Highlights and Hot Picks from Rumfest 2014
After the success of this year's show, we take a look back at some of the highlights and our personal top picks from this year's Rumfest, at the ILEC Conference Centre in London.
The weekend kicked off early on Thursday 9th October when Global Rum Ambassador, Ian Burrell, spearheaded a world record attempt for the World's Largest Rum Tasting Event. Record breakers sampled six different world rums as they enjoyed an evening of talks, masterclasses and taster sessions - and set a new Guinness World Record.
Friday late afternoon saw the doors open to this year's Boutique Rumfest, showcasing some of the new and emerging rums that the world has to offer. A personal favourite for us, and a first timer to the event came in the form of Sippin. We were presented with two flavoured rums, already mixed and ready to sip.
Founder, and chief sipper, Damian Mohammed presented us with a very seasonal offering of mixed orange, cinnamon and ginger to start. A warming festive collaboration infused in the finest 37.5% abv Caribbean rum and perfect for the colder months ahead. The second rum infusion held a much lighter edge and the combination of lime, honey and ginger was right on the nose. If you find it a little too heavy on either three flavours then the availability of a stacking trio means you could mix your own, exactly to taste. We can't wait to see this hitting the shelves and being available across the UK in bars and clubs.
Another rum ready to party and mixed to perfection came from The Duppy Share. Jessica Swinfen explained that the mix on offer was their signature serve punch, 'The Duppy Conqueror' - a daiquiri with a Caribbean twist.
Frederic Bestel got our attention from the start with a beautiful display of his Gold of Mauritius, with samples being served in real glasses. And on tasting this offering we have to say it is quite unique. On its own it really does have something going on that caught our tastebuds, so much that we had two bottles delivered within the week.
The presentation, bottle shape and deep, rich colour of the liquid contained within hint at something special and Gold of Mauritius delivers with every drop. And if you are going to mix you may as well mix with the best, making this an excellent base for a longer drink. @GoldofMauritius is brought to the UK by Trilogy Beverage Brands - an independently owned drinks business.
Cynthia Thomas of Windward Trading loved the rum she found on holiday so much that, when she returned to the UK to find it wasn't available, she set up her company to import it in. Clarke's Court Old Grog started a trend that has now seen a growing collection of rums, liqueurs and spirits follow suit and made available thanks to Cynthia's dedication and distribution. 
Another great presentation at the Boutique Rumfest came from Jonathan of JBE Imports who introduced us to Ron Cubay. JBE Imports holds the distribution rights within the UK for Ron Cubay and Jonathan is another independent businessman making his way out with the big guns and holding his own. With the Ron Cubay selection on offer that we sampled we can see why Jonathan is so passionate about the brand.
A notable sampling that left a lasting impression came from the Antigua Distillery Ltd with their English Harbour 25yr old 1981 rum. Aside from a very smooth stand-alone rum, that is now discontinued, it also happens to have been made to celebrate the birth of our IT manager, Andy, in 1981 (as well as the independence of Antigua and Barbuda).
Rumfest 2014 saw the addition of a charity auction on the Saturday, with proceeds going to Water Aid and The Rum Experience joined forces with well-known auction house Christie's to auction off a number of special bottles of rum donated generously by the exhibitors. WaterAid, an international charity that transforms lives by improving access to safe water, improved hygiene and sanitation in the world's poorest communities.
In the auction catalogue there was a bottle of the English Harbour 25yr old - and because Andy felt such a connection with this year, he had a bid or three and it is now with us, in our office. The auction was a fabulous new area for Rumfest and despite concerns about how it would play out or be received, we have to say it was clearly a huge success and we will be looking forward to next year's bidding.
Rumfest spanned across the weekend and on the Saturday and Sunday rum enthusiast were able to sample some familiar favourites, as well as make an introduction into a variety of new rums that the spirit world has to offer.
Various seminars and sampling ran throughout the event - and we were lucky enough to book into the Rococo chocolates pairing hosted by Ian Burrell himself. Rum and chocolates that sat well alone and were as divine as expected when paired.
Because of the location this year we were able to also book a night in the Ibis Earl's Court and that meant we could stay longer for the day and attend the Boutique the day before without any need to travel or worry about over-sampling!
Rumfest 2014 was a step up again on the previous year, a move in the right direction and a positive show that can only leave us wondering what they will pull out of the hat for next year. Put a note in the diary and keep us bookmarked for news of Rumfest 2015 (11th - 12th October)
More details can be found at www.rumfest.co.uk