We’re at the halfway point of our 24 Days of Rum advent calendar and my assessment so far is that I like rum that tastes like, well, rum.
By this I mean that I prefer a more brown sugar, vanilla profile. I don’t mind some funky fruit in the background. But it should still taste like *rum.*
Many of the rums in this box are very whisky-like. There have been several that, had I not known they were rum, I would’ve assumed were scotch.
We have plenty of scotch.
It has been interesting to sample the different varieties from places I didn’t know even made rum. So far our favorites have been from the Caribbean. Which, right?
@trinilikesalt — you are a rum aficionado, do you like rums that taste like whisky?
Discover the Best Craft Rum Picks at Your Local Liquor Store
FINDING GREAT CRAFT RUM NEAR YOU
Craft rum has earned a well-deserved place among premium spirits in 2026. Whether you're new to artisanal rum or a seasoned enthusiast, knowing where to look and what to expect makes all the difference.
WHAT MAKES CRAFT RUM SPECIAL
Unlike mass-produced alternatives, craft rum is shaped by:
- Local ingredients like sugarcane and molasses
- Small-batch distilling for greater flavor control
- Distinct tasting profiles ranging from vanilla and caramel to tropical fruit and spice
Each bottle reflects its origin and the care of its maker.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOTTLE
When browsing selections, consider flavor intensity, aging style, and intended use. A smooth light rum works well in cocktails, while a rich aged rum shines on its own or over ice.
SIMPLE MIXOLOGY TIPS
A few essentials elevate any rum drink:
- Fresh citrus for balance
- Quality syrups for depth
- Bitters to round out complexity
These basics help you craft drinks that feel intentional and refined.
THOUGHTFUL GIFTING OPTIONS
Craft rum also makes a memorable gift. Custom gift boxes and engraved bottles add a personal touch for any occasion.
Exploring craft rum is a rewarding journey — one best taken with quality selections and a curious palate.
Inside Long Island Craft Rum: How One Store Curates Excellence
WHAT SETS COMMACKS RUM DESTINATION APART
Long Island Alcohol Store feels more like a micro-distillery library than a retail aisle. Every label has survived blind panels that compare cane variety, yeast, and barrel finish, so shelves never hide a flat or cloying dram.
PALATE-FIRST GUIDANCE
Bring a flavor memorybanana bread, charred pineapple, pipe tobaccoand staff translate it into a bottle. Their short Taste Quiz stores the data, so each visit starts further along your flavor map.
SOURCING AT THE SOURCE
Buyers walk Caribbean cane fields and New York craft stills, signing single casks that never reach big-box chains. Recent scores include a pot-still Jamaican finished in North Fork merlot oak and an overproof Dominican rested under Long Island humidity.
CONVENIENCE WITHOUT COMPROMISE
Same-day delivery rides in temperature-controlled vans; nationwide orders ship in pulp shippers with humidity packs. On-site engraving turns a rare release into a keepsake without exposing the liquid to showroom glare.
LEARNING BY THE SIP
Small seminars pit agricole against molasses styles, letting guests feel how fermentation or barrel toast shifts a cocktail. The result is a community that buys less by label and more by knowledgeexactly what craft rum deserves.
The glamping cabins in St. Lucia offer more than just a place to rest—they’re an invitation to explore the wild beauty of the island.
Picture this: You’re lounging in a secluded, lush haven at a glamping resort in Soufriere, St. Lucia, the warm Caribbean breeze gently swaying the palms overhead. In your hand, a glass of the finest rum, each sip a tantalizing taste of paradise.
If you’re an adventurous traveler seeking a blend of relaxation and activity, Martinique should be on your radar. This French overseas territory, nestled between St. Lucia and Dominica, offers a unique Caribbean experience rich in culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights.
Rexing V1 MAX 4K Dash Cam with Wi-Fi and GPS | Rexing USA
A Fusion of Cultures
Martinique is a captivating blend of French and Caribbean influences. French is the official language, the euro is the currency, and the capital city, Fort-de-France, boasts outdoor bistros reminiscent of Paris on a warm summer day. Yet, the island’s West African heritage is vibrantly alive, especially during the Carnival season. Here, you can experience the infectious rhythms of zouk and soca music and witness the Nèg Gwo Siwo, revelers covered in molasses and charcoal to honor the resilience of enslaved people.
