Aaron Salyer, Author at Blue Light Caribbean Gin

making parade cocktail with Caribbean Gin

Caribbean Gin Cocktail Competition

Flavours of Grenada have been running a month-long competition using a variety of distilled spirits. For one week in July the Caribbean Gin cocktail competition provided some unique and amazing new cocktails for the world to see. With an array of locally sourced ingredients, the competitors have developed a new genre of Caribbean drink. All photos courtesy of Flavours of Grenada. Flavours of Grenada Flavours of Grenada is an organisation dedicated to producing high quality foods using local, island ingredients. They are also a platform that highlights local ingredients and delicacies on an international scale. Based on the island of Grenada, head chef and company director, Belinda Bishop has taken Grenadian dishes to various food and beverage events around the world. Eight different competitors from around the island of Grenada developed their own, unique cocktails based on the following two categories: 1. Carnival (Spicemass) 2. An ocean inspired Martini Each drink had to be made, named and create a story behind it. Competitors were supplied with a bottle of our Blue Ocean Edition Gin to perform their tasks and had one week to develop the drinks. Caribbean Gin Cocktail Favourites There were so many incredible and creative cocktails developed as part of the competition, however, we have singled out a few of our favourites to share. Stormy Seas Inspired by the hurricane season and the abundance of sea grapes growing on Grenada’s shores . I created this Gin cocktail to showcase the changing colours, just like the Blue Light Caribbean Gin . Sea grapes are always within arms reach when having a beach day and with the element of the wind and rough seas , the grapes become amalgamated with the ocean, hence my rendition of it with a sweet and salty Flavour. This is my twist on the traditional dirty martini . —- Rohanne Persaud ⁣ Ingredients Blue Light Ocean Edition Gin Vermouth Blue Curacao Sea Grapes We loved the infusion of gin with the local sea grape. The sea grape trees are staple here in the Caribbean for beach shade but not normally assosiated with cocktails. It really adds an ‘out of the box’ element to this cocktail. Parade I was inspired by the costume colours of all the masquerades on carnival Tuesday . There are always a sea of different colours and it is Spicemas after all , Grenada’s amazing Carnival , so I wanted to add the extra kick of spiciness with the peppered honey syrup. The layers of colors in the cocktail are like the layers of colours we see every Spicemas with the array of costumes . —- Rohanne Persaud ⁣ Ingredients Blue Light Blue Ocean Edition Honey Hot Pepper Lemon Juice The way that this one came together with the coloured layering is a perfect example of what we wanted to see happen with our blue gin. The mix of spicy and sweet is also a great reflection of the carnival celebrations. Crested Wave There is nothing more calming than the sound of crashing waves while watching the waves crest lap at the shores hungrily. The Caribbean Sea is Grenada’s finest jewel . One to be treasured and preserved – Rachel Findley Ingredients Blue Light Ocean Edition Gin Blue Curacao Coconut Rum Anise and Ginger Honey Garnished with a local Hibiscus flower and served on a beachfront setting. What more could you ask for out of a Caribbean Cocktail? We love the layering effect in this cocktail. Photo Highlights Here are some photo highlights from the Caribbean Gin Cocktail Competition to show the competitors in their element. The Next Competition? Watching these amazing cocktails come into fruition has inspired us to do more. There are so many inspiring and talented mixologists out there and especially in the Caribbean. With the unique flavours and versatility of Caribbean Gin, the realm of new drinks and cocktails is limitless. So, we’d like to do more cocktail competitions in the future to see what people can come up with! Aaron SalyerGin enthusiast and Caribbean Dreamer.

