New Orleans rum quest

My wife and I visited her sister on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for New Years and I decided to search for rums that I have not tried at my Florida home. I found out rather quickly that finding premium rums in Mississippi would not be very fruitful (see explanation later in my missive). So on the advice of others my wife and I drove 90 minutes west to New Orleans. I was informed that the two best places were Keife & Co. for ultra-premium rums and Dorignac's for sheer volume of premium rums. Sadly I was misinformed as to when Keife was open. Although Keife was closed on the day I was there I did go to Dorignac's and purchased a bunch of rum. The selection was indeed plentiful with several of them ones I had not had the opportunity to try back in Florida. BTW did I mention Dorignac's is a GROCERY STORE? New Orleans' liquor ordinances allow for liquor to be sold in more places than most other cities in the U.S. I even saw El Dorado 21 on the shelf at a convenience store where I was getting fuel for my car. Also ran across Martin's Wine by accident. Their specialty is wine but they have a little nook with a variety of spirits. Got a bottle of Deadhead and also a bottle of Flor de Cana 25 there. Keep in mind we were staying with my sister-in-law on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Trying to find premium rums in that part of Mississippi (and most likely statewide) is impossible. Stores have to order through a state-owned and state-run warehouse in Jackson and apparently they only supply basic rums regularly. Even the casinos on the coast lack premium rums. I asked the waiter at one of the high-end restaurants what premium rums they had and he brought out Appleton VX and Cruzan Single Barrel. Pathetic. Special orders take 4-6 months which is a bunch of hooey. One of the owners explained the procedure to me and it really sucks. But I did find plenty in New Orleans. Hopefully I will get to check out Keife & Co. to see what sort of ultra-premium rums they offer. I read a post from someone that they got a bottle of rum there for almost $400.

Keife's- $400 bottle? Hmm, I know there were some Samaroli on the top shelf last time I was there. I thought they were in the $200-250 range. Gonna have to go see what's new. Martin Wine Cellar- Good selection with better prices than Dorignac's. They are only blocks from each other. Dorignac's is pretty great. A very nice selection of all alcohol at a family grocery store. Here's a tidbit for you, up until about 3 years ago, they would put Pappy Van Winkle out for sale at MSR price! Next time don't miss Aqcuistapace on the Northshore and the best local selection. Any idea where that convenience store was? I'd hate to miss any good chance to find something.

I cannot remember exactly where the Shell station/convenience store was exactly. I know it's several blocks off Veteran's but cannot remember which street. I did rum across Martin Wine Cellar and picked up three bottles there including Deadhead rum. Had to get that one just for the appearance. Dorignac's had the El Dorado 15 limited edition cask rums (all the varieties apparently) but wanted $150 per bottle. I already have three of the five (? or six?) different types of the cask series that I got here in Florida for $90 a bottle. Don't know if I will actually try them or keep them unopened. I appreciate the suggestion of Aqcuistapace on the Northshore but I've never gone up the causeway there. If I am back in that area and have the time I will head up there to check it out. Thanks!

BTW, for anyone that is interested, I found the order list for the Alcohol Control Board warehouse in Mississippi which is where all liquor stores must use to get their liquor. If you desire premium rums in Mississippi you are just out of luck and will not be able to obtain most premium rums and definitely no ultra-premium rums. I took a look at their order sheet and the best they have include Appleton V/X, Zaya Gran Reserva, & El Dorado 12 & 15 (no 21). Those are what they offer regularly. Apparently you can make special orders. Their special order form reads in part: "Please purchase the following special order and ship as soon as possible." Apparently, according to several of the stores I visited, "soon as possible" means six months. Absolutely pathetic and bass-ackwards.

Hey did you try to get in on a rum tour at Old New Orleans Rum distillery ? Some travel guides suggest it may just be the best $12 you spend in New Orleans.

Beuke I am jealous the cheapest I have found those is $130. The only place around here that has all 6 they are $215 each.

Wow! Collectors' price?

The place that has them is known for upping prices so flippers and partiers don't buy the good stuff. if you show some knowledge and passion he is known for lower the prices to more reasonable levels. The sticker shock is hard to get over though.

My top choices for premium rums can be found at Acquistapace's in Covington (they now have Appleton Joy), Acquistapace's in Mandeville, Martin Wine Cellar in Mandeville, Saia's Market in Mandeville, Martin Wine Cellar in Metairie, Martin Wine Cellar in New Olreans, Dorignac's in Metairie (great selection but high prices). As for anything decent in MS or AL, forget it. I tried to order a bottle of Kola Coconut in Bay Waveland and they needed for me to order a whole case with a "good luck getting it". In Pensacola, Bambooze Liquors is a MUST! It is about a block or two north of I-10 on the east side of Davis Hwy. Price and selection is incredible! On Pensacola Beach, Island Liquors near Portofino has a great selection, but high prices. They also have Pappy Van Winkle for only $2500. In Destin and Panama City Beach, ABC Fine Wine And Spirits has a great selection and prices. From one Who Dat to another one!

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