In just over 2 weeks, the ILEC London will be filled with rum experts ready to inform, entertain and captivate the thousands of people set to attend The RumFest.
The two day rum extravaganza will feature over 400 of the most diverse rums from across the globe including established favourites Diplomatico, Bacardi, Havana Club, Lambs Navy Rum, The Duppy Share, Don Q, Botron and newcomers Fold of Maurituis and Nine Leaves, to name a few.
Leading master blenders, ambassadors, mixologists and industry aficionados will be on hand to take visitors on a voyage of rum discovery.
As well as rum, there will also be a selection of food stalls all accompanying the rum on offer. These include Vanessa Bolosier of Creole Kitchen delivering vibrant food with a slice of spice, contemporary Caribbean cuisine from Shivi Ramoutar, rum and chocolate pairings, talks and tastings.
There will also be a series of seminars, masterclasses and workshops including Cachaca Tasting mapping out its rich history in Brazil and flavours; an introductory level aroma mastercasses; chocolate and run pairing, a look into the history of rum; and a series of one-to-one tastings.
Now in its ninth year, The RumFest is the brainchild of global rum ambassador Ian Burrell. Taking place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, it closes the week long Rum Experience Week which has been created this year to include a series of events that will take over the capital for the week starting the 12 October.
Each event will be hosted by a different brand or partner and will show attendees new ways to experience rum, including rum pairings with cigars and chocolate, rum infused cooking classes and exclusive menus, a Thames Tiki rum cruise and interactive tastings. The fitting finale to the week long-long events is of course The RumFest.
If you’re a distributor, importer, wholesaler or buyer then the Boutique Rum Festival which takes place on October 16, may be more up your street.
It is the UK’s leading trade event for new and independent rums and Cachacas and for the past six years has offered a first-look access to some of the most exciting new brands on the market. There will also be talks about issues affecting the industry, as well as tips and hints as to how to stay ahead of the curve.
Already confirmed for this year's Boutique RumFest is premium Belizian rum brand Ron Tiburon, Le Dom Tom, which launched only last year in France and Japanese distiller, bottler and distributor Nine Leaves. From Panama, Panamonte and Panama Red will be appearing along with Juan Santos from Columbia and Ron Esclavo from the Dominican Republic.
Speaking about the return of RumFest, Burrell says, 'We've refined RumFest this year into something very special. We'll be taking rum lovers on the UK's biggest celebration of rum yet, showing them the fun side of the culture, while at the same time giving an insight into the spirit so they can take home what they've learnt, armed with a better understanding of the spirit. And with this we introduce the first ever Rum Experience Week which allows rum and spirit lovers to rejoice in the marvels of the category in a entire week-long celebration. We look forward to seeing you there.'
Tickets for both The RumFest and individual events across the week are available from the events website now with prices for The RumFest starting at £49.95 for a single day or £89.90 for entry across both days. VIP tickets are on sale from £75 and allow for early access of one hour ahead of standard ticket buyers along with a two course Caribbean lunch and RumFest goodie bag.
Golden Tot Tokens are £5 each and allow for additional access to the more premium rums on offer. One token can be exchanged for rum retailing £80 - £100 and more expensive rums will be available for additional tokens. Tickets to the new private rum tastings will be announced soon.
For full information on RumFest and to buy tickets head to RumFest.co.uk. Registration for those interested in attending the trade only Boutique RumFest is open now and can be submitted online.