The Bluewater family, which encompasses nine west-based seafood dining establishments, has been chosen as the first to showcase the Catalina Rum Company’s new light and dark rum.
An exclusive distribution deal was struck by Bluewater Grill for a newly crafted rum drawing inspiration from the secretive yet vibrant rum-running history of Catalina Island. This week, the network of nine sustainable seafood restaurants across California and Arizona will debut as the initial point of introduction for Catalina Rum Company‘s light and dark aged rums. These rums were created in collaboration with R6 Distillery in El Segundo, Calif., and actively developed by Bluewater Grill owners Jimmy Ulcickas and Richard Staunton to enhance their rich legacy tied to Catalina. The rum will first be served exclusively at various Bluewater locations including Coronado’s Bluewater Boathouse, before being distributed on a national level.
“Identifying the chance to introduce a bespoke rum that not only delights in flavor but also captures the famed rum-running culture of our local communities was an opportunity we couldn’t ignore,” remarked Jimmy Ulcickas, co-owner and founder of Bluewater Grill. “We are excited for our patrons to be the first to enjoy the unique and smooth flavors of Catalina Rum Company’s light and dark rum.”
Bluewater will celebrate its partnership with Catalina Rum Company on National Mai Tai Day on Aug. 30 by offering the Captain’s Mai Tai, crafted with Catalina Rum Company rum, for a special price of $10, saving customers $5. This favorite cocktail at Bluewater combines both light and dark aged rum with pineapple juice, triple sec, almond, and simple syrup, following a recipe originally devised by Vic Bergeron from Trader Vic’s.
Ulcickas and Staunton have developed two rums for Catalina Rum Company using molasses and cane sugar, named Amid the Sunny Skies Light Rum and Amid the Dusky Skies Dark Aged Rum. These rums reflect the history of rum smuggling on Catalina Island during the Prohibition era, when the locals provided refuge for smugglers. The label designs on the bottles depict Avalon Harbor, complete with boats and seaplanes, invoking the style of old posters.
These specialty rums have been integrated into signature Bluewater cocktails and are available for purchase in 750 ml bottles at Bluewater and El Galleon restaurants, excluding Phoenix. The pricing is set at $24.50 for the Light Rum and $34.50 for the Dark Rum, which is aged for three years.
Additionally, Bluewater Grill offers a Catalina Rum Company Gift Set which includes 750 ml bottles of both the Light Rum and Dark Aged Rum and a set of Bluewater Grill Classic Mai Tai Mugs featuring the Captain’s Mai Tai recipe by Bergeron. This gift set is priced at $70.
Catalina Rum Company’s rum will be distributed to additional bars and restaurants later this year, following the conclusion of its exclusive contract with Bluewater Grill.
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