RumFest returns with new Spiced Rum Show

London-based RumFest, the event founded by rum expert Ian Burrell, will be held in person this year, with the addition of a separate show dedicated entirely to spiced rum.

Following 2020’s mostly virtual event, RumFest will take place on 15-17 October at the ILEC Conference Centre in west London. Its organisers expect to welcome more than 3,000 people across the three days.

The first day (15 October) will be trade exclusive, providing the opportunity to sample new and rare rums, network and attend educational talks.

On 16 October, RumFest Live will open to consumers, hosting demonstrations, tastings and talks from distillers and blenders, as well as live music, dancing and food. That same day, RumFest Online will also offer with a line-up of digital events for those who are not able to attend in person.

Finally, on 17 October, the festival will hold its first Spiced Rum Show.

“Spiced rum is the new gin, and with so many new brands being offered to the UK public I felt that it was time for the spiced and flavoured part of the rum category to have its own separate show,” Burrell told The Spirits Business.

“Also with the rise in premium mixers made to pair with spiced rums, we wanted to give a platform for the ‘spiced rum Highballs’ that are becoming popular in our bars and homes around the country.”

This year, the entire event will continue its strong focus on premium rums, Burrell said.

“Over the last 15 years, the UK RumFest has been the leading rum festival in showcasing premium rums so although we were predominantly virtual last year with the restrictions, this year has seen an amazing amount of response from brands focusing on their premium offerings,” he explained.

“We have some of the world’s biggest brands showcasing their new premium expressions as well a few new boutique and craft rums too.”

Consumer tickets for RumFest Live are available from rumfest.co.uk for £30, with ‘Golden Tot’ tokens – redeemed for samples of particularly high-end rums – available to purchase for £5 each.

London Rum Week makes a comeback

RumFest will once again serve as the culmination of London Rum Week (11-17 October).

Throughout the week, partner bars and restaurants across the city will host consumer events, including special menus, cocktails, pop-ups and supper clubs.

Meanwhile, Burrell and other rum educators will run exclusive trade events featuring new, old and rare rums, as well as in-depth tutoring sessions with master blenders and master distillers.

The full line-up of events can be found at londonrumweek.com.