Whether sat on a sun-kissed beach as the crystal waves break on the beach, or lounged in a dimly lit cocktail bar absorbing the ambience, Sailor Jerry rum has a classic vibe that’s both bold and smooth. The bottles are unmistakable: adorned by the traditional tattoo work of Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins – and the taste of the rum is pretty unforgettable too.
I was first aware of Sailor Jerry rum when it was a regular prize for the star letter in Bizarre magazine. The brand cultivated something of a counter culture feel, assisted by that classic artwork. When I first tasted the drink, I was instantly smitten by the taste.
There are dozens of ways to enjoy your Sailor Jerry rum, but this is my favourite: mixing with cola. For me, it has to be full fat Coca Cola, other brands or diet versions just don’t cut it.
To prepare, simply add 2 measures of rum (1 if you prefer) to a highball glass and add ice. Then top up with the coke, and enjoy.
I was lucky enough to pick up some limited edition Sailor Jerry plastic tumblers to drink my rum from. Plus a while back, the bottles were packed with promotional posters. I even acquired a promotional CD a while back in my local, featuring some great Rockabilly and Punk bands. These items are ideal additions to any home tiki bar and have helped build my loyalty!
You can check out plenty more Sailor Jerry rum recipes at their website here.
Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub urges you to drink responsibly.
Two horror reviews for you this time, friends! Read on, if you dare…
The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958)
The second instalment in a series of Frankenstein films produced by Hammer, The Revenge of Frankenstein followed hot on the heels of its predecessor. The Curse of Frankenstein had been released the previous year, and was such a hit that a sequel was demanded. Despite, of course, the fact that the evil Baron had been executed at the finale last time.
No matter, Baron Victor Frankenstein (Peter Cushing, of course) is saved from death with a fairly sneaky twist, and is soon practicing medicine in a far off town. Going by the name of Doctor Stein (no one’s gonna figure that out, right?), the doc sets up a successful practice for wealthy patients, whilst also looking after the poor at a hospital.
Joined by a younger doctor, Hans Kleve (Francis Matthews) – who learns Dr Stein’s true identity and wants to learn from him – Frankenstein is soon up to his old tricks. This time around, his creation (Michael Gwynn) at least looks normal, if only at first. It isn’t long before the inevitable happens and everything goes downhill, big time.
The production looks quality and performances are great, in particular Cushing who brilliantly darts between menace and a steely charm. Some gory surgery provides the bloody horror required and The Revenge of Frankenstein admirably fulfils its role as gruesome entertainment. We just know that another sequel will be along soon!
8/10
The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
So this is the film that establishes the concept of zombies eating brains, yeah? OK. One thing is for sure, this comedy-horror is not a sequel to Romero’s brilliant Night of the Living Dead. The Return of The living Dead is a very different beast, though still in a cult league of its own as a horror punk classic.
At a medical supply warehouse, two employees accidentally release a load of toxic gas which reanimates a cadaver and causes all kinds of health and safety high jinks. The morgue over the road has a crematorium, which seems ideal for permanently destroying the undead evidence. Until the escaping gas contaminates the clouds above, and rainfall on the nearby cemetery causes the dead to rise…
Oh, did I mention the gang of punks in the cemetery, waiting for their friend to finish work at the medical supply place? No? Well they are, and you can guess the rest.
This mid eighties movie is not something I’d usually watch. In fact, the main reason I wanted to watch this film is because of the legendary soundtrack, which features a load of awesome horror related punk bands like The Cramps, The Damned and TSOL. A vinyl copy has been on my shopping list for a long time, but I wanted to see the film first so I didn’t feel like too much of a fraud.
The film is pretty good fun, though. It’s fairly dumb and only occasionally does the black humour raise a smile, but The Return of the Living Dead was certainly worth a watch. It’s over the top – unapologetically so – but that’s part of it’s success. Disengage brain and go for it. The soundtrack is bloody great, by the way. I’ve got it on clear with red blood splattered vinyl. AT LAST!!!
Platinum Al's Virtual Hot Tub 