FASHION ISLAND DRINKS
Tommy Bahama Rums
by Jeff Hoyt

With its clothing and home furnishing lines, Tommy Bahama represents a tropical island lifestyle. So in deciding to enter the world of spirits, it makes perfect sense that they have decided to produce the traditional tropical favorite under the Tommy Bahama banner. What’s a better way to express “tropical island lifestyle” than a rum drink? The new pair of liquors is aptly named: the white rum is White Sand, while the dark has been christened Golden Sun.

While the contents are actually distilled by the R. L. Seale Distillery, which has been producing rum for more than 80 years, and bottled in Barbados, there is no doubt that Tommy Bahama designers developed the contemporary packaging. With its long lines, broad shoulders, and short neck, the stylish hand-decorated bottles with the corporate palm tree logo will look good gracing any home bar or tiki hut. The problem is that its unique shape will make it tough to sit in a working bar well. Perhaps the designers did this to emphasize their belief that the two offerings are both top-shelf. (To truly express “tropical island lifestyle,” the rums should be sold in a pineapple.)

Both 80-proof rums are made from water slow-filtered through coral stone, Caribbean blackstrap molasses and yeast imported from South Africa, and then aged in small batches in oak barrels. White Sand ages for a minimum of two years, and the result is clear and light-bodied. It has a smooth mouth-feel, is sweeter than its partner, and yields a hint of spice on the palette.

Golden Sun spends at least three years aging, producing a golden liquid both better-looking and tasting than its younger brother. It yields aromas of vanilla, brown sugar, and apricot. It, too, has a smooth mouth-feel, but with a fuller body. Golden Sun has a long, enjoyable finish, as vanilla and caramel flavors linger on the tongue.

Tommy Bahama Rums will be available in a variety of sizes: 1.75 L, 1 L, 750ml, 375ml, and 50ml. Warning: Tommy Bahama clothes and furniture will not be improved by Tommy Bahama rum stains, so sip carefully.

COCKTAIL RECIPE Planter's Punch 1 ¾ parts Tommy Bahama Golden Sun Rum 2 dashes simple syrup 1 dash angostura bitters Juice from half of a lemon Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake sharply. Strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with a slice of orange, a maraschino cherry and a sprig of fresh mint.

COCKTAIL RECIPE Cuba Libre 1 ¾ parts Tommy Bahama White Sand Rum Juice of 1 lime Soda or Cola Pour the lime juice and the rum into a highball glass filled with ice. Top up with cola. Garnish with a wedge of lime.