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Blue Ocean Edition Caribbean Gin: Why You Should Try It

Our newest product is the Blue Ocean Edition Caribbean Gin. Unique to the Caribbean it is a product designed with a purpose: To create much needed awareness of the Caribbean coral status To have a positive impact on the sea It also tastes great and changes colour, but there’s more about that in this article. Why make a Blue Ocean Edition? We are ocean enthusiasts. The Caribbean Sea has been an inspiration to the way we live and the way in which we create our gin. So, what better way for us to celebrate and give back to the beautiful Caribbean Sea than to make a product dedicated to it. The aim of our new Blue Ocean Edition is two fold: To create awareness of the Caribbean coral/marine life status To positively contribute to the enhancement &/or protection of the marine environment This blue gin is more than a bottle. It is our passion. What is Blue Ocean Edition Gin? What makes the Blue Ocean edition special? Here are some of the reasons that our Blue Gin is getting attention around the world. How is it Blue? Yes, it’s blue. Naturally dyed blue using a locally grown flower (Butterfly Pea). The gin making process strips the natural colour from the flower as well as a slight, floral aroma. When you drink the Blue Ocean gin you can smell taste the floral tones. This adds a unique palate and creates an interesting addition to those who like tropical flavors. It changes colour One of the coolest things about the Blue Ocean Edition gin is that the natural blue colour actually changes when you mix it with different substances. Acidic liquids, such as lime juice, grapefruit or even tonic have a natural reaction with the colour pH and cause a reaction that results in a pinkish/lilac colour. The colour will vary depending on how much acidity you add. The colour will also change when you add something neutral such as coconut water. The pinkish colour returns back to a blue. It supports ocean projects The main driving force of this Blue Ocean Edition is its link to the ocean. The Caribbean has lost 80% of its coral life and cover in the last 50 years The Guardian This is a huge impact. The major amount of loss is due to: Natural Causes Global Warming Hurricanes Invasive Species Human Interference Overfishing Coastal Development Pollution We feel that there needs to be a lot more awareness of this huge impact and hope that through creating this Ocean inspired product, the Caribbean can get international attention for its huge coral loss. The Ocean Projects With our close proximity to the sea we are able to access the beaches and surrounding reefs. There are a couple of ways that we are directly making a difference: Beach Cleanups One of the best ways to make a difference in ocean pollution is to collect the trash before it makes its way into the sea. Organizing and participating in local beach cleanups (and underwater cleanups) through organizations like Green Up Grenada Artificial Reef Projects Financial contribution and monitoring services of artificial reef projects like the Grand Anse Artificial Reef Project This project helps develop local coral growth and promote the education of the coral and marine life importance Blue Ocean Edition Launch We launched the Blue Ocean Edition gin on World Oceans Day 2020 (June 8th). This was done to highlight and showcase our love for the sea. The Showcase Barrel Rested Underwater When we make a batch of gin it normally “rests” in barrels (in our distillery) for two weeks before we bottle it. This is standard practice for gin making and allows all the flavours to fully integrate into the mix before they are bottled up. Our showcase barrel of Blue Ocean Edition Gin rested under the sea for two weeks. Why? Why not? Part of creating awareness is creating a point of interest. When we swam the showcase barrel into the sea we also swam alongside local corals to inspect and highlight just how damaged they really are. The barrel was then secured under the famous Lightship (in the marina behind the distillery). Here it rested for two weeks, waiting patiently to be brought up on World Oceans Day. What happened to the showcase batch & was it any different? The barrel was secure, but it did have a gentle sway with the waves. Compared to the normal resting period in the distillery (stationary), the showcase barrel gin was wave rested. Did this effect the flavour? A little. It had a chance to mix around in the barrel for two weeks. The blue gin in the barrel was brought out of the sea for the Launch and sampled. The rest has been bottled into a secret batch, that may or may not come out at a later date for special tastings. The Live Stream The launch took place in the midst of the Covid-19, so a party was not an option. Therefore, we organised an online, live stream to document the event. Here we ran the video live from the Lightship deck and: Jumped into the water to retrieve the showcase barrel Brought the barrel up to our display bar Streamed a live feed through social media to explain the reasoning and positive impacts of the Blue Ocean Edition Drank the showcase barrel batch and experimented with the colour changing The future of Blue Ocean Edition We’d like to keep Blue Ocean Gin going into the future (not a limited edition). This will help us to spread more awareness around the world (about the Caribbean’s coral status) and be able to make a positive impact. The more Blue Ocean Gin we sell, the greater the impact we can have. So, cheers and let’s drink to a blue cause with a blue gin. Aaron SalyerGin enthusiast and Caribbean Dreamer.

