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St. Croix's Liquid Gold... Cruzan Rum
 Here is a bit of little known American History that makes a visit to St Croix, US Virgin Islands even more interesting! Did you know our first President developed a fondness for rum and actually had a rum distillery built on the premises of his home at Mt. Vernon? It turns out his friendship with, fellow founding father; Alexander Hamilton didn't just lead to the American Revolution.
Hamilton grew up on the Dutch-influenced island St. Croix. It was there that a rum distillery was established in the area of Diamond Estate soon after Hamilton was born in 1755. As a young adult, he developed a taste for the quality rum distilled on the island and shared that pleasure with George, as they planned the birth of the new nation, no doubt. Interesting, how an appreciation for fine rum can influence history!
The Nelthropp family settled on the island in the late 1700s and took over the rum distillery operation. They still operate it today and have managed to make Cruzan Rum the most highly rated "Single Barrel" Estate Rum in the world. Exactly what does that mean?
It means Cruzan Single Barrel Estate Rum may be enjoyed as an alternative to an after-dinner brandy with its smooth, clean, subtle taste. Cruzan Rum has created an entirely new dimension in the way rum is perceived and enjoyed.
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| Jay Maltby, President & COO and Tom Valdes, President, TodHunter Imports, LTD |
As with fine wines, the region in which a wine grape is grown serves to define the wine's character. This is true of estate rum and its island of origin that contributes to its taste profile and character. Knowledge, cultivated by generations of distillers, leaves its mark on the unique process of distillation in the Caribbean islands. Cruzan Rum, is committed to the purity of the distillate, and uses a five-column continuous distillation process, coupled with consistent artful blending of rums aged a minimum of 2 years, to characterize its distinctively clean, yet flavorful taste.
Cruzan Single Barrel Estate Rum is enjoyed most often straight, over ice, with a twist of orange peel and, on occasion, with a splash of tonic, but never compromised with other mixers. Next time you have a port of call visit in St. Croix, take a tour of the Cruzan Rum distillery, meet the current generation of the Nelthropp family and, of course, enjoy a taste of the best rum in the world. For more information and to order Cruzan Rums, direct over the Internet, visit www.cruzanrums.com
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| The Magic Ingredient |
If a fine Cruzan rum, straight up is a bit too strong for your taste, try the famous Caribbean Rum Balls available all over the US Virgin Islands. They are a handmade, sweet treat produced on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. What makes these tasty island treats so special is the final step in preparation... each candy is sprayed with a fine mist of Cruzan Gold Rum before being packaged for distribution. They are truly irresistible! You may order them directly from the factory by visiting their Web site at www.caribbeanrumballs.com
There is so much to see and do in the US Virgin Islands it almost makes sense to plan a pre- or post-cruise stay on St. Croix, St. John or St. Thomas. They have one of the most friendly and enthusiastic Visitor Bureaus anywhere in the world! You can visit their informative web site at www.usvitourism.vi or better yet give them a call in St Thomas, toll free, at 1-800-372-8784. The Manager of the Visitors Bureau, Carolyn Stevens-Lanclos or one of her associates will answer in person and give you a wealth of information about the US Virgin Islands... the beaches, resorts, fishing and the FOOD! Be sure to ask for directions to Sinclair's Café (see Chef Notes) for one of the best meals in the Caribbean!
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| U.S. Virgin Islands |
While you are in Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas during a port call, stop by at the Visitor Bureau's Welcome Center for a cool drink, a break from shopping and to say hello. In fact, Carolyn's genuine native enthusiasm just may convince you not to get back on the ship and to finish your vacation in the US Virgin Islands! Don't say I didn't warn you!
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