Marigot Bay Bar & Cafe

*Press Release*

New Caribbean Inspired Bar and Café to Open in South Manchester

#BeInspired
A new Caribbean inspired venue is to open within King’s Court of Altrincham, South Manchester on July 20th, 2018. Dave Marsland of Drinks Enthusiast Ltd has chosen the attractive leisure and office complex of King’s Court and its secluded courtyard off one of the main streets of the Cheshire town as the home of his first bar and café. Marigot Bay Bar & Café, named after Marigot Bay of St Lucia in the Caribbean, is the creation of several years of inspiration and experiences, finally coming together to offer South Manchester a bar and café that takes you through the many tropical islands via chilled island beers, tropical cocktails and some of the finest Caribbean coffee and cocoa available.
With the walls adorned with memorabilia picked up from Dave’s travels to the Caribbean, including Marigot Bay itself, Marigot Bay Bar & Café re-creates the tranquil, relaxing experience of the bay, located on the western coast of Saint Lucia and surrounded on three sides by steep, forested hills with the inland portion of the bay forming a hurricane hole used to shelter boats from hurricanes. It’s here that it’s famous for its calming waters and palm tree-lined beaches that offer a quiet escape from the hustle of city life. It’s this that Dave has re-created, meaning low ambient and traditional Caribbean radio, a focus on traditional drink serves and attentive table service.
Marigot Bay Bar & Café has a capacity of 30 seating, with a first-come-first-serve policy during its hours of operation. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, Marigot Bay Bar & Café focuses on Caribbean origins, including a selection of beers such as Banks of Barbados and Carib of Trinidad and Tobago, coffee sourced from the famous Blue Mountain region of Jamaica and a selection of rum and rhums from across the Caribbean islands, including Chairman’s Reserve of St Lucia, Foursquare of Barbados, Appleton Estate of Jamaica, Havana Club of Cuba and Rhum Clément of Martinique.
There’s also a focus on the traditional rum serves found on the islands themselves, including the Pusser’s Painkiller, known as the “Official Cocktail of the British Virgin Islands”, Havana Club’s original Cuban Mojito and Gosling’s Black Seal, the tempest in Bermuda’s favourite cocktail the Dark ‘n Stormy. The menu is coupled with a selection of non-rum favourites that can be found on the bars across the Caribbean too, as well as mixers such as fresh coconut water and Ting, the sparkling Jamaican grapefruit juice.
Marigot Bay itself is a historic landmark, having been the site of several battles between the French and British navies, meaning a great opportunity to focus on some of the islands favourite rums that honour the naval history of St Lucia. Expressions from the recent released Admiral Rodney range will be available to experience in special guided tutorials that focus on the aromas and flavour perception of each.
With tribute to Meimi Sanchez, Global Brand Ambassador for Havana Club and her sensory masterclass technique, Marigot Bay Bar & Café has ruled out the usual live music element seen in most venues, instead opting for low-level background music from traditional Caribbean radio stations, producing a calmer experience for all customers and releasing optimum emotions when enjoying a tipple of choice.
Opening Hours;
Wednesday-Friday from 5pm to late and from 12noon to late on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Address; Marigot Bay Bar & Café, 6 King’s Court, Railway Street, Altrincham, WA142RD
Dave himself has over a decade of experience within the drinks industry, creating brand agency Drinks Enthusiast in 2011, Manchester Rum Festival in 2017, Bassano Bar @ PizzaExpress in 2017, co-owner of spirits retail business Riddles Emporium in Altrincham and a national social media and publication presence as a drinks journalist.
*End*
Even better for me is the fact that its actually opening somewhere not too far away from me so I for one will be sure to visit!
© Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, both written and photographic without the express and written permission from this blog/sites author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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Reading’s Milk Bar Named Winners Of The Chairman’s Reserve Mai Tai Campaign

*Press Release*

Reading’s Milk Bar Named Winners Of The Chairman’s Reserve Mai Tai Campaign

Spirits innovator Emporia Brands and award-winning Chairman’s Reserve rum of St Lucia Distillers, are proud to announce the winning venue for the 2017 Chairman’s Reserve Mai Tai campaign.