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The Cabroni Cocktail Recipe: The Caribbean Negroni

A simple, Caribbean twist on a classic, gin cocktail (The Negroni). Looking for something a little different to order at the bar or make at home? Something with a little island spice? The Cabroni might be for you. Why change a great, classic cocktail? The Negroni has boomed in popularity with the rising interest in small batch gins. Across the world there are Negronis being poured with gins from every background and taste. These all give their own, slight variation to the drink. But why not add variation to make a truly unique and memorable drink? Que the Cabroni. A brief history of the Negroni The Negroni came about (as legend has it) from the simple desire to modify an existing cocktail. Count Camillo Negroni asked his friend, bartender Forsco Scarselli, to strengthen his favorite cocktail – the Americano – by replacing the soda water with gin. The Gin Foundry Following the instant success of the drink in Italy (1919) the Count created “The Negroni Distillery” which is still open today. Making the cocktail stronger The Negroni came to life because of the desire to make an exisiting cocktail a little bit stronger. It’s possible that the time Count Camillo Negroni spent in London influenced his taste palate towards gin. London had already been through its famous “gin craze” years (1728 – 1794) but gin was still very much a popular drink at the time (1919). One of the ideas behind the Cabroni is that it makes the Negroni cocktail slightly stronger. Replacing Sweet Vermouth (18% ABV) with a full-strength Spiced Rum (40% ABV) takes the overall alcohol percentage up a notch. You’d be surprised how smooth the finish is. With the rum adding a slight sweetness it gives the drink a well rounded bittersweet taste. The Cocktail Evolution We’re all about growing, evolving and trying new things. Just like that day Count Negroni asked for a mix to his Americano, today we mix the Negroni with an island spice. Is it better or worse? You decide. But we love the drink. For us, it’s an evolution to highlight the Caribbean flare and island spirit. It’s what inspired the creation of Caribbean Gin in the first place. Here is the recipe breakdown with a short video to see the prices in action. Like this Article? Pin it! Aaron SalyerGin enthusiast and Caribbean Dreamer.

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Why we started making hand sanitizer.

The world’s in a difficult place right now. Having access to essentials during this time is even more important. Hand sanitizer is quickly becoming one of the world’s most essential resources in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. The Hand Sanitizer Shortage In The Caribbean, there is a serious lack of supply. And it happened fast. Seemingly overnight the shelves dried up. It has also been noted from the World Health Organisation (WHO) that there is a serious lack of supply all around the world. Access to Alcohol As a distillery, even though we are a very small, boutique, we have accesses to high strength ethanol (95%). WHO recommends using an alcohol-based handrub for routine hand antisepsis in most clinical situations. It has also declared that while research on the subject is limited, 60% alcohol (ethanol) should be suitable to kill bacteria on the skin. Therefore, we decided to redirect our efforts on an as needed basis. Alcohol and Aloe Vera We decided to make 70% alcohol sanitiser, to be well above the minimum limit. What does alcohol mean for your skin? The impacts of this strength alcohol on your skin differ from person to person. In general, alcohol can dry out the skin. In severe cases, it can cause irritation and skin cracking. Aloe Vera a natural moisturizer Aloe Vera is a natural moisturizer. “It contains antioxidants, enzymes, Vitamins A and C, and it is highly anti-inflammatory. It can help treat burns, acne and dry skin.” Access to a local supply of Aloe Vera Luckily for us, we had a local supplier with Aloe Vera plants. So, we started harvesting them straight away. Trust me, it’s not as easy as it sounds. You’ve gotta get down and cut the leaves (often getting spiked), then peel each leaf, blend it to make it useable and then mix and blend into the alcohol. We trialed a couple of different percentages to see how much would be effective without being to lumpy/sticky and worked out our “recipe”. Donation to the Elderly It had already been a few days since the noticeable lack of sanitizer on shelves before we started our production. So, we thought it’d be best to give it out to those really in need first. The biggest story on COVID-19 was that elderly folk were most at risk. So, we gave what we had to the local home for the elderly. Island in Lockdown With our island in lockdown, we’ve ceased production for the moment. We will continue to make more on an as-needed-basis. Personally, we are hoping that this timeframe will not be for long and the whole virus epidemic will be under control so that we can all go back to our normal lives. In the meantime, stay safe out there. Aaron SalyerGin enthusiast and Caribbean Dreamer.

