creamy sweet, almond, apple, coffee, pineapple pallate and a long sweet orange, smoky finish. $44.99
	ChichicapaTM has a relatively light nose, yet is deep and sweet on the tongue w/ a very complex character. It has a long finish, w/ a distinct smokiness and hint of mint at the end. Chichicapa is separated from the valley of Oaxaca by a mountain range. The climate is desert and tropical, w/ banana trees, guava & mangoes. Faustino Garcia Vasquez is the maker of Chichicapa. He is a humble talented craftsmen w/ great respect for the ancient processes. $74.99
	Santo Domingo Albarradas is located in the high Mixe (pronounced Mee-Hay) region south of Oaxaca. The Mixe is a high altitude tropical zone closely resembling parts of Hawaii. Espiridion has a high light nose with lots of citrus overtones. A bit of roasted pear too. Lots of tropical fruit on the tongue, spicy and woody. A clean dry finish. $74.99
	Minero™ has a nose full of flower essence, vanilla and figs. With a burnt honey flavor and a bit of lemon, Minero is deep and warm, sweet all the way to the finish. Minero has a special fruity and smooth taste. $89.99

Bacardi 1.75 L $18.99

Jose Cuervo 1.75 L $27.99

Heradura Tequila price to quality the best deal in pure 100% Blue Agave Tequila...Blanco, Reposado or Anjeo 10% Off