Post #135291 by martiki on Thu, Jan 13, 2005 10:19 AM

Well, I made them all. Some more than once. Two of my four finalists made the the finals listed above, but let me go over my tasting notes here. And yes, Rebecca and I took this plenty seriously (what else would you expect from a type-A shmuck like me?) And please, don't anyone take these things personally. I had one of my original concoctions blasted by thejab a few years ago, and I still like the son of a bitch.

#2 Bamboo Ben

It's hard to know, because when the recipe was originally posted, it had Galliano in it and didn't have 99 Bananas or lime juice. So...I guess I'll have to make it again!

#4 Hale Tiki #2

It's got a delicious and dynamic flavor, loaded with "Mexacardi", and well balanced. But have to echo Al's concerns here: Banana Juice?! It was not easy to find.

#1 Drunken Hat

Excellent balance of sweet and and tart, and smooth character from using premium rums. Ultimately I felt that the consistency was a little too syrupy and that the passion fruit and banana didn't get along as well as I'd hoped. I even made it twice with Monin and Vic's passion fruit to compare.

#3 Hale Tiki #1

This may come as a shock, but the best way to achieve real banana flavor...is with a real banana. And the only way to incorporate real banana successfully into a drink is to blend it. (Go on, try shaking a banana some time. Doesn't strain so hot.) I don't normally care for blended drinks, but this one achieves a simple magic. You've got a few of the classic Mai Tai elements, every flavor is loud and clear. And banana and almond positively love each other. Obviously, it's a drink for two with that much rum, and you had better have a good lime because you'll need every drop to keep it from being too sweet. (at least 1 oz, if not a pinch more) But it's a winner in my book.

I vote for #3.