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Health Benefits of Gin? Yes, Here’s The Top 5 List.

You might be wondering how gin could get any better. If you weren’t already sold on the idea of drinking gin because it tastes amazing, here are some potential health benefits of gin (to make it that little bit better). Gin has long been used for medicinal purposes. But for what purpose exactly? We cover these points below. What’s in Gin that has health benefits? Firstly, what is it that gives gin its health benefits? It is a combination of a couple of things: Juniper Berries (gins main source of flavouring) The alcohol itself Juniper Berries The infamous Juniper Berry (the source of gins goodness) is not actually a berry. It is a flesh cone that grows on the female Juniper Fern tree after pollination has occurred. For the sake of all arguments, it looks and feels like a berry, so let’s call it a berry. They are a blueish colour and are far too bitter to eat on their own, however, they have been harvested across the world (mostly in the northern hemispheres) for centuries by various cultures. Juniper Berries are high in Antioxidants The main source of gins health benefits come directly from the Juniper berries. Berries, in general, are a high source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is good or immune health, collagen synthesis, and blood vessel function. Essential oils in the Juniper Berries contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects Is Alcohol good for you? Besides the Juniper Berries, alcohol makes up a major element of Gin (obviously). But is drinking alcohol good for you? It’s an age old debate that really depends on which side of the fence you’re going to approach the question from. A purely biological or a general health (physical and mental wellbeing). Alcohol is often considered a social/community gathering substance. In this case, bringing people together can be a good form of social health. Regardless of how you look at it, it’s thought that small amounts of any alcohol can have health benefits, but it’s a fine line to being too much of a good thing. Historical Use of Gin & Juniper The health benefits of Gin and Juniper are nothing new. They have gone through various civilisations, each adding their own spin. Here are a few of the significant historical uses. Egyptians The use of Juniper Berries as a medicinal source dates back to around 1,500 BC in the Egyptian scrolls. It was recorded that the Juniper berries were used to initially treat stomach issues like tapeworm. Romans The Romans are recorded as using Juniper Berries for a range of stomach ailments. Greeks The Greeks used Juniper Berries for the original Olympic Games as they believed the berries improved physical stamina. Top 5 Health Benefits of Gin Ok, that’s enough history, what can Gin actually do for your health? Here are some health benefits of gin based on the best available data. Note that most of these are related directly to the Juniper Berries themselves. 1. Improve Digestion and Settle Stomachs As used historically, the Juniper in Gin is shown to be useful for an array of stomach related issues. It’s believed that the berries antioxidants improve stomach acid recreation which help aid the digestive process. 2. Keep Your Skin Looking Young Don’t go rubbing that bottle over your face. Alcohol can actually dry out your skin. The antioxidants in the Juniper can actually improve cellular restoration and overall skin restoration. 3. Improve Your Blood Flow Juniper berries contain flavonoids which can reduce array build up and clogging. 4. Flush Out Infections From Your System Juniper is a diuretic and can aid in flushing out urinary infections with the reduced water retention. 5. Gives Your Joints A Break Juniper is an anti inflammatory and can actually reduce the inflammation in your joints. It has been used in reducing the strain on arthritis patients around the world . Benefits of Gin and Tonic Apart from tasting great, Gin and Tonic has some surprising health related benefits. The famous G&T combo actually came from the British Soldiers who were occupying India in the 19th century. With outbreaks of Malaria effecting soldiers progress, they began to take quinine, which is extracted from cinchona bark (a tree native to South America). The quinine was made into a tonic drink with sugar added to make it palatable. As many soldiers were afforded a ration of Gin (London was still in their gin craze faze). People began to mix the two together (the gin made it easier to stomach the tonic). Note that levels of quinine have changed While historically, “tonic” was used to prevent malaria, the recipe has changed significantly in modern day “off the shelf” caught tonic water. In most cases you’d need to drink around “67 litres of Gin and Tonic a day in order to have a dose of quinine strong enough to prevent malaria“. Side Effects of Gin Like all alcohol, there are potential side effects. Alcohol abuse is no joke. Gin is actually much “cleaner” than most spirits (vodka excluded), and has much less negative effects than others. So, Is Gin Good For You? This is not a medical report. While there are some known health benefits of gin and historical evidence proving its use for centuries, there is still very little scientific evidence around the spirit. As with most things, moderation is the key. So, is gin good for you? Well, if you pour a nice glass of Caribbean Gin under a palm tree on a white sand beach and feel great about life, how can that be a bad thing? Here at Blue Light Distillery, we believe that it’s all in good fun. The gin making process, the drinking process and sharing process. We use all natural ingredients (no preservatives or artificial flavouring) this keeps our gin as pure as possible. Which has got to be good, right? Aaron SalyerGin enthusiast and Caribbean Dreamer.

