Ian Burrell aims for world’s largest rum tasting record
Ron Santiago de Cuba and Ian Burrell will attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest rum tasting later this month.
Global rum ambassador Burrell and Diageo-backed Cuban rum Ron Santiago de Cuba will host what they hope will be the world’s biggest rum tasting, in west London.
The tasting will take place at the London Suite (formerly known as the ILEC Conference Centre) at 5pm BST on Thursday 17 July.
The event seeks to take hundreds of attendees through five rums from the Cuban rum brand’s range: Carta Blanca, Añejo 8 Year Old, Extra Añejo 11 Year Old, Extra Añejo 12 Year Old and 20 Year Old Extra Añejo Gran Reserva.
Guests will also enjoy a Daiquiri made with the 11-year-old rum.
It’s not the first time Burrell has attempted to set the world record for the largest rum tasting. In 2014, he secured the Guinness World Record with approximately 600 participants, but this was surpassed a year later.
The previous record for the world’s biggest rum tasting was achieved in 2015 by Fabrica de Licores y Alcoholes de Antioquia at Plaza Mayor Medellín in Colombia, which involved 786 participants.
Burrell, who also owns the UK’s RumFest, said: “My life’s work is to bring this unique and versatile spirit to the masses, one sip at a time.
“So, what better way to spread the rum love than to join forces with Ron Santiago de Cuba to bring home the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest rum tasting – Cuban style.”
Drinkers who are interested in taking part in the event can purchase a ticket to the tasting for £15 from Ticket Source.
The tasting will coincide with Ron Santiago’s fourth annual Daiquiri Week (11-20 July 2025), with International Daiquiri Day falling on the Saturday.
As part of the week-long celebration, the rum brand will partner with several leading bars to create their unique takes on the classic cocktail, as well as an array of Cuban-inspired Daiquiri experiences and events throughout July.
According to IWSR data cited by Ron Santiago de Cuba, the value of premium rum is expected to rise by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2% between 2023 and 2028, and by 3% for super-premium rum, outpacing global rum at a CAGR increase of 1% by 2028.
This year’s UK RumFest will be held from 11-13 October.
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