Can’t make it to the Caribbean until the Christmas break or maybe even next year but still fancy sampling some authentic Caribbean rum and exotic cocktails in a carnival-like atmosphere? Well if you are in the United Kingdom, consider attending Rumfest 2014 on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October.
Held this year at London’s ILEC Center in Earl’s Court, this eight outing for the festival brings all the fun of the Caribbean to the United Kingdom. According to event founder and Global Rum Ambassador, Ian Burrell, “UK RUMFEST is the ultimate rum experience for rum drinkers, rum aficionados and rum lovers.” So come along and attend some of the seminars to learn more about rum and a variety of new cocktails. Watch at the master classes for great tips to pouring, mixing and serving. Learn how to pair the different rums with foods such as marshmallows or chocolate. And, of course, sample some of the greatest rums from the Caribbean and around the world.
Ian Burrell: Rumfest Founder & Global Rum Ambassador
With over 400 rums represented and several specialty rums available in limited quantities, it will pay to grab some Golden Tot Tokens. These tokens will allow visitors to sample the very limited special rums. Try the vintage rums of El Dorado distillery from Guyana. Distilled in 1986, this rum cost 4 golden tot tokens to sample. Or sample the sipping rums of El Dorado paired with meat and cheeses. Learn about this distillery, the only one in the world to use wooden stills.
Bacardi whose illustrious history is linked to Cuba and Puerto Rico offers master classes that gives people the chance to learn how to create amazing cocktails from their portfolio of rums. Classes will each be a half-hour long and there are five classes per day. Since this is a very popular event, be sure to sign up early.
Come and learn from George Radev of the Mahiki Club as he tells of the Tiki cocktails and how Mahiki made them so popular. Cocktails like the Zombi and the Honolulu Honey will be discussed. London’s Rococo chocolatiers will help visitors pair chocolates in their seminar ,‘Rococo Chocolates and Rum’. Tito Cordero, ‘Master Blender of the Year’ at the Golden Rum Barrel Awards 2013, will tell of his philosophy into the blends of the Diplomatico (Venezuelan) rums.
Those who wish to taste the rums will enjoy a full tasting of the entire range of Barbadian Mount Gay rums, including Mount Gay Black Barrel, the newest of their rums. Or try out one of three popular Brazilian Cachaca’s if you would prefer. Leblon, Abelha and Germana are discussed and samples are available. If you want to sample something unique, try the Rhum Agricole from Martinique, made from sugar cane instead of molasses.
Have your rum knowledge tested by Richard Seale, master distiller of Foursquare, Barbados. Partake of the auction to benefit WaterAid. Dance into the night with live music. Watch live demonstrations and taste all of the foods from around the world. Enter the holiday give-aways for a chance to win prizes. Enjoy the party atmosphere all around with vibrant costumes and headdresses, mixologist competitions and more. Rumfest 2014 is guaranteed to be a good fix for those looking to learn more about and sample some authentic Caribbean rums.
See highlights from last year’s festival via video below and make your plans and secure your tickets for this year’s Rumfest today.
Top photo: Rumfest Founder & Global Rum Ambassador, Ian Burrell
