Those are a few lyrics from Somewhere in the Sun by Kenny Chesney. The island cowboy sure knows how to sweet talk our tropical, sand on the brain souls doesn’t he. I’d have to say that Somewhere in the Sun has to be in my top 5 Chesney songs. It paints the perfect picture of living in the islands and letting the stresses of “The Real World” slide away like the waning tide. What many would call “THE LIFE“.

Today we’re going to talk about the famous Foxy’s Firewater Rum from Foxy’s Beach Bar on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. My buddy Carl from Conch Republic Bikinis was just down in the BVI and picked me up a bottle of Foxy’s Firewater Rum. Thanks Carl!

I’ve been doing a little sipping on this rum to get a feel for it. Again, I’m no rum expert, but here is a video of my take on Foxy’s Firewater Rum.

Foxy’s Firewater Rum Review

I say in the video that it ranks as a 4 out of 10, that might be a little harsh. After a little more tasting I’d probably give it a 5. Good but not over the top good.

It has a sweet aroma with hints of vanilla. The rum has a good bite at the beginning and then falls off. Not a strong after taste and like I said in the video, maybe even a little watered down.

Where can I get my hands on some Firewater Rum? I get this question a lot and mention it in the video, Foxy’s Beach Bar is the only place you can get Firewater Rum. It’s not sold in the states and they do not ship it from Foxy’s. You actually have to go to Jost, and hit up Foxy for a bottle. And when you’re there, don’t forget to pick up a bottle for your good pal RumShop!

Regardless of how the rum tastes, it’s still a great bottle to have in your collection. I won’t be drinking a lot of Foxy’s Firewater Rum because I don’t want it to disappear like so many of my other bottles. I still don’t know how that happens. Damn rum fairies.

Foxy's Firewater Rum

Also, this week is the last week to vote for our buddy Carl for the Tommy Bahama Rumologist Contest. Click this link – Tommy Bahama Rumologist – and vote for Carl Grooms. He is a true Castaway and would make a great Tommy Rumologist.

If you’ve had the chance to sip on some Foxy’s Firewater Rum, whether on Jost Van Dyke or not, let us know what you thought.

Cheers to being Somewhere in the Sun,
RumShopRyan

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In saying that, you wouldn’t be able to tell any of that from today’s Caribbean Photo Friday picture. I think I see one, maybe two boats in the bay. The calm for the storm. Later in the day White Bay will fill up with gleaming hulls and waving canvas, all toting day trippers wanting their time in this Caribbean playground. Sign me up.

Here is a little diddy by our friend Mr. Chesney that sums up this little island pretty well.

Somewhere In The Sun

Stuck here at a Holiday Inn near Austin, Texas
Seen all the road that I want to see
God I hate the snow, they even cancelled the show
Makes me long for where I really want to be

Oh I wish I was there tonight on Jost Van Dyke
Sipping on some Foxy’s Firewater rum
Or kickin’ back with Ivan
With all my friends down in the islands
Wouldn’t take much for me to up and run
To another life somewhere in the sun

Got cold fajitas and only one channel on the TV
Andy and Barney on Nick at Nite
Seen an ad for Mexico, God I really want to go
Anywhere out of mind and out of sight

Oh I wish I was there tonight on Jost Van Dyke
Sipping on some Foxy’s Firewater rum
Or kickin’ back with Ivan
With all my friends down in the islands
Wouldn’t take much for me to up and run
To another life somewhere in the sun

Here’s a toast to you on the coast and the sailors out at sea
Drink your ales, hoist your sails
Ride the winds and think of me, ’cause

Oh I wish I was there tonight on Jost Van Dyke
Sipping on some Foxy’s Firewater rum
Or kickin’ back with Ivan
With all my friends down in the islands
Wouldn’t take much for me to up and run
To another life somewhere in the sun

Somewhere in the sun

Funny how just reading those lyrics relaxes the soul. One of my all time favorites.  I hope all you Castaways have a great weekend, you deserve it.

Don’t forget, the new “THE LIFE” Castaway t-shirts just came out. Would love to see you represent in style!

(Photo from ireland4517 via Flickr)

Cheers!
RumShopRyan

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Let’s start with one of the lesser known beach bars on Jost, Corsairs. Located in Great Harbour, Corsairs doesn’t get quite the attention as its White Bay neighbors. Owned and ran by the charismatic Vinnie, Corsairs is a great place to wash ashore, grab a bite to eat and through back a signature Wench Juice or two.

