Kokova Magazine

Rum-lovers rejoice as London's ExCeL Exhibition Centre, set to host RumFest for the first time on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th October 2012, will provide the location for an unrivalled combination of the rarest and most delicious rums from across the globe.

With the ultimate Carnival atmosphere thanks to live music and exotic rhythms, and rum-infused delicacies alongside food from across the Carribbean in the Tropical Food Market, the event offers the opportunity to delve further into the fascinating history of rum, plus the chance to win a luxury Caribbean holiday for two.

Back for its sixth successive year, RumFest is the world's largest festival dedicated to the celebration of rum and rum culture and boasts two days of unmissable entertainment.

Having sold out last year, RumFest is pleased to announce its expansion in 2012.

Visitors to the 2012 RumFest will be treated to not one, but two events in one, gaining entry to RumFest and the Tropical Food Market, while the Boutique RumFest running alongside the two days will be open to members of the trade.

Standard tickets for this year's RumFest, The Rum Experience are now on sale and includes access to RumFest and The Tropical Food Market.

Weekend tickets are priced at £40, while Saturday tickets are priced at £25 and Sunday Tickets are priced at £20.

VIP tickets are priced at £40 for Saturday and £35 for Sunday and allows access to the event one hour before general admissions, queue jump and access to the VIP room.

Visit www.rumfest.co.uk.

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Rum is not just a drink; it's a way of life

At the heart of The Rum Experience, RumFest takes place across the two days creating the ultimate tropical paradise, bringing a burst of sunshine to our gloomy autumnal months and recent rain-drenched summer.

Showcasing over 400 of the rarest and most diverse rums from across the globe, taste buds will be tantalized as visitors make their way through the isles filled with hundreds of rum brands, sampling and discovering as they go.

Whether you're a lover of DonQ Rum from Puerto Rico or prefer a tipple of El Dorado Rum from Guyana or a tot of Ron Zacapa from Guatemala, there will be hundreds of brands available to taste and savour.

Bringing together the industry's top blenders, distillers and mixologists, visitors will be given the chance to go on a journey of rum-discovery with a vast array of masterclasses, talks and seminars available.

For those who have a passion for cocktail sampling, creating or spectating, some of the world's most skilled mixologists will be at RumFest with cocktail battles and demonstrations throughout the two days.

With cocktails in hand, the carnival atmosphere is topped off with live music playing an intoxicating mix of reggae rhythms, salsa and samba plus traditional souk dancers.

Bringing the tropical experience to life, RumFest will also be giving Sunday visitors the opportunity to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to rum's homeland; a one week, all expenses paid trip to a stunning Caribbean Island and what better place to indulge in one's love of rum than in paradise?

Tropical Food Market

The Rum Experience aims to celebrate not just the drink but the richness and diversity of rum culture.

Following the huge success of last year's inaugural Tropical Food Market, the foodie's paradise is set to expand in 2012 showcasing the finest delicacies and cuisine from the Tropics.

This year, chocolatier Paul Wayne Gregory and Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell will launch a bespoke range of chocolates that have been crafted to perfectly compliment the unique flavours found in a number of carefully selected rum brands.

In addition to this, a series of seminars will delve even further into the art, and science, of pairing chocolate with rum and are a must-do activity at RumFest. Places are limited but attendance essential.

The Caymanas Rum Cakes return after last year's huge success, which has subsequently led to one of the UK's biggest supermarket brands selecting to stock the products for 2012.

Rich in flavour and tantalizingly moist, the authentic Caribbean family recipe has been passed on from generation to generation and RumFest is thrilled to welcome them back this year.

Celebrity chefs and presenters will also be speaking throughout the course of the two days on the Angostura Bitters stage allowing visitors to taste, discover and explore rum from a totally unique perspective, beyond rum as just a drink.

The stage will also host the winner of the Angostura Bitters' Ultimate Chef Competition. Through rigorous rounds of cook-offs in the lead up to RumFest hosted by leading Camden restaurant, Cottons and judged by members of the public, press and industry expert, the winning chef will present live on stage and then be flown to Trinidad & Tobago's Food Festival later that month.

An incredible prize for an outstanding chef and visitors will have the chance to hear their wisdoms at this year's RumFest.

Boutique RumFest

Boutique RumFest celebrates new and/or small, independent Rums and Cachaca brands.

Although only in its second year, and due to the overwhelming success of 2011, this year's Boutique RumFest will take place over both RumFest days rather than one, opening its doors to Trade and Press.

Due to Rum's growing popularity and a large rise in smaller brands available on the market, Boutique RumFest offers a platform for emerging distillers to showcase new products and be exposed to key industry figures.

Attendees will be given the opportunity to gain a real insight into these developing brands and will gain a unique insight into the world of this burgeoning spirit. Trade visitors are given access to Boutique RumFest but must pre-register.
www.boutiquerumfest.co.uk

London Cocktail Week

UK RumFest forms part of London Cocktail Week (LCW) which takes place from 11th -18th October 2012.

LCW, now in its third year, celebrates the capital's world-renowned cocktail culture.

There will be a host of shows; one-off pop up bars; classes for novices and experienced professionals; seminars and tastings. Plus, some of London's most exclusive members bars will be throwing open their doors to the public.

Distillers and blenders from all spirit brands will be sharing their knowledge and talking about their products.

The Whisky Show

The Whisky Show was founded by The Whisky Exchange (TWE) and GW Publishing in November 2009, and has previously run three highly successful events.

Last year's sell-out event saw 1,000 guests attend over two days and runs alongside London Cocktail Week.

Hosted at Vinopolis, adjacent to London's famous Borough Market, this is an ideal venue for an event of this nature.

The show will feature master classes, Dream Dram whisky swap, food and whisky pairings as well as an enormous amount of fine and rare spirits to taste and purchase.
www.whisky-show.com