Last month I went to the launch of CASA BARÚ Rum here in the UK which was held at Asian bar Lucy Wong in Fitzrovia. Not only did I get the opportunity to taste CASA BARÚ’s three expressions but also to meet with representatives from Highball Brands, the exclusive UK trade distributor for this new premium spirit to reach our shores.
Produced in the heart of the Chiriqui Highlands in Panama and founded by Dick Barba, this premium Panamanian rum brand uses traditional methods made from locally grown artisanal sugarcane syrup and distilled in traditional copper pot stills. It is then aged in carefully chosen oak barrels and offers the perfect balance of tradition and innovation to produce a spirit that is both authentic and pure as well as being uniquely Panamanian.
The rich volcanic soil and rainforest climate provide the ideal conditions for creating this world-class rum. Using the embedded traditions of Scotch whisky, CASA BARÚ is distilled with careful precision with no artificial additives or sweeteners. The spirit’s purity and quality come from the use of locally grown sugar cane and artisanal hand-made sugar syrup.
The three expressions of CASA BARÚ include Blanco, which is a white rum that has a delicate blend of fruit, citrus and fresh cane notes, making it perfect for creating sophisticated cocktails.
Double Crop is an innovative expression that mixes Panamanian sugarcane with Geisha coffee fruit to create a complex and aromatic rum that is somewhat bold and unexpected, ideal if you’re looking for a distinctive flavour to add to your cocktail.
Lastly, Xopa Coffee Liqueur, which combines the finest Panamanian rum with artisanal roasted local coffee. This liqueur has a rich, velvety taste with balanced coffee and caramel flavours which can be enjoyed on its own or in a cocktail, depending on your taste.
This rather special liqueur is a blend of artisanal roasted local coffee and the finest Panamanian pot still spirit, giving a creative fusion of coffee and premium liquor. It is made using locally sourced Caturra coffee beans which are known for their rich, complex flavours and delicate balance. So, if you are a coffee lover it will add a new dimension to your cocktails, particularly in an espresso martini for example.
The first cocktail I tried was the superb CASA BARÚ Daiquiri, which is a mix of 60 ml CASA BARU Rum, 30 ml fresh lime juice, 22.5 ml simple syrup, some ice and a lime wheel or twist.
It’s made by filling a cocktail shaker with ice and adding the CASA BARÚ Rum, fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Then shake well until it’s well-chilled before straining into a chilled cocktail glass and finally garnish with a lime wheel or twist.
Being a coffee lover, I had to also try the Xopa Coffee Liqueur Rum Espresso Martini which is made with 45 ml CASA BARÚ Rum, 30 ml Xopa Coffee Liqueur, 30 ml freshly brewed espresso that has been cooled, 15 ml simple syrup, some ice and a few coffee beans.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and mix the CASA BARÚ Rum, Xopa Coffee Liqueur, freshly brewed espresso and simple syrup. Shake the mixture vigorously until it is frothy and well-chilled before straining it into a chilled martini glass and then garnish the cocktail with a few coffee beans for that final touch.
Fabrice Limon, Founder & Director at Highball Brands, the exclusive UK distributor for CASA BARÚ Rum, commented:
“We are thrilled to bring CASA BARÚ and its unique coffee liqueur to the UK market. Its exceptional craftsmanship and unique flavour profiles make it the perfect addition to any bar’s premium spirits selection. The Blanco offers tremendous value and quality for any bar looking for a premium quality offering of their pouring Rum.”
Both CASA BARÚ Rum and Xopa Coffee Liqueur are now available for trade orders through Highball Brands. For more information, please visit: www.highballbrands.com.
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is Editor of OMOTG Travel & Lifestyle Magazine, a former member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.
Photographs courtesy of CASA BARÚ Rum
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