Ron Barceló Rum Seasonal Cocktail Unveiling at The Dutch

Ron Barceló Rum personally invited us to preview their new seasonal cocktails paired with a four course tasting at The Dutch and I am still reeling from the experience! We are big fans of Ron Barceló, check out our celebration of their Miami designed bottle.

Executive chef Andonay Tafur did an incredible job of creating the perfect menu to accompany the bold and dynamic flavors of Ron Barceló. Founded in 1930 by Julian Barceló in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Ron Barceló is uniquely different from other Dominican rums because it is made from the fermented juice of the sugar cane (not from molasses), resulting in its smooth, well-rounded signature taste. To ensure superior quality, Ron Barceló uses only the most brilliant sugarcane grown in the nutrient rich, low sulfur soil of the Dominican Republic, which is planted, harvested, fermented and distilled strictly in the company-owned sugar cane fields in San Pedro de Macoris. Remaining true to the original recipe and distillation process, the taste defines itself in this premium quality liquor.

There are 5 distinct flavors of Ron Barcelo rum that were mixed beautifully with our cocktails of the evening, a testament to the adaptability of this high quality spirit:

• Barceló Añejo is a delectable blend of the finest quality rums patiently aged in American bourbon oak barrels for up to 4 years. A golden, amber color, this spirit holds woody aromas of butterscotch and toffee with flavors of vanilla bean, caramel and mild spices; a favorite amongst rum connoisseurs.
• Barceló Gran Añejo features a blend of rums, aged in American bourbon oak barrels, ranging in age up to 6 years. The result is a rich, golden amber colored rum with notes of sweet spice, mocha, toffee and coffee bean.
• Carefully filtered to provide an aged rum with a clear body, Barceló Gran Platinum features a natural cane sugar essence with a touch of citrus peel and a hint of sweetness. An effortless, clean finish to the translucent spirit, it is ideal for premium cocktails.
• The jewel of the portfolio, Barceló Imperial is a blend of rums aged in American bourbon oak barrels, ranging in age up to 10 years. This super-premium’s full-bodied expression features hints of toffee, roasted nut, spice and vanilla. It is perfect for consuming straight or on the rocks.
• Barceló Imperial Premium Blend 30 Aniversario is a very limited edition rum in which only 600 bottles are available annually in the U.S. Each year, private reserves of Ron Barceló Imperial are set aside for additional aging in barrels made from selected cuts of French white oak previously used for aging highly prestigious Bordeaux wines .Barceló Imperial Premium Blend 30 Aniversario is a blend of these reserves. 

To start our tasting journey, we chatted and sipped on the Champagne Papi, which combined Barceló Imperial, grand poppy liqueur and champagne. This was a light and bubbly refreshment with a spicy undercurrent of the dark rum teasing with each sip.

Once seated, we were educated about the history of the rum and the different flavor profiles while tasting the fall cocktail Viejo Dominicano, made of Barceló Imperial, sweet plantain syrup, angostura bitters and black walnut bitter. This had a smoky yet sweet flavor that was thoroughly enjoyed with the Little Gem Salad. Made with preserved apples and figs, Serrano and avocado, it was a perfectly fresh pairing with the cocktail.

Following that was a divine Lobster Salad with curry and cashews. This was my favorite meal of the evening, I could not get enough of the sweet curry taste with the fresh lobster mixed in. Being served in a chilled coconut was a unique twist, enhanced by Scorched Earth’s mix of Barceló Gran Platinum, mezcal, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup, aperol and apple cider. This pairing was an explosion of flavor in the mouth, it was truly enjoyable.

We were then presented with a pairing of Red Snapper “Moqueca” with spiced lobster broth and xux slaw with El Biembiem, which blended Barceló Añejo, Barceló Gran Platinum, Barceló Imperial, lime juice, passion fruit, pineapple juice, simple syrup and Velvet Falernum. The Red Snapper was everything I’ve ever dreamed of- tender, juicy, flavorful, and delicious. The El Biembiem topped off the fresh flavor of the snapper with a tangy embrace.

The dinner ended with a sweet night cap of Barceló’s Pumpkin Spice Dominican Coffee, which used Barceló Gran Añejo, demerara syrup, pumpkin puree and hot coffee, paired with Dulce de Leche Donuts with Raspberry Jam with choice of Pumpkin Cake, spiced butter cream, roasted pumpkin puree, cranberry clusters, and butter pecan ice cream.

No matter the occasion, Ron Barcelo rum can be the choice for the evening. We were also gifted our own bottle of the limited edition Ron Barceló Añejo Rum Bottle designed by Miami-based artist Ruben Ubiera! For more information and for purchasing, please visit their site.