A rum do that’s not to be missed

Scotland already makes the best whisky in the world, most of the UK’s gin and now the spirit of enterprise has been expanded even further with the emergence of a booming rum sector.

The country’s first Rum Festival gets underway later this month with two days of tastings, talks and unique brand experiences through a series of live-streamed sessions with Scotland’s leading rum distillers and blenders.

The online event will be staged on Friday 24 July for trade delegates and on Saturday 25 July for public ticket holders to see and enjoy the latest in a rapidly evolving movement.

Festival tasting packs will be sent to ticket holders and will feature an expertly curated selection of rums to help connoisseurs and curious newbies alike to explore the best of Scottish.

This year’s festival features a number of Scottish producers presenting their rums, including VS Distillers, Brewdog Distilling Co., Matugga Distillers, Wester Spirit Co., Ninefold Distillery, Glasgow Distillery Co., Rumburra Scotland, Spirit of Glasgow and Deeside Distillery.

“This is a great opportunity for the burgeoning Scottish rum sector, and I am delighted to play a part in the inaugural Scottish Rum Festival,” said Dr Kit Caruthers, owner and head distiller at Ninefold Distillery.

“There is a growing band of producers who make rum authentically and honestly here in Scotland, and we’re looking forward to giving everyone a great rum experience.”

Scotland has a deep rum heritage, dating back to transatlantic trading from the 17th century when Glasgow became a major hub for rum production.

“Scotland’s drinks industry has a global reputation for quality, innovation and craftsmanship. We’re now entering an exciting time for the country’s growing rum scene, to be explored by consumers and producers alike,” said James Withers, CEO of Scotland Food and Drink.

“The Scottish Rum Festival will showcase the new wave of distillers and blenders that are putting Scotland firmly on the global rum map.”

Organised by Jacine Rutasikwa, co-founder of Livingston-based Matura Rum, the inaugural festival had been due to take place at the Merchants’ Hall in Edinburgh but plans had to be rearranged and a virtual alternative created due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’re going to create an online experience people can jump on between 12.30pm and 9.30pm. They can be at home with their tasting pack and join in at anytime to experience some talks, demonstrations and rum chat,” said Jacine.

“Scottish rum is still quite in its infancy but at the same time it’s a really dynamic arena with lots of producers getting into the mix so it’s also very exciting.

“For the first time we have originated a Scottish rum showcase which we will hopefully be able to build upon next year when we can return to a physical event.”

It’s estimated that currently there are around 15 or 20 rum brands in Scotland but the sector is growing. Just like the number of gin brands has exploded in Scotland over the last few years there are signs that rum could be next.

“We are very much about artisan craft. We make rum from scratch in Scotland, which is quite an undertaking, and we want people to know more about how we are making it and the different rum styles we are producing,” added Jacine.

Tickets for the online event cost £34.95 and are available from ScotRumFest.com.

A pack containing 10 rum samples and a Glencairn festival tasting glass will be sent to ticket holders (UK addresses only) and a donation of £5 from the sale of each ticket will be given to the Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society.

“It’s wonderful to see Scotland’s rum industry come together. Donations from the festival will help us to provide social, financial or emotional support to trade professionals affected by the coronavirus pandemic, for which we are very grateful,” said Chris Gardner, Chief Executive of the society.