Corsairs Beach Bar - Photo from Chrism.com

Picture yourself on the tiny island of Jost (easy to do I know), and you are attacked by a craving for Italian food, out of luck right? Wrong. Corsairs serves up Northern Italian cuisine, plus TexMex with a Caribbean twist and they are home to the Monster Lobster. They even serve up fresh sushi! Everything I’ve read about Corsairs centers around it’s amazing food and the great personality of Vinnie and his staff. It’s the type of place that has people coming back time and time again.

Vinnie, Owner of Corsairs Beach Bar

Vinnie Ride - Photo from Williem01 via Flickr

Corsairs serves breakfast, lunch and dinner for its salty souled customers. Open 8:30 am until whenever. Yes whenever, it’s an island thing, but the party usually goes well into the night with live music and flowing rum drinks.

Corsairs Bar - Photo by klr2c via Flickr

Next time you toss anchor in Great Harbour, dinghy up to the beach in front of Corsairs and join the pirate party. Ask Vinnie for a Wench or VooDoo Juice, tear off a slice of pizza and chillax in the Caribbean sun. Do this and your life will be completely perfect. I promise.

Corsairs Beach Bar, Jost

www.corsairsbvi.com

Cheers,

RumShopRyan

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What this song by Da Tree Men can do is help you relive those sweet sweet memories. The song appropriately named “Jost Van Dyke”, tells the tale of what it’s like to sing your toes into the sand on this famous little BVI island. Singing starts just after the minute mark, so hang in there with that long intro.

Da Tree men are a BVI-based band, started by Tree men who all currently work together for Pusser’s. The band has a growing list of cover music and original songs. Reggae, rock, country, jazz and more.

Adam Dell on guitar is from New York. Michael Daniels plays the tubs and hails from Knoxville Tennessee. Pier Parkins, the Jamaican gentleman from Jamaica on Bass.

Additional players include Steve Butcher on the couch, captain Bob on the mouth organ and other guests that show up at random and play. The group is in the process of recording an album called “Songs of The BVI”.

“Jost Van Dyke” written by Adam C. Dell and performed by Da Tree Men live at The Elm Beach bar, March 2nd, 2011.

Jost Van Dyke Lyrics

I got drunk
as a skunk last night
at a bar on jost van dyke
soggy dollar
got me good again

Played with Ruben Chinnery
you were sitting
next to me
felt the sun
and played
the ring toss game

and I’ve got to
get myself
back there again

CHORUS——————————-
Tropical paradise
so nice
brother man
take my advice
you have got to
get yourself
to jost van dyke

got a drink
to kill your pain
while the breezes cool your brain
soggy dollar bar now don’t forget the name

in this world of broken dreams
where things are not what they seem
take a trip out there
and you’ll see what I mean

take a plane
take a boat
maybe build a
raft and float
click your heels
three times
and just pretend
you’re there

White sand beach
from a dream
goes from wild to extreme
get your ass out there
and you’ll see what I mean

Let me know if you’ve had the pleasure of being in the BVI and seeing Da Tree Men live. Guitarist Adam, has been a long time RumShopRyan reader and is a great guy. The fact that he works for Pusser’s Rum company doesn’t hurt either. Hey Adam, how about sending this Castaway some rum samples! Worth a shot right?

(Photo from ourBVIadventure.blogspot.com)

Cheers,
RumShopRyan

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Here is a short video of a bartender at the Soggy Dollar preparing a few of these legendary island concoctions. I’ll take 2 please sir.

There’s a funny thing about these Painkillers, it doesn’t matter what else is happening in the world, all worry-some responsibilities washes out to sea. It’s the kind of feeling that you want more and more of. That’s why you can’t just have one Painkiller, it’s impossible. These drinks will haunt your dreams and have you planning your next trip to Jost.

The Soggy Dollar is scared ground and the Painkiller is a tradition that must be enjoyed with sand under your feet. No exceptions.

Tell me your Painkiller story at the Soggy Dollar.

Cheers

RumShopRyan

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Take a look at the above photo. Pretty cool photo right? To me this photo represents so much of what I love most about the island lifestyle. Blazing Sunset…Check. Boats at Anchor…Check. Pirate Rum…Check. Living on Island Time…Check and Check. What else do you need right?! What makes this photo even better is that it was taken in White Bay off Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, the beach bar capital of the world. A Castaway’s paradise.

What would your perfect Caribbean photo have in it?