Milk Bar from Reading were announced on Tuesday 26th September winners at The Magic Roundabout, one of London iconic pop-up sites. The final saw five venues from across the UK recreate their Chairman’s Mai Tai’s to the public and VIP judges, hoping to win a trip for two to St Lucia as part of the prestige Chairman’s XI programme.

Joining Milk at the final were last year’s winners Alvino’s of Newcastle upon Tyne, Colonel Porter’s, also of Newcastle upon Tyne, Ten Mill Lane from Cardiff and wild card entry of Panda & Sons from Edinburgh.

With a secret panel of judges on hand to test out each cocktail, Milk were deemed worthy winners for 2017 and earnt their place on the plane to St Lucia.

Winning Recipe (pictured above)

Pearl of the Caribbean

35ml Chairman’s Reserve Spiced

20ml Chairman’s Reserve Gold

15ml fresh lime juice

35ml milk shrub no.2*

3 dash angostura bitters

Shake and strain over crushed ice in up-cycled food tin. Garnish with a thyme sprig, dehydrated lime and desiccated coconut.

*Shrub Recipe

200ml caster sugar

175ml cold water

Whole fig, in 8ths

2 big lime peels

50ml crushed almonds

25ml chairman spiced

15ml orange flower water

50ml red wine vinegar

Method –

Bring sugar and water to boil, dissolve sugar fully. Add figs and lime peel and simmer for 5 min. Remove from heat and add crushed almonds. Bring back to boil and simmer for 2 min. Add Chairman’s and orange flower water. Simmer for 1 min. Add red wine vinegar. Simmer for 1 min, let cool slightly and filter through coffee filter

*End*

© Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, both written and photographic without the express and written permission from this blog/sites author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

Rumfests 10th Anniversary is a Sell Out Success

*Press Release*

RumFest 2016

SELL OUT SUCCESS FOR RUMFEST 10

THOUSANDS OF RUM LOVERS JOIN THE UK’S LEADING RUM FESTIVAL FOR TASTINGS, MASTERCLASSES & 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd October 2016 
London’s ILEC, Earl’s Court

rumfest.co.uk

rumfest-2016-photo

Levi Roots with RumFest founder Ian Burrell at RumFest 2016

Thousands descended on London’s ILEC over the weekend for a very special edition of RumFest. Celebrating a decade of championing rum culture in the UK, organisers pulled out all the stops to mark the milestone with hundreds of rums from around the world and special guests including Levi Roots and Beach Bum Berry. Tastings, masterclasses and seminars gave an incredible insight into the world of rum for both newcomers and aficionados across the weekend, with the spirit of the culture brought to life with live music and RumFest’s renowned Carnival Hour. 2016 also saw the return of The Rum Auction raising over £4,000 for charity. Full details of the event can be found via The RumFest website.

Over 400 rums were on offer at this year’s RumFest, presented by distillers and blenders from all corners of the globe and all available to sip, savour, buy and take home. Well-known brands like Bacardi, St Nicholas Abbey, Diplomatico and Mount Gay showcased some of their lesser known gems while ticket-holders were given the chance to discover and sample newcomers like Cornwall’s own Dead Man’s Fingers and India’s Wild Tiger. Golden Tot tokens made a welcome return to give the more discerning drinker access to ultra-premium and rare rums, some of which retail for over £200 a bottle.

Those looking to heighten their knowledge of one of the most exciting spirits in the world, took part in intimate seminars and masterclasses over the weekend. Diplamatico presented some its newest releases and Mount Gay‘s master blender Allen Smith gave an exclusive UK first tasting of its limited edition pure pot still and column distillate rums. Sam Smallman of Rococo chocolates delved into Rum and Chocolate pairings in his third year at the festival, while newcomers were taught about rum tasting notes and vocabulary by Kim Lahiri to discover the key aromas in their favourite tipple.

