We frequently affiliate the Caribbean with pristine white sand, clear blue waters and golden solar rays that completely bronze our pores and skin in mere minutes. However one thing that many are likely to overlook is the area’s contributions to the spirits business—particularly rum. For Harbour Island, Bahamas resident Ithalia Johnson (born in Nassau, Bahamas), and her co-creators (Toby Tyler and Joe Elison), it was solely proper to introduce the world to the fantastic thing about the tiny island by means of their model, Pin Drop Rum.
A artistic to her core, Johnson can be a widely known and revered songstress who first planted profession roots in New York’s style scene. Now again on island soil to stroll in her objective and construct an impactful legacy, the Pin Drop Rum co-founder says it was essential to spotlight that nice rum can—and does—come from The Bahamas.
“Once I got here again residence from New York, I used to be on the lookout for my subsequent factor,” Johnson tells EBONY from the long-lasting Pink Sand Seashore on Harbour Island. “We had this chance with my good friend Toby Tyler and inside a month, we already had a ‘finest in present’ award from an area outlet, which was validation and confirmed me that this wasn’t only a pastime.”
Whereas the model technically launched in 2018 in The Bahamas, this month, it made its official debut within the US market. EBONY lately traveled to Harbour Island, Bahamas, not solely to strive the premium rum but in addition to perform a little gallivanting across the space, which is understood for its paradisiacal pink sand seaside and personal island really feel.
Throughout our go to, grasp distiller Tyler walked us by means of a non-public tasting. Aged like a whiskey in bourbon white oak barrels, this rum is ideal for sipping on the rocks or in a cocktail just like the island favourite, rum & rain (coconut water + Pin Drop Rum + a squeeze of recent lime juice). It’s clean, with hints of coconut and pineapple on the nostril, and pairs nicely with darkish chocolate or potato chips. On the tongue, the tropical flavors pull by means of much more earlier than a clean end provides off a delicate smokiness from being aged 10+ years within the bourbon barrels. And we are able to’t skip over the attractive bottle, which includes a regal profile picture of co-founder Ithalia Johnson.
“Harbour Island was as soon as one of many high sugarcane producers,” Tyler explains. “It was one of many high exporters for the US and was identified for its high quality.”
Past the rum, the island can be good for a laid-back getaway. Take a look at our strategies beneath on the place to eat, keep and play whereas on Harbour Island and a recipe for the Drop In cocktail made with Pin Drop Rum.
The place to Keep
You gained’t discover any chain resorts on the picturesque island, however it’s residence to a number of local-owned boutique properties, together with Rock Home Lodge. That includes 10 guestrooms, a non-public pool and a scrumptious restaurant, the eye to element right here is unmatched. Different property strategies are The Dunmore, Otherside Lodge and The Ocean View Membership.
The place to Eat
After all, in the event you’re staying at Rock Home, strive the lobster frittata for breakfast. Made to order, this personal-size skillet dish packs loads of Caribbean lobster chunks and veggies.
For genuine native fare, Queen Conch is the place all of the insiders go for his or her fill of native staples like conch fritters, cod fingers, and, in fact, recent conch salad. And for extra upscale eating, we propose reserving a desk at The Dunmore. Professional Tip: Get the banana fritters with home made ice cream for dessert.
The place to Play
You’re on an island, so it’s solely proper you spend a day frolicking on Pink Sand Seashore. Though the vibrancy of the pink hue can change relying on the season and climate, it’s nonetheless equally attractive regardless of the day.
In case you’re on the lookout for cocktails with a view, head over to The Ocean View Membership’s bar, then hang around on the beachfront patio as you sip hand-crafted Pin Drop Rum drinks.
After all, one other must-do on any island is boat day. Should Be Dreamin Charters and TyMan Fishing Constitution have you ever lined for an adventurous day on the water. Rise up shut with among the native sea life, or just sit again and let the breeze carry you away.
Drop In Recipe
Do that refreshing recipe that includes Pin Drop rum.
-2oz Pin Drop rum
-1oz easy syrup
-1oz lime juice
-8 pineapple chunks
-palm filled with mint springs (leaves)
Preparation: Muddle pineapple chunks; add mint springs, easy syrup, lime juice and Pin Drop rum. Put all components collectively right into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and pressure over ice in a rock glass. Adorn with pineapple chunks and mint leaves.
