Academy Members Discussing the Oyster Cloister

follow the links to Uncle Ron's youtube channel for the oyster cloister opinions and reflections....

 Don Ron Mark:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il7dCVjPVzU&feature=youtu.be

Don Ron Tom:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0NBj4dVaF4

Don and Dona Sean Hanna http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GCVyOsLqOQ

Ron Ron James http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMDC4Ext4Sw

Don Ron Rene http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMDC4Ext4Sw

Don Ron Andrew Mhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bKeDSGj2a8

Don Ron Andrew I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf6jldznjoo

Don ROn's Mark and Sean http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AVDWWqfWUs

Uncle Ron's Oyster Cloister 2013

The last Sat. of October is Uncle Ron's Oyster Cloister. This year we had over 1200 oysters from 16 different "terriors" between Northern New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island and the far flung points of Mainland Nova Scotia. Check out Uncle Ron's Oyster CLoister 2013 page for pics of each oyster and links to the people who love and care for them.

http://uncleronsacademy.blogspot.ca/p/oyster-cloister-2013.html 

The Caribbean Club :Great Place for Rum... in Barcelona

What a wonderful place in Barcelona... the have a great staff and a great selection of Rum, Ron, Rhum. It is at 5 Sitges just off the Ramblas elow Cataluyna Square. Heading towards the water turn right onto Carrer dels Tallers and then left onto Sitges. Just pat the Club is a great little resturant Bar Castells.....

We inducted our the staff into Uncle Ron's Academy . He did a great job of showing us some great rums. Our Favorite was from Mexico. A 20 yo called Mocambo. His favorite Cuban rum was: Edmindo Dantes

If you need some nibblies they will get some Tapas from across the street from Rest. Macareno The Bacalao was awesome.

Uncle Ron has a facebook page and you

Uncle Ron's Academy has a facebook page and You Tube post as well ... search on facebook for Uncle Ron's Academy.... thanks batrcelona... cheers.

Rumpot 2013 is ready and waiting for URN's 2014



Uncle Ron's Rum pot with Special thanks To Cruzan Rum...

 Rumpot 2013/14 is ready to go… A small faculty meeting was convened to complete the fruit rum elixir. Two blackberries from Don and Dona Theo and Anna, L’acadie grapes grown in Dartmouth Cove with vines supplied by Domaine de Grand Pre and Gravenstein Apples  from Scotian Gold  competed the vessel. For a Video go to Uncle Ron's Academy on You Tube... click here.

Red Clapp Pears Added to the Rum Pot

Don Rons Brian and John are adding the Red Clapp Pears to Uncle Ron's Rum Pot. These were picked up at Noggins Corner Farm Market (http://www.nogginsfarm.ca/ )  at Alderney Landing. (  http://www.alderneylanding.com/ ).... We need artic kiwis and some apples....

The Rum Pot Is Filling Up...

Uncle Ron's 1013/14 rum pot is filling up. Peaches from Noggins Corner ( Alderny Market location, http://www.nogginsfarm.ca/ ) High Bush Blueberries from Between the Bushes, http://www.betweenthebushes.ca/ ), and Dried Cranberries and blueberries from Terra Beata, http://cranberryfarm.ca/ ). For the video go to youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fstI0DdkcPE 

Strawberries...........Rumpot 2014 Has Begun

It’s an interprovincial Rumpot this year. Strawberries from Les Dignes in Grand Digue, New Brunswick. Not only do they have fresh local in season fruits and veggies they have a great selection of local products as well….. Check out the Rumpot Page here on the blog for more on the RUMPOT.

Check out the you tube video of don Ron Brian and Art starting the Rumpot….. what fun:
Click here for the youtube video

Rankings 2013… the 10th anniversary The Final Tally

It is/was quite a night… the number one rum from each of the last ten years. In 2003 the line up was Brugal, El Dorado, Havana Club, The Captain ( Morgan), Parrot Bay, Barcardi Cicion, Casa Dorada, Lemon Hart, Matusalem, Caribbean Club 7, four Square, Bacardi.  the most every sampled was in 2011 when there was 43 from all over the world… The Academy is thankful to those who adventured far and wide to return with Uncle Ron’s spawn ( gotta be a better word for that) year after year.