On the main stage Saturday, RumFest founder Ian Burrell was on hand to take guests and bidders through rums on offer a the Rum Auction and a grand total of £4,000 was raised and all to donate to Max’s Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping detection of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other heart conditions in pre-adolescent children. Celebrity chef Hasan De Four made a RumFest return and cooked up a storm to demonstrate how to get rum in the kitchen, while Jeff ‘Beachbum’ Berry told the story of the founding father of Tiki, Don the beachcomber. Sunday’s main stage hosted a takeover of the famous Levi Roots as he showcased a tasting of his new restaurant Levi’s Caribbean Smokehouse. The revered master blender Joy Spence was interviewed by Ian Burrell with a tasting of Appleton Estate rums and bartenders competed for a trip to Barbados in the fierce Doorly’s Rum Competition.

Kicking off the rum-fuelled weekend on the Friday, the trade-only Boutique RumFest returned for a seventh year providing a platform for the industry’s newcomers and independent brands. Rum wholesalers, distributors, buyers, bar professionals and importers congregated from as far afield as Panama and Japan, presenting the perfect opportunity to sample the next big thing.

Ian Burrell, Global Rum Ambassador and RumFest founder says, “We could never have predicted how successful RumFest would become when we started out all those years ago and what a ride its been. It’s great to see so many old faces back to join us in celebrating rum culture but also the new comers who are getting to know the spirit properly for the very first time. A huge thanks to the brands, blenders, ambassadors, speakers and rum lovers who came over the weekend, here’s to the next 10 years!”

*End*

We were fortunate enough to attend and personally think that it was one of the best years in terms of seminars and sheer variety of rums available. Something to suit everyone and with the addition this year of a Velier stand……it was pretty much heaven spread over a weekend. Our own write-up of the events from Friday morning until Sunday evening will follow once we’ve come down from the high of the weekend.

© Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog 2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, both written and photographic without the express and written permission from this blog/sites author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

RumFest Announces 10th Anniversary Event

*Press Release*RumFest 2016

RUMFEST CELEBRATES NATIONAL RUM DAY & ANNOUNCES 10TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR THE UK’S LARGEST CELEBRATION OF RUM CULTURE

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd October 2016 
London’s ILEC, Earl’s Court

rumfest.co.uk

RumFest Carnival Hour 2015

With the arrival of National Rum Day today, RumFest announces its return to the capital for the nation’s biggest celebration of rum and rum culture. Pulling out all the stops for an impressive 10th anniversary year, the event will host a myriad of rum-related offerings with the spirit’s leading brands and aficionados all jam-packed into two days at London’s ILEC, 22nd-23rd October. Over 400 rums will be available for ticket-holders to sip, savour, try and buy to take home with RumFest’s Golden Tot tokens making a welcome return to give the more discerning drinker access to ultra-premium and rare rums, that would otherwise cost over £200 a bottle. The comprehensive programme will see rum tastings, in-depth seminars, The Rum Auction sponsored by Christie’s, incredible food and a party atmosphere to match, not to mention a new Sunday rum roast and special guests Levi Roots and Beach Bum Berry joining in on the celebrations. Tickets are now on sale from £39.50, including a VIP package priced from £69.50 which includes fast track entry, goodie bag and a three course Caribbean lunch. More information on tickets and the event can be found on the website via rumfest.co.uk.

Launched by Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell, RumFest has become the main event of the rum calendar and the event’s 10th outing is set to be its strongest yet as it invites the nation to delve into the world of rum.

Over 400 rums from around the world will be on offer, with a myriad of exhibitors including Diplomatico, Havana Club, Don Q, Bacardi, Mount Gay, Pussers, St. Nicholas Abbey, Richland Rum and many more.

Seminars and workshops take place across the two days where brands, ambassadors and leading industry figures give an in-depth insight into the world of rum including rum and food pairings and the making of rums. Top blenders, mixologists and distillers will be on hand to teach ticket-holders the art of cocktail making as well as more ways to enjoy their favourite tipple. Highlights include a rare rum seminar with Ian Burrell himself, an Aroma Academy, a sit down with award-winning master distiller Richard Seale, chocolate and rum pairing plus an exciting look into the world of rum with author Dave Broom. Head to the RumFest website to book seminars in advance from September.

