***Special Guest Post***
By the end of his life, beloved and widely mythologized American author, Ernest Hemingway, spent about 30 years in Cuba. For what would be his 114th birthday,
Cuba Libre DC hosted a special celebration with Papa's Pilar on July 21.
There were 2 rums that were being released to the DC area: a blonde rum finished in Spanish sherry casks and a dark rum finished in Spanish sherry casks, aged 24 years.
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| Papa's Pilar dark and blonde rums |
My wife, Kati, tried one of the featured cocktails, the
"E. Henmiway Special" which is the classic Hemingway daiquiri. The recipe comes from Philip Greene's popular publication
To Have and Have Another : a Hemingway Cocktail Companion. The daiquiri was made with Papa's Pilar Blonde Rum, fresh lime juice, fresh ruby red grapefruit juice, and maraschino liqueur. Kati is not a fan of rum as I am, and actually doesn't really like the taste of rum, but really enjoyed the drink. I had a few rum & cokes, or
Cuba Libres, whatever you prefer to call them. I had mine with the dark rum.
It was really smooth with a nice flavor and was rich in taste. Kati even tried it and didn't hate it.
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| "E. Henmiway Special" with scallop ceviche |
There were also some appetizers served at the event. They had Scallops Ceviche made with sea scallops marinated in citrus juices, tomatoes, chiles and fresh herbs. It had a very fresh taste. I really enjoyed the Crab Cake, which was a plaintain crusted ball of crabmeat. Another favorite were the Perro Caliente Tots that were made with all beef hot dogs and russet potatoes croquettes with a mustard dipping sauce.
Philip Greene, was actually in attendance and was co-hosting the event to go along with his book and the launch of the rums in the DC market. He got in touch with the producer of the rum (I believe Hemingway's Estate owns the company) and they agreed it was a perfect match. It was a great experience to attend a party with a guy who not only loves everything Hemingway but also has a book with his popular drinks. Getting to try the newly launched rums was not too bad either.
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| Photo: Cuba Libre DC |
by Jason