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Cari B Jenny: The Gin Bloody Mary

Looking for a gin alternative to the the Bloody Mary? This gin cocktail is perfect for a brunch with a twist! The best part is you can get as creative as you want with the decorations. Why have a Bloody Mary Alternative? It’s said that the Bloody Mary was invented in 1921 by a French Bartender. It’s also said that it was created in a Bar in NYC & also by a comedian in 1934. The great thing about the digital age is that you can create something and record it, instantaneously. We wanted to create something new, live and relevant to the worldwide gin-craze! Why’s it called a Bloody Mary? The origin of the name is up for as much debate as the creator. Here are the options for where the name came from: Queen Mary I of England (it was her nickname) A waitress in Chicago (named Mary) who worked at a bar Called ‘Bucket of Blood’ One of the patrons in a Parisian bar who met a girl in a Cabaret called ‘Bucket of Blood’ Either way, there’s some reasoning in there. Need a ‘Gin for Breakfast’ Attitude Somehow it has become OK over time to have an elaborate Vodka based cocktail for breakfast/brunch. You can doll it up all you want with decorations. But it’s really just Vodka and Tomato Juice. Kind of healthy? Yeah, sure. In moderation. So why not have a Gin alternative? What’s in a Cari B Jenny? Like the Bloody Mary it’s essentially a spirit and juice based drink. The Cari B Jenny Ingredients Drink Caribbean Gin (1.5 part) Carrot Juice (4 parts) Ice Fresh Ginger (0.5 parts) Lime (0.5 parts) Garnish Coriander leaf/Cilantro Celery/ Sugarcane Stick Coco Nibs Why those ingredients? A Bloody Mary is sweet, savoury and has got a kick to it. The Cari B Jenny is no different. The sweetness of the carrot juice is levelled with the lime juice and given an extra kick with the fresh ginger. The garnish should always be fun The garnish could be a celery stick, because why not? It’s not owned with the Bloody Mary… how many cocktails garnish with a lemon or lime… However, if you are in the Caribbean, specifically Grenada (where this drink is originating), it seems only right to replace the celery with a stick of sugarcane. A couple pieces of cilantro/coriander leaf help to add the savoy effect while the coco nibs add in some local, island ties to the amazing coco industry of Grenada. Where did the name Cari B Jenny come from? Every cocktail has to have a story. This one is no different. Originating on the small West Indies Island of Grenada is us, Blue Light Caribbean Gin. What makes Caribbean Gin different? We use locally grown ingredients and botanicals here on the “isle of spice”. There are lots of different types and styles of gin around the world. The most famous is the London Dry Style (Beefeater, Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Sipsmith). While these are London Dry style, they are not neccerily made in London. Caribbean Gin has not been (until now) defined as a style. So, we (making our unique gin the Caribbean) have developed what we call our own style – Caribbean Gin. Cari B? What or who is Cari B? If you haven’t picked up on it yet, the Cari B comes directly from our roots here in the “Cari B-bean”. What is Jenny? This is our favourite part. Just off the north of the island of Grenada (where our Caribbean Gin is made), is the infamous underwater volcano called “Kick’em Jenny”. That’s right Kick ’em Jenny is an active submarine volcano! It last erupted in 2015 and is known locally as a place to be aware of. Where the Caribbean Sea Meets the North Atlantic Sea The reason there is an active underwater volcano off the island of Grenada is that it where two tectonic plates (earth’s shifting land masses [Caribbean Plate & South America Plate]) meet. The primary danger of Kick ‘em Jenny is its unknown capabilities. www.geology.com What are the capabilities of Caribbean Gin &/or the Cari B Jenny? It’s still unknown at this time. All we know is celebrating the melting point from the North Atlantic (where carrots would have originally crossed) and the Caribbean Sea (where Caribbean Gin is currently made using locally grown spices) is something we wanted to try. Enjoy a Cari B Jenny for brunch! We recommend the Cari B Jenny as a great brunch drink. Make a jug of it, top it off with your craziest, tropical garnishes possible. We will start adding the most creative Cari B Jenny decorations to our page as they come in. Aaron SalyerGin enthusiast and Caribbean Dreamer.

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Hand Painted Distillery Mural

As a micro distillery we take pride in being hands on. From hand foraged Juniper Berries (Canada) to the local (hand picked ingredients in Grenada) everything we do has a human touch. Designing the distillery was no different. We wanted the space to feel tropical but have a real sense of the handmade touch. You can see every brush stroke on the wall and see just how much work has gone into it. The humble beginnings The distillery started out as simple space. Crammed full of gear and ambition. There was defiantly room to grow and express our creative intent! The idea of having a feature wall that was hand painted was something the we really wanted to express to the world to show just how exited we were to share our hand made Caribbean Gin with the world. The Artist Paige Simianer is a bubbly artist from Colorado with a passion for a tropical way of life, colour and detailed paint strokes. She fit perfectly for our hand painted bottle design and it seemed only perfect that the artist should be in charge of our distillery artwork. With a blank-wall canvas she immediately begun sketching out the tropical patterns that would blow our minds! We immediately agreed and the process began the same day. A tropical blue colour pallet The tropical artwork and colour pallet followed on from the incredible work that Paige did with our new bottle design. The thing about the wall’s tropical design that makes it unique is its distinctly blue colours! Blue flowers, leaves, bananas and more! So, we got a nice mix of blues and aqua colours to make the theme and off she went. A 6 week painting job The total mural project took 6 weeks to complete! Lots of long nights drinking Gin (of course), listening to music and painting. While the works were the brainchild of Paige (our artist) everyone got hands on to help. Because, why not? We’re truly handmade all the way through. These painting parties would soon become a hit with our local friends on the island who would come by and watch the memorising design unfold. And the final product After 6 weeks, a lot of paint, sweat and gin the distillery now has beautifully hand painted feature wall that highlights our core values. We couldn’t be happier with it and look forward to hosting more gin events (as well as our distillery tour) for those on the island of Grenada. A Time-lapse Painting Video If you’re like us, watching a full wall painting unfold is captivating. This time-lapse of the painting works is sure to give you some tropical inspiration. Want to come and see the wall for yourself? We are open for distillery tours most days. Get in contact with us. Just let us know the day before if you want to do the tour. Otherwise follow our social media accounts to hear about upcoming gin events, special deals and giveaways! Blue Light Distillery Facebook Blue Light Distillery Instagram Aaron SalyerGin enthusiast and Caribbean Dreamer.

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Blue Light Caribbean Gin party on Lightship

Caribbean Gin on Tap – The Party

To premier our newly installed Gin on Tap on Grenada’s famous Lightship Bar, we threw a party. Not just any kind of party. A floating Lightship (with lighthouse) boat bar! Free flowing gin Waiters serving different gin cocktails around the boat Music Food Gin raffle and giveaways Where was the party? Our distillery is on the property of the beachfront/marina front resort, Le Phare Bleu. A short walk out into the marina is the Lightship. A once operational floating lighthouse in the cold waters off Scandinavia, the ship now permanently resides in the Le Phare Bleu marina. It has been converted from a working ship into a bar, restaurant and music venue. And now, the proud owner of the Caribbean’s first local gin on tap! Why Gin on Tap? Well, why not? It’s easier than pouring it from a bottle. But apart from being easier to pour it is also a lot more economical. It cuts out the bottling process which means that the gin produced on site can be tapped directly into the bar! There’s nothing quite like watching the clean gin pour out of the hand curved, copper pipes straight into an icy glass! How’d we get the Gin on Tap? We made it ourselves of course! So far, all of the renovations and distillery upgrades have been done by us. This keeps the handmade feel of the gin translate all the way through! Using brand new copper pipes we rigged up the Lighthouse Ship to run a smooth flowing tap! Because the bar can now have bulk gin it can be severed at a lower price, which is better for the customer and the environment! Win-win. Once successful party The invite-only party was a great success with around 140 guests attending. Starting at 4Pm the guests arrived early to enjoy the beautiful sunset from the top deck of the floating venue. As the sun began to set, the drinks and food went down just as quick! The music continued to keep the crowd moving and of course the cocktails were flowing all night. What was on offer? We had wait staff walking around with two different cocktail pitchers, this was to reduce the need to clean glasses after every drink (our guests were instructed to hold onto their glasses!) The pitchers included: A “Gin Gin Mule” – this is a gin inspired version of the famous “Moscow Mule”. Gin Ginger Beer Fresh Ginger Fresh Lime & Lime Juice Simple Syrup Ice “Lighthouse Blues” – a unique cocktail made especially for the night Gin Homemade passionfruit juice (and passionfruit pulp) Blue Simple Syrup – this homemade mixture is coloured blue from the local pea flower that grows on our distillery site Lime juice Mint Soda Gin & Homemade Tonic – there’s tonic, then there’s homemade tonic. Our homemade tonic is a combination of various different, locally sourced herbs and takes a full 24 to sit before it’s ready to serve Gin & Soda – with lime or fresh cut star fruit Gin Giveaways! What would a party be without some kind of giveaway?! We ran a raffle over the course of the night to win two boxes of gin (in a handmade wooden box). With the prize value at 300EC the raffle ticket of 10EC was a steal! And yes, two exited winners added to the festive mood of the night! Guest List Only The exclusive gin event was guest list only (due to the limitation of of numbers on the boat). The highly sort after spots filled up quickly for those who were following on social media! While we would have loved to have all of our amazing followers join the party, unfortunately there were only a number of spot available. How to join the next event/see upcoming events? We like to stay active on social media (as well as throw parties). We’d love everyone to have a chance to attend the next event. So make sure to follow our social media accounts to stay tuned. Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram We will posting to followers information on upcoming events and gin specials! Happy hour, every hour Since we’ve installed the gin on tap at the Lightship Bar, our gin cocktails are on happy hour prices…all the time now! Be sure to check it out. Check out the video! Aaron SalyerGin enthusiast and Caribbean Dreamer.

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Caribbean Gin. What is it and why you should try it.