This year RumFest are going big on Sunday. Reggae Reggae Sauce’s Levi Roots will be taking over the main stage and sharing some of his incredible cooking secrets and bringing his newly open Caribbean Smokehouse restaurant to RumFest. Sunday’s RumFest will also team up with Sandals Resorts to offer the chance for two lucky ticket-holders to win an incredible seven-day holiday to a Sandals Resort in the Caribbean to get even closer to rum’s roots. Rum & Roast will be introduced for Sunday ticket-holders, cooking up a Caribbean twist on the Sunday classic and VIPs will be treated to a roast option for their three course meal.

The Rum Auction sponsored by Christie’s returns to auction off yet more precious and rare rums for charity to the highest bidder while the action heats up with live stage demos showcasing rum pairings, cigar & rum pairing, cooking demos, cocktail competitions. On Saturday’s RumFest “the Indiana Jones of Tiki drinksBeach Bum Berry will delve into the art of Tiki cocktail making. Rounding off each day, rum-lovers will be invited to party with RumFest for its famous carnival hour, celebrating the spirit of rum with live bands and dancers.

RumFest Founder and Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell is the leading name in rum. Dedicating his life to promoting rum and rum culture around the world, over the years Burrell has been recognised with a number of industry awards as well as regularly appearing as a rum expert at events and on television shows like Sunday Brunch, the Alan Titchmarsh Show and more.

Speaking about the 10th year, Ian Burrell says, “When we launched 10 years ago we could never have imagined how successful RumFest would become. For us rum has always been a way of life and we’re thrilled to still be spreading the word and celebrating the spirit a decade on. We’ve got something for everyone this year with even more rums, tastings and talks as we hope to make RumFest 2016 one to remember for rum-lovers up and down the country.”

RumFest takes place in London at the ILEC, 22nd to 23rd October 2016. Standard day tickets are now on sale from £39.50, which includes access to all areas of the event and tastings from all exhibitors. VIP tickets are on sale from £69.50 and allow for early access of one hour ahead of standard ticket buyers along with a three course Caribbean lunch. 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. For full information on RumFest and to buy tickets head to rumfest.co.uk.

*End*

We’ll be there again and (not wanting to wish the next few months away) can’t wait, with highlights being the chance to see Jeff Berry in action! Again it looks like there is a whole host of fun planned! Roll on October.

© Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog 2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, both written and photographic without the express and written permission from this blog/sites author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

cropped-business-card-2016-front.jpg

Rum Lovers Assemble!

*Press Release*

rum experience no date

CALLING ALL RUM LOVERS!

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR RUMFEST
THE UK’S BIGGEST CELEBRATION OF RUM

Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th October 2015 
London’s ILEC, Earl’s Court

rumfest.co.uk

Ian BurrellRumFest is set to return to the capital this year, with its most comprehensive offering to date. Rum aficionados and newcomers are invited to immerse themselves in one of the world’s best-loved spirits with masterclasses, seminars, cocktail making and quality tastings. Over 400 of the rarest and most diverse rums in the market will be showcased at the event, which has become the one-stop resource for rum lovers up and down the country for the past nine years. The Golden Tot returns in 2015 providing access to the ultra-premium rum offerings and new private and intimate tastings will give discerning drinkers the chance to discover the rarest rums from around the world. The jam-packed programme will also feature cocktail making competitions, a Christie’s rum auction, incredible food and the party atmosphere of Carnival Hour. Tickets are now on sale from £49.95, including a new VIP package priced at £75 that allows for exclusive early entry, a two course Caribbean lunch and goody bag. Tickets and more information are available now from the RumFest website.

JET_2654CThe ninth annual RumFest is already on course for its best year yet, taking rum lovers on a voyage of discovery through the glorious world of rum. Launched by Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell, the The Rum Experience’s RumFest has become one of the biggest events on the rum calendar and caters for everyone who enjoys a tipple, from novices to fully fledged rum connoisseurs. 2015 will see RumFest soar to new heights thanks to a refined, rum-fuelled programme set to both educate and entertain. Whether a keen rum enthusiast, all-round spirit lover or new to the category, RumFest is the one-stop shop for all to embrace rum as a lifestyle choice.

A day ticket to RumFest gives attendees unrivaled access to try and buy over 400 different blends from around the world. Following the success of last year the Golden Tot tokens return. Available on the day for just £5, the Golden Tots open the doors to rum’s elite and allows the more serious rum enthusiast to try rums that usually retail for over £200 a bottle.