So the rankings for the 10th URN (too bad that acronym did not spell “keg”). It was fun hanging with Don Ron and Rona’s Brian, John, Kay, Wendy, Dave, Ruth, Nels, Theo, Anna, Bill ( via phone), Marilyn, Mark, when preparing for the night and recording the results… comments like: Is something weighted unfairly if it is numbered Number #1? Does the numerical order make a difference( if people sample according to the number of the bottle? What if they just had Drysdale’s Pepperoni or Keith’s Chicken jerky? There are a lot of variables. We’ll have to do it again!

It is a night of preference. We do evaluate although it could be said while there is restraint there are no controls. And surprises, Zaya resting in #6, Gosling’s Family Reserve answering to Black Seal! And how about that Cruzan Black Strap right up there with rums that are  two to three times it’s cost (could be a good time for a theme to understand Economics 101, the difference between cost and Value).

The Campus' in Edmonton, Dartmouth, Tsawwassen and Calgary discussed the scoring being ranked by average score or total score... it was agreed to post the vote according to the over all average score... Click on the pic below to see the whole ranking results.....

Below are links of the Rum Ranking above to web pages and reviews by Uncle Ron’ s Friends. For the rankings since 2003 go to Uncle Ron’s Night Scoring Page…………………

We’ll post some pics of and videos of the night and other adventures… Join Uncle Ron’s Academy on Facebook follow us on youtube and when we figure out the twitter thing Uncle Ron has saved a twitter account and more.

Join uncle ron’s facebook page…. And watch when the academy gets this twitter thing figured out.

Punta Cana ron My Viejo   http://www.therumelier.com/id85.html

Lengendario Elixer De Cuba
 http://therumhowlerblog.wordpress.com/rum-reviews/dark-rums/legendario-elixir-de-cuba-7yr-old-rum/

Ron Millonaro Reserva De Cuba  http://www.ronmillonario.com/intro.html

Cruzan Black Strap Rum 
https://therumhowlerblog.wordpress.com/rum-reviews/flavoured-spiced-rums/cruzan-blackstrap-rum/

Gosling’s Black Seal  http://www.bilgemunky.com/pirate-reviews/rum/goslings-black-seal/

Zaya Gran Reserva  http://www.examiner.com/article/zaya-gran-reserva-rum-from-trinidad

El Dorado Demerara 12 y.o. 
http://rumdiariesblog.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/el-dorado-12yr-old-demerara-rum/

Ron Zacapa Solera Gran Reserva 

http://scottesrum.com/category/all-rum-reviews/ron-zacapa-centenario-23-year-old/

Gosling’s Family Reserve 

http://macheterum.blogspot.ca/2008/01/goslings-family-reserve-old-rum.html

Brugal Ron Anejo 

http://therumhowlerblog.wordpress.com/rum-reviews/dark-rums/brugal-ron-anejo/

Ranking by volume

The rankings by volume is based on over all consumption and are ranked from left to right by how empty they are.

Uncle Ron was is a very good place on Sunday. What a night.. a sampling of samples. While in some ways there seems to be some surprises there are not really because they are all good ( I am concerned for the Edmonton Campus). There was two bottles of each. It is not a true ranking as some academy members try one sample more than once or twice. The numeric preference ranking will follow tomorrow...... The ranking s from left to right least empty to most full


Bottle # 6:  Millonario Solera 15 YO Peru (2012)

Bottle # 1: Legendario Elixir de Cuba 7 (2010)

Bottle #4:  Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 anos production (2005)

Bottle #5: Punta Cana Ron Muy Veijo (2011)

Bottle#10:  Gosling’s Black Seal (2006)

Bottle #8: Cruzan Black Strap (2007)

Bottle #2: Goslings Family Reserve (2008)
Bottle #3: El Dorado 12 (2004)

Bottle #9: ZAYA 12 year old Gran Reserva (2009)

Bottle #7: Anejo Ron Superior Brugal (2003)

What a Line Up!!!!!

What a line up!!!!

