409: How can two rums taste completely different even though they're both made from sugar cane? Kara Newman reveals the secret

How can two rums taste completely different even though they're both made from sugar cane? What makes Jamaican rum so famously funky, and what does a dunder pit have to do with it? How does the type of ice you use change the strength, temperature, and texture of a cocktail?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Kara Newman, the author of eight cocktail books.

You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks.

Giveaway

One of you is going to win a copy of one of Kara Newman's The Cocktail Cabinet. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!

Highlights

How did writing about stocks, bonds, and commodities eventually lead Kara to a career covering cocktails and spirits?

Why does Kara see cocktail recipes as a starting point rather than a strict set of instructions?

How does writing cocktail recipes on individual cards change the way Kara approaches storytelling?

How can two rums taste so dramatically different when they're both made from sugar cane?

Why did early Tiki pioneers blend multiple styles of rum into a single cocktail?

How did the fierce rivalry between Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic help shape Tiki cocktail culture?