Photo by Maralyn D Hill

Besides the smooth and mellow taste of fine rum, I love the label on the Bambarra Rum gold bottle. The vibrant orange and black label depicts an exciting image of a masquerade party in full swing. This eye-catching rendition was created by our friend, Mike Sottak.

The Bamberra name celebrates the a life of freedom of the African settlers who landed on Bamberra Beach in the middle Caicos. They arrived aboard a wrecked slave trader ship named Trouvadore in 1841. Trouvadore is the name of a 15 year old rum, recently released, is as delicious as the 8 year old Bamberra reserve blend. The younger silver rum has only been aged 2 years, yet is very smooth. I like this one on the rocks, with club soda and a twist of lime or in my island style mohitos with plenty of fresh crushed mint.

Tony, the co-owner of Opus restaurant, recommended that we try the reserve straight up. What a delightful surprise. Our taste buds were intoxicated with subtle hint of nutmeg, cinnamon and

vanilla. I also appreciate the rich amber color. We were all amazed at the price. Although we dislike lugging extra luggage, we all brought bottles to take home (a first for Maralyn). The coconut rum is an exceptional tropical taste.

Beyond the bottle, visitors and locals of the Turks & Caicos can find other Bamberra gifts, products and fashions at FOTTAC (flavors of the Turks and Caicos). Lucky us, the lovely new shop is only steps away from our digs at Villa Renaissance at the Regent Village on Grace Bay.

Brenda Hill
Author: Brenda Hill

As a longtime food writer for Where Magazine New York City, Brenda Hill, along with her writing partner, Maralyn Hill (no relation), writes and publishes books about chefs, food and international travel. They co-authored "Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel" and joined French Master Chef Herve Laurent in writing "Cooking Secrets: The Why and How" Brenda has been active in the California Writer's Club, IFWTWA, and the Santa Barbara's Writers Conference. Brenda Hill and her partner Maralyn Hill conduct marketing and writing seminars. Maralyn and I will be heading back to Rancho La Puerta in July to give our presentation on writing and marketing your book, as well as bringing back some freshly picked off the farm nutritious and tasty recipes.