Kokova Magazine

UK RumFest have announced news of their official After Party and the return of the fourth annual Global Rum Barrel Awards.

Taking place on Saturday 12th October at London's exclusive May Fair Hotel, the evening will be filled with rum cocktails and canapés and a chance to witness the industry's best blends and individuals awarded for their significant contribution to the rum industry over the last year.

Returning for a fourth year, the Golden Rum Barrel Awards recognises exquisite, stand-out rums and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the rum industry over the last year. Winners will be carefully selected by Global Rum Ambassador, Ian Burrell and a panel of experts, with a special RumRatings Award for Best Rum at UK RumFest voted for by the public at the RumRatings website.

The awards form part of UK RumFest's intimate after party, where the public and trade professionals can keep the rum flowing with Havana Club and Don Q serving up delicious cocktails, mouth-watering canapés will be offered for all helping to soak up the rum fuelled day and music played out at the stunning five star May Fair Hotel, within the heart of London.

Doors are 8pm - 12am and tickets are priced at just £35 and will be available from the UK RumFest box office at London's ExCeL from 12 noon on Saturday 12th October 2013.

This year's Golden Rum Barrel Awards takes on a new exciting turn opening its doors to a wider and wanting audience who will witness awards given to those making huge waves the industry. We have carefully selected individuals and brands who are at the top of their game and work endlessly to promote their rum brand. It also happens to be the perfect way to continue the party on after Saturday RumFest celebrations.

Ian Burrell, Global Rum Ambassador

The after party and awards ceremony coincide with the highly anticipated UK RumFest and the biggest weekend in the rum calendar.

Returning to the UK's capital this October, the world famous UK RumFest takes place on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October 2013 - taking each visitor on a voyage of rum discovery at London's ExCeL Exhibition Centre.

The seventh annual UK RumFest showcases over 400 of the rarest and most exquisite rums from across the globe, as well as cocktail demonstrations, intimate seminars and masterclasses hosted by industry aficionados.

The delectable Tropical Food Market will feature mouthwatering food from all over the world, plus live music and main stage presentations creating an incredible two days of rum infused fun.

This year UK RumFest presents for the first time the Connoisseur's Cove area giving the discerning drinker the opportunity to delve further into rum's rich culture and sip, savour and discover some of the rarest rums on the market. Limited tickets are available with standard tickets priced at £25 plus booking fee or the Connoisseur's Cove tickets priced at £45 plus booking fee, all available with more information from the UK RumFest website www.rumfest.co.uk

2013 GOLDEN RUM BARREL AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED - UPDATE (16/10/13):

Boutique Rum of the Year sponsored Imbibe Magazine
Virgin Gorda Rum

?Rum Distillery of the Year
Destilerias Unidas S.A. (Venezuela)

Master Blender of the Year sponsored by Green Engineering
Tito Cordero

Rum Blogger of the Year sponsored by Don Q Rum
A Mountain Of Crushed Ice

Rum Experience Hall of Fame Award
Lorena Vásquez Ampié
Jose Sanchez Gavito
Laurie Barnard
Richard Seale
Francisco Don Pancho Fernandez

"This year's Golden Rum Barrel Awards plays tribute to the pioneers within the the industry whether blend or being. Rums rising popularity throughout the world can be attributed to many of these esteemed individuals or brands and we are thrilled to announce such an incredible range of distillers, master blenders, ambassadors and rum blends from all over the world."

Ian Burrell, Global Rum Ambassador