Seminars and workshops take place across the two days where brands, ambassadors and leading industry figures give an in-depth insight into the world of rum including rum and food pairing and the making of rums. Top blenders, mixologists and distillers will also be on hand to teach ticket holders the art of cocktail making as well as more ways to enjoy their favourite rums. In a new move for 2015 RumFest’s trade sister show Boutique RumFest will make an appearance across the two days, giving the rum super fan unprecedented access to selected rums with private tastings that have previously been reserved only for those who work in the industry.

JET_2281COther highlights for 2015 include the return of RumFest’s Auction in partnership with Christie’s auction house. A must see for this year, RumFest is hoping to smash last year’s grand total where over 20 precious and rare rum were sold off for charity. The RumFest’s famous food offering will deliver mouth-watering cuisine from exotic rum making locations and temperatures are set to rise with live stage demos showcasing rum pairings, cooking demos, cocktail competitions and more. Carnival Hour rounds off the RumFest experience each day in the ultimate party finale, featuring live bands and dancers that embrace the fun and social spirit of rum.

RumFest Founder and Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell is the leading name in rum. Dedicating his life to promoting rum and rum culture around the world, over the years Burrell has been recognised with a number of industry awards as well as regularly appearing as a rum expert at events and on television shows like Sunday Brunch, the Alan Titchmarsh Show and more.

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, 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.”

The RumFest takes place in London at the ILEC, 17th to 18th October 2015. Standard day tickets are now on sale at £49.95, which includes access to all areas of the event and tastings from all exhibitors. 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.

*End*

This years RumFest already sounds like its set to be quite a spectacle……we can’t wait! Keep checking these pages for further updates!

© Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, both written and photographic without the express and written permission from this blog/sites author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

RumFest and Boutique RumFest Return!

*Press Release*

BOUTIQUE RUMFEST WELCOMES RON TIBURON, LE DOM TOM, NINE LEAVES, PANAMONTE, PANAMA RED, JUAN SANTOS & RON ESCLAVO TO SIXTH ANNUAL EVENT

rum experience no date

FOUNDER & GLOBAL RUM AMBASSADOR IAN BURRELL ALSO UNVEILS 
THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE RUMFEST EVER

Boutique RumFest – Friday 16th October, 2015, 3PM-9PM
RumFest – Saturday 17th – 18th October, 2015, 12PM-6PM


London’s Earl’s Court, ILEC Conference Centre
rumfest.co.uk

Boutique RumFest, the UK’s leading trade event for new and independent rums and Cachaças, is back for its sixth year after overwhelming support last year on October 16th 2015 at the ILEC in London.  Boasting a mixture of first-look access to some of the most exciting new brands on the market and unmissable talks covering a wide range of issues affecting the industry, Boutique RumFest is the place for industry figures to stay ahead of the curve.  Already confirmed to appear at Boutique RumFest are Ron Tiburon, Le Dom Tom, Japanese distiller, bottler and distributor Nine Leaves and more. For consumers, RumFest has also confirmed its biggest programme to-date, featuring tastings with over 400 rums from around the world, masterclasses, brand experiences, seminars, along with entertainment and mouth-watering cuisine. Registration for those interested in attending Boutique RumFest is open now and can be submitted online here. Tickets for RumFest are on sale and priced at £49.95, available from the RumFest website.

RumfestFounded by Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell and The Rum ExperienceBoutique RumFest has gone from strength to strength each year thanks in part to the to the meteoric rise of the rum category and limited opportunities for young and independent brands to showcase their products to those that matter. The trade and press only event attracts wholesalers, distributors, buyers, bar professionals and importers from all over Europe to discover new and exciting rums from around the world. There will also be seminars on current topics such as the controversial levels of sugar that has recently been discovered in certain rums and whether brands should be made to disclose this information.

JET_2763CAlready confirmed for this year’s Boutique RumFest is premium Belizian rum brand Ron TiburonLe 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.