Photo credit goes to the guys at No Shoes Radio. Don’t forget about the No Shoes Radio Beach Bash taking place in Nassau, Bahamas later this month. Hope to see some of you guys there!

Happy Friday everyone!
Cheers,
RumShopRyan

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Adam C. Dell, lead singer of Da Tree Men, wrote the music and lyrics of this song, “Jost Van Dyke.” It’s a great song that puts you in the mood for those lazy days swaying in the hammocks at the Soggy Dollar Bar sipping on famous PainKillers.  Da Tree Men are working on more great island songs and looking to put an album together soon.

If you’re looking for more great island music check out BVImusic.com.

Da Tree Men debuted the song at The Elm in Cane Garden Bay on Tortola July 4, 2010.

Let me know what you thought!

Cheers,

RumShopRyan

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No island in the British Virgin Island has a better handle on the beach bar culture than Jost Van Dyke. True, this island’s beach bars may seem like the stuff of fantasy, but they are as real as the water is blue. Ass in the sand, a cold drink in your hand, the low hum of calypso, and an abundance of islan cheer—that is the Jost Van Dyke beach bar.

It is never too early to go pub crawling, and if you arrive at a bar that seems closed, don’t fret. Just help yourself. Many bars on Jost employ the honor bar system, and nothing embodies the generous spirit of the island better than this. (Don’t forget to leave your payment on the way out.) Invariably, the afternoon hours, from 3 p.m. until sunset, are the best time to visit a beach bar. That is when you are sure to find a few new friends at the bar and some fitting calypso music in the background.

Did someone say Painkiller? This concoction of rum, pineapple juice, coconut, and nutmeg is the quintessential island cocktail and goes perfectly with Jost Van Dyke’s laid-back feel.

Bar Hopping on Jost

You will need a boat to navigate a course from bar to bar. A good starting point is Foxy’s Taboo. Taboo is actually a bit removed from the beach; it is built on a wooden platform overlooking Diamond Cay and Little Jost Van Dyke.

Next, set sail to Little Harbour and stop at Sidney’s Peace and Love and Harris’ Place, beach bars separated only by a narrow strip of white sand—ideal for children. These places are generally quiet and uncrowded. Bring your own entertainment.

The Famous Foxy

Great Harbour has the greatest number of beach bars, and you can explore them sans shoes. Sail into the harbor, pick up a mooring, and dinghy in to the shore. Foxy’s Tamarind Bar on the eastern end of the harbor is the biggest and best-known of these. T-shirts left (or lost) by previous visitors grace the walls, and you can study the business cards of casual pirates who succumbed to Foxy’s Painkillers and piña coladas. There is live entertainment on weekends, and Foxy sings calypso some afternoons. When you’re ready for a change of scenery, wander down the main drag at Great Harbour, and you will also find Ali Baba’s, Corsairs, and Rudy’s.

Ivan's Stress Free Bar

Save the best for last: Jost Van Dyke’s quintessential beach bars are at White Bay. Start at Ivan’s Stress Free Bar, next to the White Bay Campground. Mix your own cocktail at the honor bar, enjoy it out on the beach, and then head down to the Soggy Dollar Bar, the supposed originator of the Painkiller. Sip your drinks with you feet in the water or relax in the hammocks, either way you will never want to leave.  Soggy Dollar has a great webcam that lets day dreamers take sneak peeks into what they are missing.

Have you been to Jost Van Dyke? What is your favorite beach bar?

Cheers to fantasy island,
RumShopRyan

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Welcome to the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke, arguably the top beach bar in the BVI if not the entire Caribbean. Its just a short boat ride north of St. John and west of Tortola.

The Soggy’s webcam is the focus of this week’s webcam post. Enjoy the view. I try, but it usually just makes me angry because I’m not there. Cheers!

Let me know if you’ve been!

Cheers to the Salt Life,
RumShopRyan

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Here is a great article I found about BVI beach bars.  If you’re sailing around the Drake Channel check some of these out.  Cheers!

**************************

What is a Caribbean Vacation without a few cocktails and some adventure? While cruising on a BVI Yacht Charter offers some of the finest luxuries any vacation can offer, it never hurts to go ashore for some mingling with locals and a little libation. Here is a list of some of some of the best beach bars in the British Virgin Islands. Land HO!!!