Those words move us to think of Hockey… WOW….. the Mooseheads, Penguins, Senators, Rangers(?), Boston…… there are other line ups…….. an all star team… faculty even….. Featuring number one draft pics that have been nurtured, tried, tested and celebrated… This year The Academy is presenting at Uncle Ron's Night the number one rums from the last nine years. Being Featured are successful draft pics from: Peru, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, St. Croix, Trinidad, Guatemala, Cuba, Guyana… and maybe a few surprises in the line up that made it under the trade deadline…..

For the list being featured at the 10th annual Uncle Ron’s Night click onto this link… A Few Notes and Rankings…..  we'll do another post to reviews......

A Spanish Treasure

Uncle Ron would like to share news about a treasure from Pamplona Spain that is available in Canada: Baines Pacharan Classico. It goes back to the Middle Ages. The name Patxaran comes from the Basque baso aran, meaning wild plum; Pacharan is the Spanish (Castillian) spelling. It is commonly drunk in the Basque region and the rest of Spain. It is a liqueur made from blackthorn, or sloe, berries. It was served at royal weddings and was used for medicinal purposes by a queen of Navarra. Today, the Pacharan production is strictly regulated by the government, to ensure its quality.

Licores Baines is a prestigious company founded in 1844 by the Matossi family, Italian-Swiss emigrants to Pamplona and has been producing high quality Pacharan for over 150 Years. A powerful, intense red, this liqueur is fruit-forward and sweet with a light undertone of anise. It is soft and velvety on the palate and is best served slightly chilled.

Today, the family business continues to focus on, a laborious production method which gives the final product remarkable levels of flavour, colour and smoothness.

Banies’ digestif tonic, Pacharan is distilled in a small batches using quality ingredients including macerated anise and sloe berries, with a hint of coffee and chicory. Mix over ice with a bit of fruit and soft drink or with orange juice as suggested by the video. ( check out the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvE1IlkKDvU&feature=youtu.be

2nd Video Featuring The Kilted Chef in The Atlantic Canadian Pavilion at SIAL Canada

The 2nd of two videos featuring The Kilted Chef  creating a seafood bisque broth not quite a chowder but it is wonderful….. It features product from A Acadien Atlantic , North Taste Flavorings Inc. , BJ Trading & Marketing and more….  The Kilted Chef also has a facebook page https://www.facebook.com/alain.bosse?ref=ts&fref=ts#!/thekiltedchef It was served up in the Atlantic Canadian Pavilion at the SIAL Canada Specialty Food, Seafood and Beverage Show.

The Kilted Chef on Seafood Surprise and Uncle Ron

Two videos featuring The Kilted Chef  creating a seafood bisque broth not quite a chowder but it is wonderful….. It features product from A Acadien Atlantic , North Taste Flavorings Inc. , BJ Trading & Marketing and more….  The Kilted Chef also has a facebook page https://www.facebook.com/alain.bosse?ref=ts&fref=ts#!/thekiltedchef It was served up in the Atlantic Canadian Pavilion at the SIAL Canada Specialty Food, Seafood and Beverage Show.

TWINS

Don Ron Lance refers to them as twins ( they are bundled). The rum representing Uncle Ron’s night 2012 Ron Millonario 15 Solera Reserva Especial …

From Peru but sourced via Calgary and muled in via Tantallon and Dal’s parking lot… at it’s first appearance in 2012 it actually placed 2nd to Cruzan Black Strap and Cuba’s Legendario (who tied for 1st). Because they are repeat winners Ron Millonario get’s the nog …. With special thanks to don ron’s Lance and Mike…

Seeing we sourced it from Alberta we should check out Chip’s ( the Rum Howler) review. And how fitting for something that will be enjoyed in Nova Scotia, as Chip reports that it is made in “old Scottish column stills”. For a 2nd opinion let’s see our friends at Liquorature

Rums left to source for Uncle Ron's Night 2013 are all available in Province of Nova Scotia: Anejo Ron Superior Brugal (2003), El Dorado 12 (2004), Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 anos (2005), Gosling’s Black Seal (2006), Cruzan Black Strap (2007),  Goslings Family Reserve( 2008).

Two Islands…. Two Rums…… Two Announcements…..

We do not want to sound like a government that is in power making a number of announcements about the same program….. We’re talking about a journey of Rum here very similar to the global value chain established in the 18th century…. potatoes for rum in this case

Delivered today from the D.R via PEI the Number one rum from 2011 for Tío ron de noche 2013…. Sourced and Hand Delivered by a tag team of the faculty from the D.R P.E.I : Punta Cana Ron Muy Viejo It is still hard to find a review on Punta Cana Ron Muy Viejo but here is a blurb by the Rumelier on Oliver and Oliver the producer….

Crystal firm’s future clearer | The Chronicle Herald

NovaScotian Crystal Inc. has filed for bankruptcy, but the renowned brand will live on.


The prominent Halifax waterfront business filed for bankruptcy Tuesday morning, six weeks after filing for creditor protection under the federal Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.

The move comes on the same day Anne Campbell officially takes control of the assets through her company Halifax Glassworks Ltd. Campbell co-founded NovaScotian Crystal Inc. with Denis Ryan in 1996.
To read the full story click on:
Crystal firm’s future clearer | The Chronicle Herald

Winemaker Jost turns attention to beer | The Chronicle Herald

Call it a lateral career move.


After spending his entire working life in the wine industry, Hans Christian Jost is leaving the business his father founded to open a Tatamagouche microbrewery.

for the story check the link:
Winemaker Jost turns attention to beer | The Chronicle Herald

Alexander Keith's New Cascade Hop Ale

Uncle Ron asked a couple of members to meet at The Celtic Corner in Dartmouth, NS to try out the New Alexander Keith's Cascade Hop Ale ... bottom line is we'll try it again and again...

Check out The Real Wine Guy as he has a great pic and a few notes....

It’s a ZAYA Hat Trick

The latest arrival brought more than a smile to Uncle Ron…. It warmed him…. He wants to thank the crew at Bauer Wine and Spirit’s on Newbury St. in Boston for the special order and the mules who cradled it back to the Dartmouth campus….

Check out the Uncle Ron’s Scores page where you will see that Zaya was #5 in 2012, 4th in 2010, and #1 in 2009. According to the ZAYA website: Zaya Gran Reserva's proprietary recipe is hand blended with 3-5 rums aged in oak barrels for no less than 12 years Creating a truly alluring and sophisticated rum that is sure to elevate everything. Let’s see what the RUM DOOD has to say and what Chip’s thoughts are on the Rum Howler Blog.

Newfoundland Seafood and Rum

Academy members had a great evening recently in Boston at an event featuring Newfoundland Seafood. Check out the Video to hear and see Executive Chefs Roary MacPherson (Sheraton, St. John’s) and Andrew Hodge (Holiday Inn St. John’s) talk about their featured dish that night and a preferred rum drink. ... Check out the Video link for what was being served up......

Checking out Tequlia for Uncle Ron at Bauer's Wine and Spirits in Boston.

Bauer Wine and Spirits in Boston is a great friend of Uncle Ron.... Every year we drop in and they look after us..... this year they were able to procure ZAYA for Uncle Ron's Night . While we were there the proprietor shared some opinions on Tequlia ... let 's try posting a video for the first time... Bauer Wine and Spirits know their !@#$..... check out the video................

WOOD: Report outlines exciting future for N.S. wine industry | The Chronicle Herald

WOOD: Report outlines exciting future for N.S. wine industry | The Chronicle Herald

The Winery Association of Nova Scotia has just released an economic impact study that concludes that the wine industry contributes close to $200 million to the provincial economy.


The report, commissioned by the Canadian Vintners Association, together with the wine industry associations of Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario, was written by Frank, Rimmerman and Co., a California-based company which runs an authoritative wine industry consulting practice.

Uncle Ron invites you to click on the link to get Sean Wood's story from the Chronicle Herald.

Storm Stayed...... Mixology.... It's great to be a Dog

The Nortumberland Strait in February.

Uncle Ron found himself happily Storm stayed just north of Shediac, NB. So relaxing creativity was the theme.