For rum-loving consumers, RumFest will be returning this year on the Saturday and Sunday after Boutique RumFest with extended opening times and a new VIP ticket option that allows for earlier entry, two course meal and special RumFest souvenirs. Now in its ninth year the world’s premier rum festival will showcase rums from around the world including over 400 of the rarest and most diverse available on the market. Following last year’s success the Golden Tot is back to give rum lovers the chance to try ultra-premium blends, some of which are not available to buy or drink anywhere else in the world. As well as exhibiting, brands will now have the opportunity to takeover intimate experience rooms to promote new releases and more to RumFest ticket holders. Sampling sessions will also allow small groups of discerning rum enthusiasts to sample handpicked rums from brands around the globe, guided by their representatives. Brands set to feature at RumFest this year include some old favourites and some exciting new additions, all to be announced soon. Better than ever RumFest is set to feature masterclasses, seminars, cocktail making and tastings for both rum newcomers and aficionados, along with the food, music and culture of one of the world’s best-loved spirits.

JET_3588CSpeaking about the return, Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell said: “Last year the new ILEC venue provided the perfect setting for rum lovers to delve deeper into the world of rum and we’re excited to be heading back there this year with an even more exciting programme. Expect undiscovered new rums from around the world at Boutique RumFest as well as discussions on key issues affecting the industry, while at RumFest we’ll be taking rum lovers on the UK’s biggest celebration of rum with masterclasses, talks, amazing food and of course – rum!”

Ian Burrell is proud to be bringing The Rum Experience University to RumFest for the second year and the 2015 programme and tickets will be announced soon.

Registration for The Boutique RumFest is now open for members of trade/press and form submissions can be found HERE. Exhibitors looking to get involved in the event can apply by emailing emma@rumfest.co.uk.

The RumFest takes place in London at the ILEC, 17th to 18th October 2015. Standard day tickets are now on sale at £49.95, which includes access to all areas of the event and tastings from all of the exhibitors. VIP tickets are on sale from £75 and allow for an extra hour at the event along with a two course Caribbean lunch and RumFest goodie bag.

*End*

Some really exciting brands on display this year it seems. We at Rum Diaries Blog are massively keen to get to try a good selection including the much fabled Nine Leaves Rum having had our eye on it for a while! We also can’t wait to see which guest speakers and seminars will be announced so keep an eye on these pages for further updates as and when we get them…..Maybe we’ll even get to attend the Rum University this year! Hopefully we’ll get to see you there!

© Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, both written and photographic without the express and written permission from this blog/sites author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Havana Club Unión Launch

HAVANA CLUB UNIÓN LAUNCH SEES CUBAN RUM AND CIGARS PAIRED IN WORLD ‘FIRST’

Havana Club Union*Press Release*

Havana Club, the leading rum in the super-premium category, has announced the launch of Havana Club Unión, the first-ever rum made to perfectly match a Cuban cigar, the Cohiba Siglo VI. The new expression is the latest prestige product in the Havana Club Icónica Collection and will appeal to rum and cigar connoisseurs seeking to experience true Cuban culture.

Havana Club Unión joins two of the world’s most revered luxuries (Cuban rum and cigars) and their shared heritage and provenance. The launch marks a collaboration between two of the industries’ most passionate characters, Havana Club’s Maestro Ronero, Asbel Morales, and Cuba’s most renowned Cigar sommelier, Fernando Fernández. Together they have crafted the perfect blend of Cuban heritage, tradition and know-how. Asbel Morales has been inspired by the process of how tobacco leaves are aged, blended and matured, to create Havana Club Unión. By selecting small batches of rare rums that have been repeatedly aged and blended, Morales has created a prestige rum that beautifully marries the smooth and powerful flavour of the classic Cohiba Siglo VI cigar.

Havana Club Union BottleA premium cedar wooden box houses the expression, and features the logos of Havana Club and Cohiba together in an elegant combination of black and gold colours, bringing the luxury character of the expression to life. The bottle’s clean and round design is in line with the distinct shape of Havana Club’s award-winning Icónica Collection, which includes the brand’s most prestigious rums; Havana Club Selección de Maestros, Havana Club Añejo 15 Años and Havana Club Máximo Extra Añejo.

