Tiki Central / General Tiki / The Tiki Times: News and events calendar
Post #762397 by Hurricane Hayward on Thu, Apr 14, 2016 11:32 AM
|
HH
Hurricane Hayward
Posted
posted
on
Thu, Apr 14, 2016 11:32 AM
The latest post ... Miami festival specializes in education, but reminds us that ‘rum is fun’
The eighth annual Miami Rum Renaissance Festival comes at a pivotal time for the rum industry. As the popularity of cane spirits continues to surge, new challenges loom on the horizon. Unbridled growth has churned up issues surrounding what some consider secrecy and deception regarding age statements and additives, specifically sugar. Meanwhile, everyone is anxious about the potential opening of the marketplace in Cuba, one of the world’s oldest and most highly regarded rum producers. But while these serious topics will likely be discussed and debated at the April 15-17 event and its surrounding parties, the overarching theme remains simple: “Rum is fun!” Why else would more than 10,000 people flock to the DoubleTree Hilton Miami Airport Convention Center to sample hundreds of products, new and old, while enjoying seminars and special industry events that make this one of the year’s most talked-about spirits festivals. The Miami Rum Festival and International Trade Expo runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. all three days, taking over the 50,000-square-foot exhibition hall as exhibitors show off products from around the world. Admission ($75 per day or $125 for a three-day pass) gets you access to the “grand tastings” featuring samples of more than a hundred rums, plus a diverse selection of educational (and entertaining) seminars. If you’re seeking additional fun, there’s also live music and food, plus island lifestyle vendors. See the full story: Seminars: From rum distillation to appreciation As usual, an impressive lineup of experts has been announced to give festival attendees an opportunity to drill down into the details of rum production, mixology and more. Seminars take place in conference rooms on the second floor of the convention center (enter via the escalators next to the food court). [See map] These intimate gatherings give guests easy access to exclusive first-hand knowledge, but be sure to get there on time to assure yourself a seat. More on the seminars: Rum appreciation starts early with party at The Mai-Kai Dozens of Miami Rum Festival judges, VIPs and locals flocked to The Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday to kick off a long week of “rum is fun” get-togethers. For the members of RumXP: The International Rum Expert Panel, it was a chance to unwind after the first day of blind tastings. For most in attendance, it was an opportunity to reconnect with friends from across the globe.
Among those spotted enjoying the festivities were owner Martin Cate and Rebecca Cate from Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco; owner Suzanne Long from Longitude in Oakland; manager Marie King from Tonga Hut in Los Angeles; master blender Bryan Davis from Lost Spirits Distillery in California; Cocktail Wonk blogger Matt Pietrek from Seattle; Boy Drinks World bitters creator Ram Udwin from San Diego; South Carolina blogger Scott French (aka The Rum Trader); Washington, D.C., author Ian Williams; California industry veteran Forrest Cokely; and many more.
The event was sponsored by the new Rational Spirits distillery, who picked up the tab for the guests to attend the dinner show and also provided complimentary Santeria Rum cocktails. Santeria is an exciting new rum created in association with the revolutionary Lost Spirits Distillery in California. Named for the mysterious Caribbean religion, Santeria is a “dunder pit style” Jamaican rum that clocks in at 92 proof and contains all the hallmarks of a funky pot still rum from the Caribbean island. What’s unusual is the rum is actually created in a matter of days, not years, by Bryan Davis of Lost Spirits using a high-tech system that accelerates the aging process. Is it voodoo? You’ll have to taste it to believe it. Check out the Santero’s Elixir recipe and more: Okole maluna! |
