Post #791318 by Bam Bam on Tue, Nov 20, 2018 8:20 PM

Alright, time to try the Jet Pilot mix. I'm going to restrict myself to just a couple tests since this does include grapefruit (which technically I shouldn't be drinking).

Upon opening the bottle, the first thing that struck me was the aromatic spiciness of this mix. Very cinnamon-forward, with that anise touch in the background. Something tells me this may come in handy as a spice mix for hot cider.

Jet Pilot #1 - Per recipe on the bottle
3 oz BGR Jet Pilot mix
1 1/2 oz dark rum (Appleton Signature)

Results: Overall a good amount of flavor. Again, not having had a proper Test/Jet pilot I can't really compare profiles, but it isn't terrible. It certainly is a Donn Beach style drink, with all the spice in it. It does, sadly, seem to suffer from the same pith-y bitterness that the Mai Tai mix does. It must be the age of the citrus juices causing this.

Jet Pilot #2 - Revived
2 1/2 oz BGR Jet Pilot mix
1/2 oz lime juice
1 1/2 oz dark rum
1 oz gold rum (Mount Gay)

Results: Again, like the Mai Tai mix, the addition of a little fresh citrus changes the balance of the drink drastically. The boosted spirit level brings it closer still. The spice level is still up there, but so is the underlying bitterness.

Conclusion: I actually like this a little better than the Mai Tai mix, perhaps because I can't help but be more critical of such an iconic drink. Someday, when I have occasion to try a proper Jet Pilot, I will be better able to judge this one. For now, I think it is indeed fated to end its journey as mulling spices for Thanksgiving cider.