According to tour guide Devon Adrien of SDA Taxi, this cultural mix is a significant part of Martinique’s allure. “Our French and Caribbean culture here is part of what makes Martinique so special, from the languages spoken to the foods we eat,” he explains. Traditional dishes like colombo—a flavorful Creole curry with turmeric, coconut milk, and brown mustard seed, usually paired with lamb or chicken—reflect this cultural amalgamation.
Adventures on Land and Sea
Martinique is a paradise for those who enjoy both land and sea adventures. “If one would like to have a bracelet on their wrist and sit on the beach all day, Martinique is not the best island,” says Benjamin Mélin-Jones, managing director of Spiribam American. “Martinique is perfect for people who enjoy being independent, like traveling in a foreign country, and like to be active.”
For beach lovers, the island offers stunning locations like the formidable waves of Diamant Beach, the turtle-hatching sites at Anse Dufour, and the quintessential white sands of Plage des Salines. But Martinique is not just about its beaches. The island’s natural wonders, such as the Saut du Gendarme waterfall, offer breathtaking views and lush, colorful vegetation that earned Martinique the nickname “the Isle of the Flowers.”
Exploring the Rainforest
Gilles Vicrobeck, president of the Comité de la Randonnée Pédestre de Martinique, recommends exploring the island’s rich biodiversity through hiking. His favorite route is a road trip from Fort-de-France to Mount Pelée via the panoramic road of La Trace. This journey takes you through luxuriant forests, past waterfalls like Saut du Gendarme, and to the botanical garden of Balata, culminating in the stunning landscapes of the north.
Rum, a Treasure of Martinique
Rum enthusiasts will find their paradise in Martinique, which holds the unique French A.O.C. designation for its rhum agricole. Produced from fresh cane juice under strict regulations, this rum offers a distinct taste and quality. Benjamin Mélin-Jones highlights the island’s dozen distilleries and tasting rooms where visitors can discover this precious treasure.
St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is sometimes called the "Beverly Hills of the Caribbean." Here's how to plan the ultimate
Warm Hospitality
Beyond its natural and cultural attractions, Martinique is known for its warm and welcoming people. “The Martinican people with a history and special hospitality towards visitors, who open their hearts and houses with a large smile,” says Gilles Vicrobeck. This hospitality enhances the island’s charm, making visitors feel at home.
Plan Your Visit
Martinique’s combination of cultural richness, natural beauty, and welcoming people make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique Caribbean experience. Whether you’re exploring its pristine beaches, tasting its exceptional rum, or hiking through its lush forests, Martinique promises an unforgettable adventure.
For more information, check out these resources:
• Martinique Tourism Authority
• Travel + Leisure: Martinique
• Lonely Planet: Martinique
Prepare to be enchanted by the diverse offerings of this incredible island.
Where to Stay
1. Simon Hotel: Located in Fort-de-France, this centrally situated hotel boasts 93 modern rooms perfect for business travelers. Enjoy a breakfast buffet and evening cocktails at their terrace bar.
2. La Suite Villa: Perched atop a hill in Les Trois-Îlets, this boutique hotel offers art deco design and breathtaking sea views. Indulge in French Caribbean cuisine at Le Zandoli and unwind by the cascading swimming pool.
3. La Pagerie – Tropical Garden Hotel: Nestled in Les Trois-Îlets, this hotel features 95 rooms overlooking a lagoon-style pool. Don’t miss the Creole-influenced dishes at Restaurant Le Pitaya.
4. French Coco: Located along the Atlantic coast, French Coco offers 17 suites with private pools in a serene tropical setting. Relax at the YLANGA Cocktails & Tapas Lounge and savor dishes infused with local flavors.
Top Things to Do
1. Les Savane des Esclaves: Explore this open-air museum in Trois-Îlets, showcasing Maroon village life post-slavery through murals and sculptures. Don’t miss the freshly made crepes at the hilltop cafe.
2. Rhum J.M. Distillery: Discover the island’s renowned rhum agricole at this distillery in 100 botanical acres. Enjoy complimentary tours and tastings of these unique spirits.
3. Bouliki Bio: Immerse yourself in nature at this spa garden in Saint-Joseph, offering riverside massages, organic lunches, and herbal baths amid lush surroundings.
4. Diamant and Anses d’Arlet Coastline: Explore Diamond Rock and the Anse Cafard Slave Memorial, then unwind at Diamond Beach’s black sands.
5. Balata Gardens: Wander through this 7-acre private garden near Fort-de-France, featuring over 300 plant species and serene fish ponds.
