Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited

Devon Reid, Contributor

A few years ago I attended a Wine Expo staged by the Washington State Tourist Association. I was joined by wine distributors from all over the world and the goal of the Expo was to expose us to the state’s fine wine culture.

We toured Washington’s Pacific North West known for its highly acclaimed wines and I was struck by the region’s pristine nature, abundant natural resources and distinctive geography with its verdant rolling topography.

Washington State’s wines were recognized by Wine Enthusiast magazine as ‘Wine Region of the Year’ in 2001. The region’s wines have had a meteoric rise and are now; HOGUE CELLARS™, founded in 1982

1. Strongest of top 10 domestic/import regions!
2. 6th consecutive year of double digit expansion
3. Driving domestic wine consumption!

The Washington Difference can be attributed to;

1. Wine quality on par with the great wine regions of the world
2. Same latitude as Bordeaux and Burgundy
3. Sandy loam soil with extraordinary drainage
4. Two hours of additional sunlight throughout growing season
5. Long warm days followed by cool evenings and nights
6. Irrigation provided by Cascade Mountain snow fields

Hogue

Hogue is distributed by Caribbean Producers in Merlot and Riesling varietals and is available at Major Retail Stores and restaurants island-wide in addition to Bin 26. Founded in 1982 by Mike and Gary Hogue, the winery is located in Eastern Washington's Columbia Valley, the premiere grape growing region of the state. The climate and soils of the Columbia Valley produce grapes with intense fruit flavours and high natural acidity. The wines have a liveliness and ripe, zesty fruit flavours that make them ideal complements to a wide range of food. Clear varietal character with pure fruit aromas and flavors is the viticultural and winemaking focus of these wines. This fruit-forward character is the defining quality of wines from the Columbia Valley in Washington State.

Among its many Accolades, Hogue is known for;

1. Uncompromising quality for the price across all brands.
2. Established and respected, Washington State’s #3 winery.
3. # 1 domestic premium Riesling brand.
4. Award-winning.  Consistently recognized for quality.

So experience the Washington difference with Hogue, it could open you up to a whole new World!

For More information Email dreid@caribbeanproducers.com 

Devon Reid, Contributor

Jamaicans are not renowned for drinking Tequila but Patron has been making believers out of many. This internationally recognized brand is exceptional for a reason. It is made from a small artisan distillery that manufactures small batches of Tequila. Firstly they are produced from 100% Weber Tequilana Blue Agave which when grown in this region of Jalisco is known to produce excellent high quality "honey". All the Blue Agave that is used for its production is Estate Grown, and hand- picked.

Stainless steel ovens are not used as the Agave is cooked in clay ovens, which gives the Tequila a unique smooth flavor. Consequently Patrón is seen as offering higher quality than other competing lines because of the brand’s heritage and natural ingredients. Patrón is also notable for its frequent mention in popular American Pop Rap, Rap and R&B songs particularly from R. Kelly. The primary reason for the excellence of Patrón tequilas can also be equated to time and care.

Yes Patron is a little pricey. However, like great wines the creation of great tequilas cannot be rushed. The basic reason that Patron tequilas are priced as they are is due to using only the highest quality "agave pineapples", properly selected, trimmed and thereafter allowing nature’s time for cooking, fermenting, distilling and aging. Excellence cannot be forced or rushed. All of this time and care results in the un-equalled soft, smooth and delicious tequilas. No wonder Patron is the undisputed world’s number one ultra premium tequila, and winning a slew of accolades over the years.

Patron XO Café

The XO café is Patron’s spinoff Coffee liqueur. Created with the same attention to detail as Patron Tequilas, Xo café is blended to bring out the flavour of tequila with a pure coffee essence creating an amazing liqueur. XO café has received spectacular reviews at events such as our Patron Launch at Caymanas last year, UTOPIA and Shocktober. Its consumer base is clearly on a fast track as Jamaicans become increasingly enamoured with its smooth flavourful taste.

How do you have it?

For many Jamaicans, Patron is an easily acquired taste. The key is to learn to drink this high grade tequila on its own. Appreciate the flavor that only comes from a painstakingly detailed distilling process. If the idea of a shot of Patron at room temperature is too unappealing try it chilled. Chilled Patron Silver goes down smooth and with little to not aftertaste. Take your time with it and understand this is what tequila is supposed to taste like. CPJ has Patron chill machines installed at Margaritaville, Blue Beat, Coral Cliff, Twisted Kilt, Jungle, Pier 1 and Medusa.

Patron also makes cocktails such as the Perfect Cosmopolitan with the Silver and the Perfect Anejo Pacifico.

The XO café is great over ice, mixed with cream or as a delicious cocktail addition. For the culinary adept, Xo café is great for creating luscious desserts and other gourmet delights.

Patron Silver, Reposad, Anejo and XO café is available at major Retail stores,bars and night clubs island-wide. Is perfection debatable? You be the judge.

For more information Email dreid@caribbeanproducers.com