Ian Burrell launches first Mauritian rum festival

The first Mauritius Rum Festival will take place this month following a bid by local promoters and rum ambassador Ian Burrell to enhance the presence of Mauritius in the global rum market.

Running from 23-24 August at the Sugar Beach Hotel in Flic en Flac on the west coast of the Mauritius, the event will promote locally manufactured rum to tourists and members of the local community.

Burrell, founder of The Rum Experience and UK RumFest, and local promoters Enterprise Mauritius have organised two days of blind tastings, exclusive lectures, bartender competitions and visits to the region’s top distilleries.

Day one will present the Rum Fair where industry figures, press and politicians will listen to presentations from sector experts, such as Robert Burr, as well as partake in blind tasting competitions and master classes run by Burrell.

An exhibition of local rum manufacturers will also be held with a cocktail dinner and award presentation for Best Bartender and Best Rum set to take place in the evening.

Day two will see festival doors opened to members of the public and both tourists and locals will be invited to the Rum Fiesta where local manufacturers will again be showcasing their products. Visitors will also have the opportunity to attend a lecture and cocktail demonstration by Burrell.

The festival marks Burrell’s fifth stop in his 777 World Tour that will see him visit seven continents in seven months with 777 cocktails.

A spokesperson from Enterprise Mauritius said: “Mauritius has a long and diverse history of rum, however the industry has blossomed in recent years with the emergence of world-class distilleries and producers.

“We feel privileged to have the Global Rum ambassador in our midst in our paradise island. His visit to Mauritius and his enthusiasm will help us bring rum to the front stage by planting the interest and passion about rum in the young generation of bartenders.”

Burrell recently also announced the launch of the world’s first Rum University, designed to give bartenders and enthusiasts a “quality rum education”.