Rum Runner - Part Trois

Disappointed with my last two attempts at the Rum Runner, I gave it another try. I’m nothing if not persistent. I bought a new bottle of Blackberry Brandy. The bottle I had was pretty old, it was an old Dekuyper Black Berry “Flavored” Brandy. I tasted it before I threw it out and it was kind of sale and bitter. Although alcohol does haven't "go bad", I think Brandy and/or Liqueurs are best if used within a year or two. In any event, the new purchase was Marie Brizard Blackberry Brandy. It didn't say "flavored" on the label. MB is a pretty good brand, I use their Orange Curacao as well and have never been disappointed.

Okay, I do have to admit that I messed with the amount of Bacardi 151. I used a 50/50 mixture of Bacardi 151 and Flor de Cana light rum. I also used Rosie’s Grenadine.

The color was a nice raspberry color. It was sweet and tart, much better than the two prior versions. The better quality blackberry brandy really made a difference.
It was rather refreshing. I’d give this drink a solid 7, I would most def make it again.

Spirit’s Used

Marie Brizard Blackberry Brandy
Bacardi 151 (50%)
Flor De Cana (50%)
Rosie’s Grenadine (Okay, not really a “Spirit”, but wanted to write it down)

Rum Runner

It was a hot day in the Valley, so I searched the Grog Log for a blended drink. The Rum Runner seemed to fit the bill. I noticed that it called for Bacardi 151 as its main spirit. Having an aversion to Bacardi, silly me, I decided to substitute Lemon Hart 151. In retrospect, it wasn’t the best substitution. I should have just stuck with the original recipe and used Bacardi, but I was being stubborn.

The color was kind of a golden light brown. No doubt the Lemon Hart drastically changed the look and taste of this drink. The initial sip yielded a reaction of “tastes bubble-gum.” Needless to say, we both drank about 1/4 of the drink and set it aside. Damn shame, what a waste of Lemon Hart.

My alcohol substitution was not well throught out. I think I was just excited that I have 4 new bottles of Lemon Hart 151. Since the ugly rumors of that started two years ago, that Lemon Hart was no longer going to be available have come true, I had Lemon Hart on my brain.

Spirit’s Used

Blackberry Brandy
Banana Liqueur
Lemon Hart 151

I plan on remaking this drink with Bacardi. I also plan on making this drink in a blended and non-blended version for comparison. I recall making this drink in the past, with a light rum, and if memory serves I thought it tasted somewhat like a Lifesaver.

This drink goes back into the “re-do” pile. And btw, if you are doubling the recipe, which I did, it really puts your 7th grade math skills to work. Had to add fractions, ugh! Numerators, Denominators.....suck.