As the wind piled in the snow clarity called forth the muse and whispered to Mostest Hostess Dona Rona that a libation should be created called "Storm Stayed". Ingredients were: Fireball Cinnamon Whisky; a splash of Cruzan 9; Acadian Maple, Maple Roasted Coffee; frothed milk, and a pinch of Pumpkin Pie Spice..............................................................

see below that the desired effect was enjoyed

NovaScotian Crystal to go into receivership | The Chronicle Herald

NovaScotian Crystal to go into receivership | The Chronicle Herald (click on the link for the story)

Hey all Nova Scotia Crystal has been a great support of Uncle Ron's Academy. Uncle Ron suggests that if you would like a Rum glass (pictured) to drop in and get one now.

The Legendario Has Landed

Wonderously Warming...

Legendario …. Rico Rico… While it is not the first of the arrivals to Canada it is the first to the Dartmouth Campus. Just ahead of the blizzard on Friday morning at 3:30am it cleared customs and made it to The Independant Republic of Dartmouth by 5:00 am. We were lucky as it was hard to find… While it is available at Premier Wines and Spirits in Halifax the away team could not find it in Varadero but at the smallest duty free at the Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport there it was…..


Legendario was #1 at Uncle Ron’s Nights in 2012 and 2010. In 2009 it was 4th and 11th in 2011. The Academy considers Legendario a legend . Here is the peer review by the Rum Howler Blog.



The First Ashore In For Uncle Ron in 2013

To ensure a safe trip the delivery was "spirited" before departure.

The first Arrival into Canada for Tío ron de noche 2013 is wonderful… the Academy’s Number One Rum in 2011…. Sourced and Hand Delivered in the mid-winter from the warm waters of the Dominican Republic by our esteemed D.R. faculty member:  Punta Cana Ron Muy Viejo … It is so special that it is in safe keeping at a secret location in Prince Edward Island…  It is still hard to find a review on Punta Cana Ron Muy Viejo but here is a blurb by the Rumelier on Oliver and Oliver the producer…. We’ll let you know when it arrives from PEI……..

Good for what ales you | The Chronicle Herald

Good for what ales you | The Chronicle Herald

BRINGING Halifax’s newest microbrewery to fruition has been a long labour of love for Peter Burbridge.


A series of permit and inspection-related delays pushed opening day of Bridge Brewing Company Ltd. from summer, to fall, to the middle of winter, but since the work involved sipping beer and fine-tuning recipes, Burbridge said it is all been part of perfecting the full microbrewery experience.

Bridge Brewing opens Wednesday at 2576 Agricola St. in the former home of Beeler Security Services.

Unlce Ron Visited Diplomat

Uncle Ron wants you to know that Bishop’s  Cellar is carrying Venezuelan’s Diplomatico. Uncle Ron has savoured this before. In 2009, 2010 and 2011 it finished 10th, 5^th and 12^th respectfully in a respectful sort of way.  It is worth the walk to Bishop’s landing to get some for the weekend….  Beside it is a surprise. A white Diplomatico… Holy Smokes… smooooooth and flavours….  Follow the link to Bishop’s Cellar… stellar in fine wines and spirits…..

Silly in-store winemaking rules safe here | The Chronicle Herald

IF WE HELD a Nova Scotia Idol contest to pick The Most Obsessive Enforcement of the Silliest Rule, the choice would be easy.


The winner would have to be the province’s crackdown on stores that help customers use their store-purchased wine kits to make wine on the premises. For more go to the link:
Silly in-store winemaking rules safe here | The Chronicle Herald

CBC - The Passionate Eye - Episode - Last Chance to See Castro's Cuba

CBC - The Passionate Eye - Episode - Last Chance to See Castro's Cuba
Follow the Link  for an examination of the iconic island as it undergoes sweeping economic changes in preparation for life after Fidel Castro & a new relationship with the U.S.

The comments on the CBC's website are interesting.....

WOOD: NSLC has great buys, but choose well | The Chronicle Herald

WOOD: NSLC has great buys, but choose well | The Chronicle Herald

Click on the link as The Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. commenced a big January clearance sale Monday, with a broad range of wines, spirits, beers and other specialty beverages offered at attractive discount prices. Sean Wood discusses the wines and lists two rums...........