Neptune’s Treasure, Anegada

ANEGADA

If you’re swimming at Loblolly Bay, base yourself close to The Big Bamboo. Great lunches and a large outdoor bar just steps from the beach. Anegada Reef Hotel, Restaurant and Bar is the closest bar to the dock. This friendly establishment is popular, has a casual atmosphere, and has the freshest lobster that is to die for! Neptune’s Treasure is a serene restaurant and bar further down n the beach. On weekends the bar becomes lively with music and an influx of Tortola residents looking for a weekend escape.

BEEF ISLAND

Trellis Bay

The Last Resort has been synonymous with live entertainment since the beginning of yacht chartering. Enjoy great food and live entertainment. On the south shore of the bay, there is quite an assortment of local shops, artist studios, bars and restaurants. The monthly Trellis Bay Full Moon party is anticipated all year long. Two large ‘fireballs’ are lit while locals dance the night away.

COOPER ISLAND

Cooper Island Beach Club is a popular restaurant and bar are obeautiful Manchioneel Beach. The island is an ideal anchorage spot to stop and have a drink while you watch the sun set over The Drake Channel.

Foxy's Tamarind Bar

JOST VAN DYKE

White Bay The Soggy Dollar Bar is famous for its ‘Painkillers’, which were actually first invented here. The original recipe is a secret family recipe. Great Harbor Foxy’s Tamarind Bar has certainly changed from the early 70′s. Charter vacationers used to listen to true calypso while eating lobster with all of the locals at one long table. It has grown enormously. All kinds of talented local bands and musicians play here. The music and dancing can go on late into the night. Besides the bar and restaurant, there is also a large gift shop with a wide variety of local items, including CDs and the obligatory Foxy’s T-shirt. Be sure to bring something personal you can tack to the ceiling, anything from Business cards to hats and even underwear is acceptable. This place is for those who are easily offended , but most people at least stop in and have a drink.

Little Jost Van Dyke ‘Foxy’s Taboo’ restaurant and bar is the new ‘in’ place. You are more likely to meet Foxy here than at his original bar. Moorings are available, but this can be a rough spot in unsettled weather.

MARINA CAY

Now owned by Pussers, this famous island resort has a bar at the very top of the island, offering great sunset views and live music some nights.

The Willie T Floating Party

NORMAN ISLAND

The infamous Willie T is an all out party destination with plenty of drinking and wild antics. Expect the unexpected. Not recommended for children or the faint hearted! Pirates Bight offers a more relaxed way to watch the sunset, but also has music, dancing and a very popular Happy Hour with every exotic frozen drink you can imagine.

TORTOLA

At Cane Garden Bay, Quito Rhymer is an extremely popular local musician who can be found performing at his bar/restaurant, ‘Quito’s Gazebo’. Further down the beach, Al Henley’s Big Banana Paradise Club, Rhymers Beach Bar, Stanley’s Welcome Bar and Myett’s Garden and Grill all offer meals, drinks and live music on selected nights that can be heard from your anchorage spot out onto the water. ‘The Pub‘, below the Fort Burt Hotel, was the original bar in Road Town in The 60′s and 70′s and is a lively hot spot today. There are bars at Village Cay Marina, Mariner Inn, Pussers waterfront and many other locations in town, but these can hardly be considered beach bars, although many people visit them when embarking and disembarking from their Caribbean Yacht Charter.

VIRGIN GORDA

Spanish Town

The Bath and Turtle Pub often has live music and dancing.

The Baths

Poor Man’s Bar is the ultimate watering hole to relax after snorkeling.

North Sound

Bitter End Yacht Club

Leverick Bay has a beach barbecue every Friday, with live music and entertainment. The Sand Box is a casual bar and restaurant offering lunch and dinner. The Bitter End is a large resort with shops, water sport facilities, restaurant and an English pub, but they often also have live music and entertainment. Saba Rock is an excellent restaurant and bar located on a tiny island. Enjoy the popular 2-4-1 Happy Hour, while watching a fabulous sunset over The Sound.

West End/Sopers Hole

Pussers Landing & Company Store has two restaurants and a variety of shops, but it also has a popular bar. Here’s a hint, when you order your first ‘Pussers Pain Killer’, ask for a card. After visiting three different Pussers bars (and having a painkiller at each) you will get a Pussers Triangle Pennant you can fly from your boat – or hang at home!

While most vacationers like to enjoy the comforts of their luxury yacht charter, a true Caribbean Yacht Charter isn’t complete until you stop for a cocktail at a few of the best spots in the British Virgin Islands. You never know what you’ll see or who you willl meet, but you’ll be sure to have some tales to tell at your own watering hole back home for years to come.

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