Let’s just say it: the white rums of the French Caribbean just taste better than their counterparts in the rest of the region.

White rhums agricoles have the complexity, flavor, character and smoothness you simply won’t find in the vast majority of molasses-based white rums. In other words, you can even drink them neat (though they’re naturally best in a Ti’ punch.)

And when it comes to the French Caribbean, it’s hard to argue with Guadeloupe’s Rhum Bologne, famous for its yellow label and one of the most ubiquitous ingredients in the ti’ punch.

But in recent years, a rum known well for its classic white variety has been quietly diversifying, from particularly with new aged expressions that have set a new standard for the brand.

But Rhum Bologne hasn’t forgotten its roots, particularly with one of its latest expressions: Rhum Bologne Black Cane.

This rum is 100 percent comprised of so-called “black” sugarcane, a kind that is particularly hard to cultivate and largely fallen out of use in Guadeloupe — indeed, Bologne is the last distillery in Guadeloupe to cultivate it.

But it’s a different kind of cane, one that produces a more potent, “concentrated” juice, and in turn a special kind of rum.

This rum has a robust aroma of cane, licorice and a slightly floral quality.

The flavour profile has notes of tropical fruit, mango, anise and sugarcane.

It’s remarkably smooth, with a slightly sweet finish.

Yes, this is more concentrated than the traditional white Bologne rhum, but it preserves its classic smoothness and floral quality.

This is a superb rum, and another success for Guadeloupe’s venerable rum brand.

The post Rum Journal: Rhum Bologne Black Cane appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

WASHINGTON, USA — A broad coalition of prominent Puerto Rican civil society leaders and organizations, representing all sides of the ideological and political spectrum, on Thursday issued an open letter to US Senators calling on them to oppose the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management…

Powered by WPeMatico

The Landings St. Lucia resort has announced its ‘Christmas in July’ package, offering 40 percent off all room rates for stays between December 17 and 25, 2016.

The the package also includes a free guide to Pigeon Island National Park, a 44-acre landmark rich in West Indian history and beautiful beaches on the northwest edge of the island.

The park is open to visitors 365 days a year and includes a variety of historical attractions  and amenities, such as military ruins, an Interpretation Centre describing the island’s history, restaurants and a lookout point with panoramic views.

Eco-adventurers will enjoy a free guided hike to Monde du Cap, one of many scenic hiking trails available on the island.

Also included in the package are two free water sports lessons.

Non-motorized watersports, including beach snorkeling, windsurfing, Sunfish and Hobie Cat sailing, ocean kayaking and pedal boards, are complimentary to guests.

Motorized sports, including waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing and banana boat rides are available for a small fee.

Guests staying five or more nights will also enjoy free airport transfers and a $200 resort credit for the spa, food and beverages.

With three restaurants and two bars, as well as an option to have a private chef, guests will have the opportunity to experience authentic Caribbean cuisine at their leisure.

Each of The Landings St Lucia’s 85 suites features a fully-equipped kitchen, a living room with an LCD HDTV, dining room, powder room, washing machine and dryer, two large balconies or landscaped terraces and high speed internet access.

Families will enjoy free access to the all-day Kids Club as well as the fully-equipped Health Club.

Many of The Landings St. Lucia suites also include private plunge pools.

The ‘Christmas in July’ package is valid for stays between December 17 and December 25, 2016 when booked between July 1 and July 31, 2016.

The post How to Stay at The Landings St. Lucia, For Less appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

A major new luxury all-inclusive resort is coming to Jamaica this year.

Royalton Luxury Resorts’ newest property on the island, Royalton Blue Waters, is slated to debut on the shores of White Bay near Montego Bay in November.

The 228-room all-inclusive hotel will include unlimited, reservation-free dining, 11 restaurants and bars and a choice of balconies with either ocean views or private swim-out pools.

The property will also include free unlimited long-distance calls to North America and parts of Europe and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi for all devices.

A rendering of a room at Royalton Blue Waters

The hotel will additionally include the option to upgrade to Royalton Blue Waters Diamond Club, which offers guests access to an exclusive lounge with premium drinks and canapés, exclusive a la carte restaurants and bar areas, a private beach area with waiter service and rooms with dedicated butler service, among other amenities.

Royalton Blue Waters will feature a Royal Spa and the company’s signature C/X Culinary Experience focused on molecular gastronomy.

For families, the hotel will also offer a Kids Adventure Program that features a supervised Clubhouse Kids Club and a Hangout Teens Club.

The post A New Luxury Resort Is Coming to Jamaica appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

Exploring the Things to Do in Punta Cana

By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

There’s more to Punta Cana than palm trees and Presidentes. The east-coast Dominican Republic resort town has plenty of attractions beyond the confines of your hotel, and you’re missing out if you don’t rouse yourself from your chaise to sample at least one. Here, to get you started, are suggestions for Five Fun Things to Do in Punta Cana.

GET HIGH

Punta Cana is the only place in the Caribbean where you can take a hot air balloon tour. Climb into one of Dominican Balloons’ four- or 16-passenger baskets and soar as high as 3,000 feet above waving fields of sugar cane on an hour-long flight that also includes breakfast and a champagne toast.

GO DEEP

The freshwater sinkholes known as cenotes are most often associated with Mexico’s Riviera Maya, but the Dominican Republic has them, too. Find out for yourself at Scape Park, where after a short walk through the jungle you can swim in the refreshing and crystal-clear waters of Las Ondas cenote. (scapepark.com)

GET BEACHED

Punta Cana’s Bavaro beach is certainly one of the Caribbean’s best strands, and chances are you’re staying in a resort right on it. But allow us to suggest another that’s well worth the trip from your hotel: Juanillo Beach in Cap Cana boasts a cinematically beautiful sweep of sand; an Instagram-ready coconut palm that leans into the surf: an excellent eponymous restaurant and bar; as well as a superb gift shop. What more could you want?

SET SAIL              

You can’t leave the Caribbean without spending some time out on the water so make sure you book a catamaran cruise, if only to see the sunset. Better still, book passage on a day cruise to the offshore outposts of Isla Saona or Isla Catalina for snorkeling, sun and fun.

EAT LOCAL

Looking for real local flavor? Eating outside your hotel can be delicious and inexpensive. Case in point: Solo Pollo in the nearby village of Los Corales, where filling and flavorful pollo horneado (rotisserie chicken) with rice ‘n’ beans and a tangy tamarind juice will set you back less than 10 bucks.

The post Five Fun Things to Do in Punta Cana appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico