I get sent a lot of "luxury" spirits. And most are excellent. But when the luxury spirit is a rum from the LVMH Group - which includes Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon champagnes, Hennessy cognac, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Donna Karan, TAG Heuer - you pay special attention.
Introduced just two years ago, 10 Cane is a "first press cane" rum made from Trinidadian sugar cane specifically grown for rum making, not from molasses. Then it's aged in small batches in French oak barrels for 6 months under the care of master distillers from Moët Hennessy. The result is one of the smoothest rums I've tried. The staff at the BG Test Bar drank theirs neat, a first for any of the rums we've tried.
Does it cost more? Hell yes. But so does a bottle of Dom. And you know how the ladies react when you pop open a bottle of Dom, versus opening a bottle of Freixenet.
And as I've said many times, the quality of a cocktail depends on the quality of the ingredients. Don't get me wrong. I like a little Captain in me every once in a while. (That didn't come out right.) But try 10 Cane in these classic rum drinks and you'll taste the difference. And so will she.
$34.99 for 750 ml
www.10cane.com
The Cuba Libre
1 1/2 oz 10 Cane Rum
Cola of your choice
Dash of Bitters (optional)
Lime wedge
Grab a highball glass. Pour 10 Cane. Fill to top with cola. Add bitters. Garnish with lime wedge.
Classic Mojito
2 oz 10 Cane Rum
1 oz fresh squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 oz simple syrup
8-10 mint leaves
Splash of club soda
Grab a highball glass. place the 8-10 mint leaves at the bottom. Press with a wooden muddler to release the oils. fill glass with cracked ice. Add 10 Cane, lime juice and simple syrup. Stir gently. Top up with soda. Add sprig of mint for garnish.
The Daquiri (The way it's supposed to be)
2 oz 10 Cane Rum
1 oz fresh squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 oz simple syrup
Lime wheel
Combine 10 Cane, lime juice, simple syrup and cubed ice in a mixing glass. Shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with freshly sliced lime wheel.