Chicago Rum Fest reveals seminar schedule

The eighth Chicago Rum Fest will return to the Logan Square Auditorium next weekend with a programme of tastings and seminars.

Due to be held on 20 April, the annual event will welcome rum brands from across the world, offering tastings and seminars to attendees.

Organiser The Rum Lab said the state of Illinois is one of the largest rum consumer markets in the US.

Among the participating brands are Shakara, Camikara, Santa Teresa, Renegade, Bacardi, Black Tot Rum, Monkymusk, Hampden Estate, Bounty Rum, Saint James, Worthy Park and Chairman’s Reserve.

The programme of seminars includes a 2.45pm session on ‘Transcontinental Ageing’, which explores how climate, barrel types and extensive travel are challenges for rum producers in creating distinctive flavour profiles.

Meanwhile, the importance of Puerto Rican rum to the spirits sector will be explored in a masterclass at 3.45pm.

The ‘Le Décollage – Cane Rules Everything Around Me’ session at 4.45pm will look at centuries-old styles of cane spirits.

Haitian rum will also be put into the spotlight in a seminar at 5.45pm.

The festival is split into four sessions: VIP Rum Experts, VIP Enthusiastic, trade and Rum Aficionados general admission.

The VIP Rum Experts session (1.30pm-7pm) provides two-hour early access to the event, a tasting cup and access to two VIP seminars. The VIP Enthusiastic ticket includes entry to one VIP seminar and a tasting cup, as well as early access to the event at 3pm.

The trade session will be held from 2pm to 3.30pm and includes entry to trade-focused seminars.

General admission provides entry to visitors from 4pm to 7pm.

The Rum Lab holds festivals in Miami, Dallas, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco annually.