By Timothy Long

I grew up in the Pittsburgh area. So, I spent most of my youth thinking that water was supposed to be brown. The three rivers are not known for their beauty.  This is why I love the Caribbean. The water that surrounds the islands is amazing.

As I stood on the balcony of the apartment my brother-in-law had rented for us for the week in Turks and Caicos, all I could do was stare. We had a great view of the beach. The water was an unbelievable turquoise color. The sand was almost as white as snow. This was the most beautiful beach I had ever seen. The pool area of the resort was spread out below me. It was beautiful too, but it was nothing compared to that beach.

We stayed in Grace Bay, which Forbes lists as the tenth most beautiful beach in the world. It’s the only Caribbean beach in the Forbes top ten. The entire country is surrounded by a huge barrier reef that is one of the largest in the world. As the website Visit Turks and Caicos Islands states it:

The barrier reef system defines the environment of the Turks and Caicos, accounts for our spectacular beaches, and is hence critical to the luxury tourism-driven economy and the general well-being of the country. The healthy reef system directly leads to ongoing and proficient sand creation, and consequently the amazing white sand beaches found on nearly all islands in the country.

I walked back inside to see what provisions we have, or may need, for the refrigerator. I immediately saw a 12-pack of craft beer, a good start. The beers were from the local brewery, Turks Head Brewing. I knew they had one here, but Caribbean breweries are hit and miss, so I was a tad reluctant. However, I am a professional, so I grabbed a bottle. It was their light beer named “I Soon Reach.”   I pondered the name, then popped the bottle open. Clean, smooth, and it actually had a little body to it, not bad for a light beer. Definitely a beer you can enjoy in the sun, of which there was plenty.

Eager to get outside, we then headed down to the lagoon style pool. After a while of cooling off, I swam to the swim-up bar, my favorite feature of any tropical resort. There were two beers on tap, the light beer I had just tried and a lager, the “I AIN GA LIE.”

WTF? I thought to myself.

The bartender came over; I ordered the lager.

As I have mentioned before, lagers are the test of a brewer’s talent. Mistakes made when brewing ales can be masked with hops. This is not so with lagers. They are either right or wrong, period.

The beer is crisp, smooth, clean, a touch malty, and the hops are subtle. The I AIN GA LIE is a very good beer.

The bartender asks if I like it.

“I love it.”

“It’s from our local brewery.”

“I know. Can you explain the odd name?”

He laughs. “It’s our local slang. Imagine you are out with your friends, and your wife calls you. ‘Why ain you home yet?’ You reply, ‘Calm down woman! I’m on my way. I ain ga lie. I soon reach!”

I laughed.  “I love it!”

A couple of days later, we visited the Turks Head Brewery. It’s in the middle of nowhere, like most other breweries. We entered by climbing an outside staircase that seemed to go nowhere. It actually led to the gift shop. A nice young woman then showed us to the tasting room. You have to walk through the brewing operation to get to the tasting room. I was surprised at how large it was. These guys brew a lot of beer.

The tasting room has a great atmosphere. You know you’re in the islands when you see a cricket match on television in the bar. Their bar opened to the room on one side and a nice patio area on the other. Leigh was happy to find that it was a full bar. So, she could enjoy a few rum drinks while I did a beer tasting.

The bartenders, Julian and Terrance, were both fun and enthusiastic about the beer. Julain was a tall Frenchman, and Terrance’s accent immediately gave him away as an islander. He was quite friendly and the smile never left his face. They began pouring my flights and answering my questions.

Here are a few of my favorites.

• Down Da Road: A hoppy, sweet, clean finishing American IPA. 6.2% ABV.
• Gonna Ta Nort: A smooth, caramel, red ale with a great malty mouthfeel. The name is slang for heading to the north islands. 6% ABV.
• Gonna Ta Stout: A creamy Extra Special stout with espresso, coffee, and chocolate flavors. The name is a play on the slang “Gonna Ta Sout”, or the south islands. 7.2% ABV.
• Juice Box: A citrusy, juicy, slightly hoppy Hazy IPA. Close in style to the modern-day West Coast IPAs. 6.2% ABV.

That night, I was sitting on the apartment balcony, looking at the beautifully lit pool, enjoying a glass of Truvadore 15-year rum on the rocks, and smoking a delightful Series D No. 4 Partagas Cuban cigar.  A medium bodied woody smoke with leather and hints of orange, vanilla, and hazelnut. One of the great pleasures of the Caribbean is the fairly easy access to Cuban cigars.

I could hear Margaritaville playing in the nearby lounge. I could also hear one of the staff members gleefully singing along. It made me think of the recently deceased Jimmy Buffett. I was always a big fan, hence the title of this article. Everyone has an artist who plays a big role in their lives. Jimmy was one of mine. He gave us an image of a life that was as peaceful, fun, and wonderful as the beautiful Caribbean islands that he loved so much.  He’s part of the reason I love to come here. He’s also part of the reason I write this column.

Bon Voyage Jimmy.

Tim’s Whiskey and Cigar Recommendations

Trouvadore 15yr Finest Select Rum by Bambarra

I found the local rum, Bambarra, of the Turks and Caicos to be fantastic. Almost all of our rum punches throughout our stay were made with Bambarra rums. Our concierge had selected this one. It was in the kitchen waiting for us when we arrived. This is a smooth sipping rum. It has a deep dark mahogany color and is perfect to drink on the rocks. You get cinnamon, crème brulee, and vanilla on the nose. As you drink it, caramel, vanilla, and charred oak come through. It finishes as smoothly and cleanly as it starts. And yes, you can find it here in the states.

Paul Garmirian Artisan’s Selection “Artisania Selecta” Cigar

I’ve decided to be nice and not recommend a Cuban cigar that you would have to travel abroad to find. This cigar is mild to medium in body but also complex and flavorful. Right after I lit it, I got honey and nut flavors with a subtle hint of spice. As I smoked it, creamy butter, hazelnut, and some ginger came through. This smoke would be perfect during a round of golf, or while sipping your Trouvadore 15yr Rum on the rocks. Or perhaps while you’re doing both at once. Enjoy.

This cigar, and many other fine cigars, are available at John Crouch Tobacconist at 215 King St. in Old Town Alexandria. Mention this article and get 10% off the purchase of this month’s recommended cigar.

About the Author: Timothy Long is an educator, writer, consultant, and experienced restaurant operator. Email: tlong@belmarinnovations.com. Instagram and Twitter: @wvutimmy. Blog: What is that fly doing in my soup? http://whatflyinmysoup.com