The Connoisseur Cove Sees RumFest Visitors Showing More Appreciation in 2013
After the liqueur fuelled party that was RumFest 2012 we were interested to return once again to London Excel last weekend (12th - 13th October 2013) to see what RumFest 2013 had to offer.
Last year, for many, RumFest appeared to be a good excuse to down as many rum and rum cocktails as you can get your hands on during the allocated serving times but for 2013 we found the party had become a more sedate affair.
RumFest 2013 was split into two different categories - those who came to party on the standard tickets priced at £25 and those that came to savour the spirit on premium tickets which gave access to the brand new Connoisseur Cove at £45 each.
For some this created discord, as many had bought their tickets in the hope of recreating last year's carnival weekend, with scantily dressed dancers, a disregard for the tokens and free shots all round. Others who had opted to take advantage of the premium tickets were pleasantly surprised by the new choices presented to them, with no tokens being needed in the Connoisseur's Cove and exhibitors willing to share their love and knowledgeable of the spirit.
This change in atmosphere brought RumFest a step up the ladder in terms of classic events and has the making for a great show in 2014. Of the people we spoke to outside on standard tickets many felt they had less choice this year but still agreed they had all had a fabulous time.
Inside the Cove the feeling was that of appreciation for the introduction to many new flavours, brands and blends. After sampling the variety on offer we spoke to a selection of visitors who said that they felt this was a step in the right direction and that in 2014 they would like to see many more stands on offer, introducing a greater selection of rums to the end consumer.
Masterclasses ran throughout the weekend, and for a small charge Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell guided visitors through a unique tasting of premium rums, matched with specially created marshmallows. Other free masterclasses took place throughout the day over both days of the show.
With more food stalls than last year and 'ready to eat' available for visitors the balance is levelling.
For the trade there was a separate area for those who came with an interest to do business and look to stock a selection of rums from the many importers. This collection of separated areas meant there was something for everyone - from the traders to the connoisseurs, to the 'let's party' crowd.
Personally, we were pleased to see the return of the Rhumerie de Chamarel whose coffee liqueur is a favourite. If you like Tia Maria then we would strongly advise you to seek out a bottle of this to tempt your taste buds. Rowan Sham, Managing Director of RDS Premium Spirits, walked us through the changes since 2012 and the new rums available from his selection of Chamarel. The elegant bottles have been further refined, with smoother lines and a new vanilla rum has been added to this collection.
Of the white rums on offer Botran again hit the spot with their Reserva Blanca Rum. Many of the white rums we tasted were made for mixing but we prefer our base ingredients to be of the same quality as those we would drink as a stand alone and Botran achieves this with ease.
A highlight was the introduction of Lamb's Spiced. After 164 years of Alfred Lamb's family searching the Caribbean islands for the perfect blend, Lamb's Spiced was finally launch at RumFest 2013. Thrusting the company back into play and onto the bar shelves with this exceptionally palatable and fresh look rum, Lamb's have taken a brave step away from the past and brought their Navy Rum with them, creating new cocktails from both bottles that should have them back in the game for 2014.
If this RumFest is anything to go by you can be sure of the show emerging to new levels for 2014 - so book your tickets as soon as they become available because while RumFest 2013 took a turn towards appreciation, rum will always be at the center of the party and the party will always be at RumFest - even if it is a little bit more grown up.
For more information visit www.rumfest.co.uk