Where to Eat
1. Le Petibonum: Enjoy Martinican gourmet cuisine like Colombo while watching the sunset at Plage du Coin.
2. Le Zandoli: Indulge in French Caribbean dishes at La Suite Villa’s poolside restaurant, paired with Bordeaux wines.
3. Chill: Sample rum cocktails and seafood at this beachside restaurant on Diamant Beach.
4. Le Kano: Try creole-inspired tapas and rhum varieties at this trendy bistro beach bar on Anse Mitan.
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Martinique are during April and May when temperatures are pleasant. Avoid hurricane season from June to November, with peak tourist season from December to April.
How to Get There and Around
Fly into Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) from neighboring islands or nonstop from Miami. From FDF, reach Fort-de-France with a quick 15-minute taxi ride. Renting a car is ideal for exploring the island, though guided tours and ferry boats from Fort-de-France provide alternative transportation options.
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In meiner Kindheit hatte ich immer einen Adventskalender, genauso wie mein Mann übrigens, und irgendwie gilt hier das Motto “Einmal Adventskalender, immer Adventskalender”. Bisher haben wir uns jedes Jahr entweder selber einen gekauft oder geschenkt und waren nie kalenderlos :-)
Adventskalender für Männer
Das es gefühlte 1001 Beautykalender gibt, brauche ich wohl niemand von euch zu erzählen. Da sind auch einige echt coole Teile dabei. Auch gibt es allerlei nette schokoladige Freunde für die Adventszeit. Aber.. es gibt doch tatsächlich auch richtige Männeradventskalender! Bei meiner Suche habe ich Wurst & Fleischwaren Kalender, Unterwäschekalender (also Bilder), aber auch sinnlose Technikgadget Adventskalender gefunden. Sehr unterhaltsame Googelei war das!
Für etwas sinnvoller habe ich diesen Rum Adventskalender (W+) mit 24 Sorten (je mit 0,02l Inhalt) gehalten. Den Kalender gibt´s hier (W)für 89,90 Euro zu kaufen. Es gibt davon übrigens auch eine Whisky und Likör & Schnaps Edition. Da Christian eh total auf dem Rum Trip ist, war das natürlich ein perfekter Kalender aus meiner Sicht! Beim Kalender ist übrigens ein extra Büchlein dabei, in dem alle Sorten aufgeführt sind mit kurzem Kommentar und der Möglichkeit seine Bemerkung dazu zu schreiben. So hat man am Ende eine schöne Übersicht als Erinnerung, wer denn jetzt der Liebling war, der wohl nachgekauft wird!
Rum-liebende Frauen können sich den Kalender natürlich auch kaufen ;-)
Foto-Crasher aka Tiny
Mal ein kleines “behind the scenes” für euch: Während ich so meine Foto Location aufbaute, schlich sich (unbemerkt) ein kleiner, roter Katr an. Er war sichtlich empört, dass man ihm seinen Schlafplatz vor dem Kamin geraubt hatte (da liegt sonst das Fellchen) und versucht es zurück zu erobern.
Als das nicht funtkionierte, beschloss er sich einfach mit der neuen Location anzufreunden und macht es sich in gewohnter Marnier auf seinem Teppich bequem. Durchaus etwas irritiert ob des leuchtenden Baumes, der glitzernden Kugeln und dieser Kiste mit Flaschen darin. Aber wenn Tiny schlafen möchte, dann möchte Tiny schlafen… also mitten rein gepflanzt und da Fotoshooing hiermit beendet.
Ich habe dann einfach Fotos mit Katze und Kalender gemacht und danach sind noch ein paar echt süße Bilder rausgekommen, die ich euch auch zeigen möchte :-)
Foto-Crasher Tiny
Foto-Crasher Tiny
Foto-Crasher Tiny
Foto-Crasher Tiny
Foto-Crasher Tiny
Foto-Crasher Tiny
Foto-Crasher Tiny
Foto-Crasher Tiny
Habt ihr einen Adventskalender? Wenn ja, was für einen?
Einen weiteren für “Das Kind im Mann” zeige ich euch die Tage übrigens noch :-) Adventskalender für Männer – Rum Adventskalender mit 24 Sorten In meiner Kindheit hatte ich immer einen Adventskalender, genauso wie mein Mann übrigens, und irgendwie gilt hier das Motto "Einmal Adventskalender, immer Adventskalender".
