RumFest 2018 Is Coming

This weekend will see thousands of rum loving fans descend upon West London to celebrate one of the nation’s fastest growing spirits – RUM!.

RumFest is back for its 12th year at the ILEC Convention Centre, where rum lovers can sample from over 400 rums from around the world.

For those that have never heard us talk about RumFest, its the world’s premier festival of rum with an abundance of tastings, masterclasses and delicious food all under one roof, or as we like to call it – Heaven!

Taking place 20th-21st October, over 400 world-class rum brands, mixologists, master blenders and specialists will jet in from around the world, to celebrate their passion for all things rum, taking visitors on a rum pilgrimage to explore the exquisite and unique.

We have been lucky enough to be follow the RumFest journey since 2008 (couldn’t make it in 2007) and met some great people, drank some great rum and learnt so much along the way.

In addition to all the great rum Ian Burrell, renowned Global Rum Ambassador and RumFest Founder, will be leading a one-off tasting on the Saturday and Sunday, showcasing five rare and expensive rums with a combined retail value of £1500 – that is A LOT of molasses.

Tickets for all masterclasses (except those stated) are included within the entry ticket, however, places are limited and must to be booked in advance, so if you see one you like, get yourself down for one.

Sponsoring the main stage this year is London’s newest tropical escape bar Laki Kane. Co-founded by award-winning mixologist Georgi Radev, the bar produces innovative cocktails and is the first bar in the world to make all syrups in-house without using refined sugars. Using the finest rums, sugar cane syrups and a hand-picked selection of rare and exotic ingredients, Laki Kane will be showcasing their mixology expertise.

Speaking about this year’s events, founder and Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell;

“RumFest is a fantastic chance to get the inside track on the next big thing in rum as well as try some hidden gems on the market. Last year proved once again that this is THE event for anyone in the business of rum, with the worlds best brands, master blenders, distilleries and aficionados from across the globe. 2018 promises to raise the bar again with a few more surprises!”

You could easily spend all day in the masterclasses which include tutored rum and cocktail tasting by spirit experts.

Saturday Masterclasses:
– Angostura
– La Hechicera
– Velier Masterclasses with Luca Gargano
– Canadian Rums
– Appleton Rum
– Flor de Caña

Sunday Masterclasses:
– Real McCoy
– Foursquare class with Richard Seale
– Appleton Rum
– Velier Masterclasses

For rum connoisseurs who want to try something extra special, the RumFest Golden Tot Tokens will give you the opportunity to taste limited edition and premium rums, retailing from £80-250. Last time we went we were lucky enough to try the Havana Club Maximo which retails for around £1,200 as well as the Diplomatico Single Vintage which were both absolutely delicious.

If that wasn’t enough, Saturday guests will be able to place their bids at the Rum Auction, with premium rums priced from £500 – £2000. There will also be a host of chef demos throughout the weekend from Shivi Ramoutar, The Modern Caribbean Chef & Hassan de Four.

RumFest tickets are now on sale from £49.50 per day, which includes tastings of over 400 rums, masterclasses and seminars (except those stated) and a rum experience tasting glass. For full information on RumFest and to buy tickets, head to rumfest.co.uk.

IMPORTANT INFO: This year tickets will not be available for sale on the door so make sure you book up in advance.

We’ll be bringing you our top picks if you can’t make it get us in your social media timeline for updates throughout the weekend.