Whilst I've never cooked with rum as an ingredient, it is highly likely that rum as a drink will accompany me whilst cooking dinner of an evening since I sampled the amazing rums created and distilled by our latest speaker, Callum from The Custom Spirit Company.
Based at Howards Nursery in Handcross, this local company has only really been in existence for a couple of years. The idea of creating and distilling different blends of rum was the idea of two friends Callum and Jason, and was born from a passion for rum, and in Callum's own words "a passion for drinking in general!" Although Covid and lockdown was a terrible time for everyone, it has to be said that a lot of people were made to stop and think about their careers and whether they could or would carry on in the same job. For The Custom Spirit Company it was an opportunity to give time to make their rum business dream come true.
Callum brought 4 rums for us to try, first up was the 114 Proof, an award winning navy strength spiced rum infused with notes of vanilla, and aromatic tonka bean and is perfect for sipping or mixing.
Up next was Rumrise, featuring pineapple, coconut and citrus flavours, a classic tropical spiced rum. Rumrise is perfect for mixing or crafting cocktails and was my favourite.
The third rum we sampled was called Special Breakfast, which raised a few eyebrows among the Bombshells... Callum explained that because this blend features coffee flavours it was a running joke to call it a breakfast drink which just stuck. Breakfast Special is enhanced with a blend of coffee, cacao nib, banana and tonka bean. I could really detect the banana notes and could imagine it being delicious served neat with ice or enjoyed or with a mixer.
By this time I was starting to feel a little light headed, but like a trouper I ploughed on, and tasted the final sample which was called Mojo. Made with lime, mint and vanilla. At 45% it packed a punch but was still refreshing.
Then Callum proceeded to mix up The Custom Spirit Company's version of a Pina Colada and it was utterly delicious. Using the Rumrise blend (which already contains notes of pineapple and coconut) and shaken vigorously with coconut cream, pineapple juice and plenty of ice, it was a really great twist from using the traditional white rum as the Rumrise flavours really came through.
Should you wish to get your hands on some of this lovely rum either head to Howard's Nursery in Handcross or the market held in the Carfax, Horsham where The Custom Spirit Company usually have a stall. You can also order online at customspirit.co The follow the recipes below for some original tasty cocktails.
One of our members, Sandra decided she would knock up an Espresso Rumtini at the weekend, here are the results... looks very professional and I have been told tasted very good indeed!
Our next meeting, Tuesday April 26th will be 'All About Chocolate', where each member will be bringing their favourite chocolate dish or drink for everyone to sample, yum! There will also be a chocolate quiz, and a chocolate raffle... and it will be a great opportunity for everyone to mingle, make new friends.
If you have been meaning to join the WI this might be the perfect time to do so. For more information check out the rest of our website by clicking on 'home' above and email our President Rowena on bbhwi1951@gmail.com
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