Post #696275 by AdOrAdam on Mon, Oct 14, 2013 5:59 AM

Overall I'd rate Rumfest as... Ok.

There were a lot of stalls, no real surprising rums - some stalls were conspicuously absent (ie like them or not 'the big boys' - Bacardi, Havana Club, Appletons, Angostura, Sailor Jerrys) but there wasn't a vibe the show was to promote the smaller producers (ie Mount Gay, Kracken, Wray & Nephew were there). Some people were only showing part of their range (eg Plantation just providing samples of Bajan 5 year or dark) & selling cocktails.

Disappointingly only 1 agricole stand that I spotted - Saint Aubins sharing a stand with Green Island I think.

I sampled about 7/8 rums (some for the 2nd time to confirm if they were worthwhile future purchases & others as they were the next 'step up' in the portfolio eg Zacapa XO).

I met Andy Abrahams (a down to earth Scottish guy who reviews rums on YouTube). I spoke to Roberto Seralles (founding family member I think) of Don Q who was a gent & happy to take a little time to chat as I was interested.

I took master classes from Martin Cate (Smugglers Cove) & Appletons. It would have been handy to know the days the different masterclasses were on prior to booking tickets as I think I definitely got the better day.

The Martin Cate one was interesting & quite general - it attracted a range of customers some of who didn't know much about tiki. Martin was a stand up guy & answered the general questions (& my more specific / geeky ones).

The Appletons talk included a tasting of unaged column still, unaged pot still, aged column still, aged pot still, VX, Reserve, Extra & 21 year. Interesting but it got a bit rowdy (as some people polished off all the samples quickly). Got in some good questions, apparently they water down to 20% when doing blenders tasting. I actually helped the promotional guys set up the room as it was straight after Martin Cate's talk, I was kindly given a big pour of 21 year during the masterclass :)

Both classes ran late, maybe I should have only taken one master class to have a bit more time in the arena. But then I'd have missed out so I was happy with what I did.

The actual arena was a bit off putting IMO - a lot of people swamping the stalls & hollering. The connisuers cove was like an arena part 2, better brands but not much discussion about the quality of the rums or better service.

Plenty of free flyers, bar mats - low on stuff you'd actually want (if you know what I mean). Interesting Barbados tourist stall in the corner with a 'display only' cabinet containing every Barbados rum I've ever seen & more. Plantation were selling tiki mugs tho, I got one :)

Bottles of rum were for sale from Whisky Exchange in the hall & hats off to them, they didn't charge anything over their online prices (which I didn't expect) They had everything in the show, which I'll note for next year & splurge.

I'd go again & def buy the more expensive ticket (the connisuers cove was about half the arena) but I'd adjust my expectations after this years event.

Cheers all!