Caribbean Gin? Who would have thought? But yes, it’s a real thing. And it’s good. Real good. As the gin craze continues to spread throughout the world, people are looking for something new, something fresh and something unique. Blue Light Caribbean Gin is a new direction in the world of gin, capturing the Caribbean Dream in a smooth, new taste. We associate gin with summer. A light, fresh drink for those on vacation (or wanting to be). So why not cut to the chase, head to the source. The ultimate (endless) summer vacation destination and state of mind; The Caribbean. Find out what makes Caribbean Gin different and why you need to try it. JUMP TO: What is Caribbean Gin? How is Caribbean Gin different from other styles? What is in Caribbean Gin? Where is Blue Light Gin made? Why make Caribbean Gin? How does Caribbean Gin fit into the tropical life? Caribbean Rum Caribbean Drinks What is Caribbean Gin? Blue Light Caribbean Gin is just what you’d hope a gin made on a tropical island would taste like. It’s light, smooth and easy to drink. The classic, London Dry Gin has dominated the gin world since the beginning. This string taste has resulted in a strong opinion amongst those who’ve been willing to take a sip. And while the traditional gin style still very much has it’s place in the world, a newer (easier) type of gin is in demand. Caribbean Gin has all the characteristics of your traditional gin minus the dry, “ginny” taste. It’s smoother, and subtler which is a result of the reduced Juniper flavour. Caribbean Gin is designed for those looking for a light, fresh taste with a hint of tropical breeze. It’s the perfect drink for those vacationing amongst the beautiful island chain or for those who want an escape from their wintery world and capture the Caribbean state of mind. How is it Different is Caribbean Gin from other Gin? The biggest difference from traditional dry gin, and Blue Light Caribbean Gin is the smooth taste. The biggest emphasis Caribbean Gin has made on the distillation process is to eliminate the “dryness” of traditional gin. Each spirit made regionally has their own style and reasons behind the style. In cooler climates certain tastes, flavours and palates work better than others. But the Caribbean is all about staying cool, refreshed and smooth. You can’t have a gin without the Juniper berry. Traditionally the Juniper berry has been at the forefront of the flavour. But Blue Light Caribbean Gin has allowed the juniper berry to take a supporting role. The focus has been on creating a smooth finish. One that can be enjoyed over an ice cube or in a tropical cocktail. Watch out world, Caribbean Gin is here to stay. What is Caribbean Gin made out of? While many of the gins based in cooler climates focus on heavier flavours such as pine, rosemary and berries. Blue Light Caribbean uses lighter, more subtle botanicals. While the Juniper Berry comes from abroad, the rest of the ingredients are grown and harvested amongst the tropical green hills of the islands. The Caribbean is famous for its spices and botanicals. Rich, volcanic soils and warm, tropical weather make it ideal growing conditions for some of the worlds most beloved flora. Some of the most influential ingredients in Blue Light Caribbean Gin are the island’s citrus. There is a variety of citrus tones throughout the gin with one of the local favourites being the “Gospel” or Seville Orange. Where is it made? Blue Light Caribbean Gin is made on the tropical island of Grenada. Grenada is one of the smaller east Caribbean islands at the southern end of the island chain. It’s home to “The World’s Best Beach (2019)” as voted by Conde Nast Traveller among many other beautiful, natural landscapes. The island has volcanic soils, jungles, mountain ranges and a coastline full of beauties beaches. It’s unique amongst the Caribbean islands and is often referred to as “The Spice Island”. The most prominent of the spices created on the island are chocolate and nutmeg. The fertile soil and warm weather make the perfect conditions for the spices to flourish. Music plays a big part in the local culture. In Grenada, SoCa (Soul Calypso) is the driving force behind the music community. The energetic rhythm and Caribbean sounds translate well into the gin’s overall feel. As a very social island, locals and tourists love to “lime” or hangout on beaches, eat drink and enjoy the beauty of this Caribbean gem. Why make Caribbean Gin? Rum has dominated the Caribbean drink pallet for centuries. However, the ingredients for an alternative have been here too this whole time. Caribbean gin is a form of expression. It’s celebrating the cultural richness and diversity, the local and foreign ingredients and outlooks, the ability to stay new and fresh. Blue Light Caribbean Gin is an ideal. One that transposes the bottle itself. It’s about capturing the essence and feeling of a place and state of mind. The Caribbean is a dreamy world where sunshine and good times are the norm. The aim for Blue Light was to capture that essence into a drink that can be shared with friends all over the globe. How does it fit into Caribbean Life? With a long history of rum production and rum drinking in the Caribbean, gin is a new player. Caribbean gin is not a threat to rum’s distinct flavour and taste. It is a totally different drink, with totally different appeal. The best part about Caribbean Gin is that it can be celebrated alongside some of the world’s best rums that come from the Caribbean as a new and potentially influential spirit, making the Caribbean home to some of the best distillers in the world. Caribbean food is full of flavours and local spices. With a light, smooth taste Caribbean gin can help to cleanse the palate between meals and add a real reflection point for food to

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