Jérôme Cottin-Bizzone, Managing Director of Havana Club International, comments: “This is a very exciting time for the ultra-premium rum category, and the launch of Havana Club Unión helps strengthen our position in the category.  Our Icónica Collection is now even more appealing, and we’re confident that consumers looking for quality extra-aged drinks with great authenticity will be drawn to Havana Club Unión”.

Asbel Morales, Maestro Ronero for Havana Club, comments: “Havana Club Unión and Cohiba cigars represent distinguished expressions from the same soil and authentic tradition; their shared origins and rich heritage make them natural partners. It was an honour to collaborate with Cigar Sommelier Fernando Fernández to create this prestige rum, which presents notes of sweet vanilla, chocolate and dried fruit flavours”.

Havana Club Unión has a 40% ABV and is a permanent addition to the brand’s Icónica Collection. The expression will be available in more than 15 countries, including Cuba, China, Peru, Germany and Mexico.

As the likelihood of us getting to try this Rum is pretty non-existent, we have included the producers official tasting notes below:

Tasting Notes:

Colour: Havana Club Unión distinguishes itself by an impressively deep amber glow as testimony to its long natural aging.

Nose: The rich aroma of the liquid balances oak and smoke with subtle tones of citrus, coconut, dried fruits and coffee.

Palate: Softly woody on the palate, Havana Club Unión is accented with sweet vanilla, chocolate and dried fruit flavours.

Finish: Rich and aromatic.

Perfect serve: Havana Club Union is best enjoyed by rum connoisseurs as a slow-sipping rum, neat or on the rocks. For the ultimate tasting experience, it is best paired with a Cohiba Siglo VI cigar.  

*End*    

The presentation looks wonderful and the pairing combination sounds like it will provide a great experience. We are big fans of Havana Club at Rum Diaries Blog and if miracles do indeed happen and we get to try this wonderful sounding Rum, and even the Rum and Cigar pairing experience, we’ll be sure to post our findings here!

© Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, both written and photographic without the express and written permission from this blog/sites author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Boutique RumFest 2014

*Press Release*

BOUTIQUE RUMFEST RETURNS INVITING INDUSTRY EXPERTS TO A VERY SPECIAL AFTERNOON & EVENING OF EXCLUSIVE RUM TASTINGS & TALKS

rum experience no date

Featuring a host of new rum distilleries and suppliers including Tres Hombres, Duppy Share and Dos Maderas

Friday 10th October, 2014, 3PM-9PM
*New venue – London’s Earl’s Court, ILEC Conference Centre*
rumfest.co.uk

JET_3518CReturning to RumFest for its fifth consecutive year, The Boutique RumFest in association with the Cork Supply company will take place Friday October 10th at London’s ILEC Centre welcoming a host of independent rum brands, importers and distilleries from across the globe. Celebrating the newly emerged distilleries and offering a platform to showcase their product, the Boutique RumFest is an exclusive trade and press only event and has quickly become THE place to discover fresh and exciting rums before anybody else. This year’s event will also host for the first time a series of specialist rum forums that will lead discussions on ‘So you want to import a rum brand?’ hosted by The Cocktail Lovers and the hot topic debate on premiumisation within the category with  ‘What makes a rum premium?’ hosted by rum aficionado and owner of the award winning Smuggler’s Cove, Martin Cate. Registration for those interested in attending is open now and can be submitted online here and successful applicants will be confirmed by Friday 26th September 2014.

JET_3588CThanks to the increasing popularity of specialist rum production, the Boutique RumFest in association with the Cork Supply company has become the UK’s leading event to showcase new, independent rum distilleries from around the world. Founded by Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell, Friday’s event will open its doors exclusively to members of the press and trade and will provide an invaluable experience for distributors, buyers, rum aficionados, key industry figures and rum producers alike, acting as a platform to help newly formed distilleries develop within the industry and opportunity to meet the brands for the very first time.

