The first ever Rum Experience Week is set to take over London in October from the 12th-18th when rum lovers are invited to take part in a week long celebration of the spirit with events including tastings, masterclasses, parties, music and fine dining.
Hosted by global rum ambassador Ian Burrell, the seven day series aims to raise awareness of the spirit like never before. Events are to take place at various prestigious venues across the capital including The Shard, Christies Auction House, The Thames, Mahiki Club, Voltaire and many more, before the week comes to a close with the annual RumFest, which is now in its ninth year, taking place on the 17-18 October at ILEC Conference Centre in London.
Leading bars, chefs, distillers, brands and rum lovers will all be showcasing their knowledge and love for rum throughout the week which begins with Lambs Navy Rum on Monday 12 October. Here, those lucky enough to get a ticket will be able to sample the first limited edition batch of Lamb’s single cask in one of ‘Alfred Lamb’s old stores under the Thames at Voltaire followed by the official launch party for The Rum Experience Week.
Christie’s Auction House will play hosts to Tuesday’s event which is the very special Rum Masters Dinner. The dinner will welcome 40 rum aficionados to a private dinner with rum distillers from around the world.
On Wednesday, two rum legends will host a tasting at Gerry’s Wine and Spirits. Ian Burrell will welcome Appleton Estate Rum’s senior blender Dave Morrison who will be flying in especially from Jamaica. Towards the end of the week, Thursday will see rum lovers board the Tiki Boat for an afternoon of food, drink and music before an apart party hosted at the famous Mayfair cocktail club Mahiki.
On the Friday two events will be taking place. The first will be the Rum Experience University which give attendees an education in rum, while the second is the annual Boutique Rum Fest which is now in its sixth year and is the UK’S leading trade event for new and independent rums and Cachaças.
The ninth annual RumFest will then end the week long celebrations, featuring tastings of over 400 rums, cocktail making competitions, seminars, workshops, a Christie's rum auction, incredible food and the party atmosphere of Carnival Hour.
Speaking about the week founder Ian Burrell said, 'Rum is an incredibly versatile spirit, whether mixed with a cocktail, paired with chocolates or marshmallows, cooking with rum, paired with cigars or simply tasted in neat form. This versatility is something we aim to celebrate during the first ever Rum Experience Week allowing both old and new rum drinkers to experience rums in new and surprising ways with unique tastings, pairings and more. We have paired up with some incredible partners and have even more to announce soon, this will be a week of rum never to be forgotten!'
Tickets and registration for all the weekly events are available at: rumexperienceweek.com