INTERVIEW CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

JL: What is it about rum that inspires you?

MC: It’s the whole history of the New World in every glass. The diversity of the spirit is incredible, from raw materials to distillation techniques to aging and blending, there’s nothing else like it. It can be your agreeable mixer, it can be your luxurious after dinner sipper, it can be everything in between. The range of flavors in a single rum can be staggering. All that, and you can have some fantastic rums for a fraction of the cost of tequila or scotch.

JL: Why do you think rum is experiencing a renaissance?

MC: People are looking for bold new flavors in their spirits, after finally tiring somewhat of drinking vodkas- we’ve already seen the rise of tequila, now people are discovering rum brands that have been around literally for centuries but have just been overlooked. People are also being more savvy in their drinking and starting to turn down the artificially flavored rums that have floated around for too long, and are seeking the character and depth of premium aged rums. And appreciating that quality can be had for a great price.

JL: Who are some other bartenders or mixologists who you respect?

MC: Beyond my very talented and hard working staff & and the incredible talent of the SF chapter of the USBG, it’s such a long list of people, that I’d hate to single people out and forget some. So I’ll just say Dr. Murray Stenson, Esq. and leave it at that.

JL: What are some other bars that you enjoy drinking at in the Bay Area?

MC: That’s a long list, too: 15 Romolo, Absinthe, The Alembic, Barceluna, Beretta, Bourbon and Branch, Clock Bar, Heaven’s Dog, Hotsy Totsy Club, Club Mallard, Presidio Social Club, Range, Rick House, Rye, Tavern at Lark Creek, The Alley, Heinhold’s First and Last Chance, Trader Vic’s Emeryville, Toronado, Lucky 13, The Doghouse, and I’m sure there’s some I’m forgetting.

JL: What’s a great simple rum cocktail recipe for people to make at home?

MC: Wray and Ting! Fantastically delicious- 1.5 oz Wray & Nephew overproof Jamaican rum, 4-5 oz Ting (or Squirt) grapefruit soda, squeeze of lime on the rocks. Perfection.

JL: If you could only drink one more cocktail, what would it be?

MC: I could never choose. Just let me nurse a bottle of rum while I wait for the hangman’s noose.