JET_2281CHosting a wide selection of rums from every corner of the globe, from Mexico’s Izapa Rum to Centenario from the central American’s country, Costa Rica. Far afield Indian-based Amrut distillery will be showcasing their Old Port Deluxe rum, which recently received a gold medal in the International Review of Spirit Awards, while the highly collectable Tres Hombres will also be present at the event. Family run American Koval will be showcasing their rum for the very first time in the UK from their completely organic distillery, while the newly formed Duppy Share will offer samples of their golden oak-aged Caribbean rum from the islands of Jamaica and Barbados. The championed Dos Maderas rum from Spain that combines Caribbean and Hispanic heritages to create a very unique rum will also be showcased plus the Fiji Rum Company amongst many other exciting new brands to discover at this year’s Boutique RumFest.

JET_3410CExpanding Boutique RumFest’s offering even further, there will also be an opportunity to engage with key industry figures in dedicated forums. Special guest, the award winning and first-ever female master blender, Joy Spence will be attending amongst other key experts across the drinks trade offering valuable insight into a range of key topics that are extremely prominent within the industry. The Cocktail Lovers will host an engaging discussion titled ‘So you want to import a rum brand?’, while the hot topic around the premiumisation of rums will be hosted by Martin Cate, rum aficionado and owner of one of the world’s top rum bars, Smuggler’s Cove. Additional forums will be announced soon.

JET_2561CThe Cocktail Lovers comment, “We are thrilled to be working with Ian on this exciting new addition to The Rum Experience, it promises to be both informative and entertaining and a don’t miss for anyone who wants to know more about the ins and outs of importing rum.”

The finale to Boutique RumFest will be a VIP invite-only launch party on the Friday evening, providing the perfect opportunity to sip rums and meet fellow industry insiders and a precursor the Saturday and Sunday of The RumFest.

Registration for The Boutique RumFest is now open for members of trade/press, form submissions can be found HERE. The RumFest takes place in London at the ILEC on Friday 10th to Sunday 12th October 2014. Standard tickets are now on sale at £49.95, which includes access to all areas of the the event and single measure tastings from the majority of exhibitors. The brand new Golden Tot Tokens are £5 each and allow for additional tasting of the rarest, most expensive and premium rums on offer. One token can be exchanged for rum retailing £80 – £100 and more expensive rums will be available for additional tokens.

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I don’t think that any of you good folks reading this post need any further encouragement to either register for the Boutique RumFest or to buy your tickets to the main event. Rum and fun are guaranteed, plus there is the chance to meet and talk to so many industry greats and all round legends such as Ian Burrell and Martin Cate……MARTIN CATE!!!…..you may even see me wandering around…..

© Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, both written and photographic without the express and written permission from this blog/sites author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

St Lucia Distillers Win at the ISC 2014

*Press Release*

St Lucia 1931 2nd ReleaseSt Lucia Distillers won the Trophy for ‘Best Rum’ at the International Spirits Challenge in London this week for the fourth time in the last six years. The winning rum this year was their ‘1931’ Second Edition Rum which celebrates over 80 years of distilling fine rums on the island of St Lucia and which is newly blended each year.

This follows previous ‘Best Rum’ ISC Trophy wins for St Lucia Distillers for their Admiral Rodney Extra Old Limited Edition Rum in 2009, their Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum in 2010 and their Chairman’s Reserve Finest Rum in 2013.

The casks selected for the ‘1931’ Second Edition were put down in 2004, 2005 and 2006. These included casks containing 100% Coffey still distillates matured in a combination of American white oak casks and Port casks. In addition they selected casks with 100% pot still and 50/50 blends of pot and Coffey still rums, aged in American white oak. The blend was then assembled and put back into American white oak casks for a further three months to marry before bottling. The ‘1931’ Second Edition rum was first released in 2012.

St Lucia Distillers ‘1931’ Second Edition is available from Master of Malt

I’m partial to most rums that St Lucia Distillers have released as I own the Chairman’s Reserve range, Admiral Rodney and also the ‘1931’ First Edition. If I ever obtain the ‘1931’ Second Edition, I’ll be sure to let you know how it tastes.

Award Collection

The picture above shows (from left to right): Ian Wisniewski, Judge at the ISC, Josiah Regis receiving the ISC Trophy for ‘Best Rum’ 2014 on behalf of St Lucia Distillers and John West of UK importer Emporia Brands Ltd with Justin Smith, Publisher, Drinks International.

© Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, both written and photographic without the express and written permission from this blog/sites author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Steven James and Rum Diaries Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.