Me and the Ed  went with a bunch of ne’er-do-wells (The Royal Navy Association), to the Ron Montero S.L. bodega, in Motril. The owner Mari Helena, who both Martin and myself knew in another life about 30 years ago, showed us round. A lovely lady, she gave an extremely informative talk on how the rum is made, and the interesting history of the sugar can business in our area… for example, did you know that all that talk about how good Jamaican rum is? Well, the sugar can that is used to manufacture it originates from here, taken to the ‘new world’ still growing in pots and eventually spread throughout the continent.
We even managed to see the bottling process and sample the goods! Here is a quick description of our visit from one of the RNA members:
The Chairman of the Almuñecar Branch of the Royal Naval Association, Dave Toms, was asked by Martin (the Ed) if we would like to visit a local rum bodega. The reply went something like – Rum? RNA? Do bears poo in the woods? And so it came to pass that several members of the RNA Branch met up at Ron Montero in Motril. Sadly, due to the short notice, many who would have liked to attend, could not. Those that were there had a very informative tour of the bodega by the owner, Mari Helena. We were then invited to sample the end product. Try stopping us!! The rum produced here is light and golden, with a wonderful flavour and an alcohol content of 40 proof. We were given it neat or with 7-Up, which was delicious. After further research at home it also goes well with Ginger Beer (known in the RN as a ‘Dark and Stormy’) or if Ginger Beer is not available, Ginger Ale.
At the conclusion of the tour, Dave was presented with a presentation pack by Mari Helena, containing a litre bottle each of Ron Palido and Palido Gran Reserva in an embossed tin box. It is the intention of the Branch that this will be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to H4H – Help For Heroes, the UK based charity for injured servicemen. The RNA really appreciates this generous donation by Ron Montero.
We hope to have tickets for sale in the Branch and at a couple of local venues, so keep your eyes open! The draw will probably take place during the summer, to maximise sales and therefore our donation to H4H.
The Almuñecar Branch of the Royal Naval Association meets at 1300 on the first Tuesday of the month at bar El Globo on the Paseo.  Followed by a Menu del Dia at a local restaurant. All are welcome.