Rum Punch anyone? Try Spritz!
Published:Thursday | July 7, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Latoya Grindley, Gleaner Writer
When last have you had real Jamaican rum punch? Maybe it's time to summon the 'Spiritz'!
"Some brands are only rum punch because of English and how the words are spelt on the package. However, Spiritz is a rum punch, and the taste and quality tell that it is," said managing director of J. Bullock & Sons Ltd, speaking of his branded Spiritz Rum Punch.
Officially trading since January, the rum punch is available on shelves across the island. Leading supermarket chains such as Empire, MegaMart and General Foods have been on board in retailing the product. And so far, according to Marketing Manager John A. Bullock, the reception from customers has been positive.
Expanding its reach and visibility, Spiritz has also made its way onto the shelves of gift shops, and can be bought in-bond at both of the island's airports.
Family recipe
A family recipe for years, the senior Bullock says it was his creation. "I have had this formula for years now, and I used to do this as a hobby". But over time Bullock saw how his recipe could potentially be an earner and so, in an attempt to add to his line of business, the Spiritz brand was created. But, any special reason for the name?
"It conveys that it has liquid spirits and we also think that by drinking it, the person's spirits will be much more vibrant; and so it's really a tongue-in-cheek reason," says Bullock.
With the tag line, 'Jamaica's Best Rum Punch', the drink does not require refrigeration even after use, and can have a shelf life of up to one year from date of manufacture.
"The blend of premium white rums used in the manufacture of Spiritz not only classifies the product as an alcoholic beverage, but contributes to shelf stability and creates the distinctly Jamaican bouquet that is Spiritz."
Made from a personalised blend of rum and natural fruit extracts, the drink provides a rich rum punch aroma once opened, and is a good combination of a smooth fruit-and-rum flavour.
Some members of The Gleaner's Editorial Department sampled the product and below are the comments.
It certainly has an appealing taste and in a way influences the drinker to get more.
Unmistakably a rum punch with a knockout effect.
The fruity taste complements the alcohol flavour of this great-tasting beverage. You'll find yourself requesting more.
It has a lovely fruity flavour that blends very well with the rum. It
is very strong, yet quite pleasing on the palate. Makes a good party
drink.
The other ingredients effectively mask the taste of the
rum, without in any way diminishing its flavour, which remains very
strong but tolerable. For this reason, I suspect this drink could be a
creeper, you could end up drinking much more than planned, due in large
measure to its deceptively mild, fruity taste. I love it!
Deceptively sweet. Tempts you to gulp down, but also threatens to knock you off your feet.
Strong but tasty.
Smells fruity and nice.
Very high level of alcoholic content, but tastes good.
When you smell it, you know it's going to be good. When you taste it,
you feel it penetrating your throat, spreading out into your shoulders
and overtaking your stomach. In one word, delightful!
Nice rum flavour.
The rum had a unique and unfamiliar taste, in that, it wasn't as strong
as is customary of other types of more popular rums. It had a milder
and more appealing taste and aftertaste. IT SELL OFF!