Ernest Hemingway was a massively talented, successful and prolific author, but he was far from perfect. He was confrontational and often violent. He showed signs of mania. He was rough on his kids and issues with women and infidelity.
Still, though he indulged in his vices, taken all in all, Hemingway was a man. Adventurous, passionate and hardworking, he lived life to the fullest and, when he could no longer enjoy writing, hunting, fishing or other pleasures, he killed himself.
The rugged, masculine image of Hemingway is synonymous with Key West, Cuba and Caribbean sport fishing about his boat, the Pilar. The makers of Papa’s Pilar Rum borrowed the name and spirit of Hemingway’s vessel for their new spirits. Offering both Dark and Blonde rums, Papa’s Pilar offers spirits and recipes to recapture the masculine side of the pirate haunted Caribbean from Hemingway’s days.
As with most liquor, the darker the spirit, the longer it’s aged and the heavier and richer the taste. So, the Blonde is lighter and seems best for tropical cocktails — while the Dark seems best fit for solo sipping, bruised on the rocks or straight.
A glass of either type of Papa’s Pilar Rum may not make you a man, nor would it make Hemingway what he was on its own. But, you can enjoy a glass of it while you decide how to best live your life.
