Oxbow Rum Distillery — Attraction in Baton Rouge

Interior: Thoughtfully designed. Metal, old gadgets and machinery, exposed grain wood, cement. Really pretty cool. Service: When I leaned on the bar, the tenders called on at least three people who came in after me. It wasn't terribly busy. I was a bartender in Baltimore's little Italy, I kept track of that sort of thing. No beers available for those who are tagging along with distillate crazed buddies. Caneland only sells their own spirits, of which there are only about 5 or 6. Cheapskates like me who prefer saving Hamiltons with PBR should pre-game or stay home. I bought an entire $30 bottle of rum to economize and share with my friends while we stayed on premises. (I figured, it's done in movies, and if one of my customers had done that, I would've thought it was kind of bad-A.) They came up and asked/required to take the bottle away behind the bar for me to claim when I left. They used their tone to let me know how not cool and improper I was for drinking it there with my friends as well. Spirits: First, I rarely drink spiced rum and usually take my brown spirits neat. My bottle of "spice flavored rum" was nice at first, but it is more of a cocktail in a bottle than an independent rum spirit. I wonder if they can't call it "spiced rum" because it has more additives than usual. Pretty sure it has sugar or syrup added; there's more than just the natural sweetness of a distillate in there. Orange and vanilla egg-iness as well. I like a nice Zacapa or a clean Flora de Cana, but I honestly think this "spice flavored rum" is more busy with flavors than even most "spiced" rums. This makes me think they are hiding a poor distillate. I love Baton Rouge and it's start ups, but this was...

The tasting with Kieth was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Every bottle had a story, every story had an anecdote, and every anecdote had a personalized recipe with a story and a personalized setting for each recipe. Kieth definitely has a love of his craft with an even deeper appreciation for the product he was representing. Every flavor was explained, every taste was enunciated with commentary, and every cocktail was lathered in respect and love for the taste and process. Not only did Keith deliver on the front of of a tasting, he went over the history and presentation of every bottle with a brief showing of the barrel room. Kieth went above and beyond to make our experience a personal and well aquatinted friendship with the distillery, especially for people from middle Tennessee. From tasting rendezvous with his anecdotes and out tasted, to the cocktail recommendations and their vehemently palatable citrus cocktail, all brougit to me by Kieth himself. After going over his house-made ginger, simple syrup, strawberry syrup, and personalized recipes; Keith had earned himself a 5 star rating amongst any distillery connoisseur or just an out of town aficionado looking for a wonderful experience. Keith went out of his way to make our rare experience one for the books. He offered anything he could, from imagery to information. Any question was met with a response full of respect and admiration, and any compliment was met with an avenue of exploration. His personalized mixologist twist on everything we said or asked made our experience one I won’t forget. His personality made our tour and I can almost guarantee it...

Went in, and was rudely confronted by the bartender. Don’t know how name. Sunday 6:56 shift. 10/27/19 Came in wanting to use the bathroom, when told I’m not allowed until I purchase something. I then wanted to purchase something. I was told “We don’t have that” for everything that was “non alcoholic” He never once said “it has to be alcohol” He just told me “purchase something” I’d totally be okay with purchasing a Virgin drink or a soda. When I asked for a coke he then told me “We don’t have that” which is funny BC on the web site and menu they have cola... I’m a bartender, so when I was told “we don’t have cola” Really made me laugh BC if someone wanted a Jack and coke.. I’m assuming you have to go to another bar. They had cola He just didn’t want us using the bathroom Then proceeded to make a comment, about our ages Me being 20, and allowed BC the sign said “Over 21 after 7pm” Was also another thing he threw in just so we don’t use the rest room And told us to use the portal potties down the street. And again, super rude bartender. I’d never turn down someone who’s willing to buy a drink. Bartender to bartender, DONT lie about the drinks you have and don’t have. Bc then you end up getting a bad...