An authentic taste of the Caribbean

From the website http://www.webchats.tv

One of the world's most versatile drinks, rum is also intrinsically linked with the history and culture of its origins in the Caribbean. The earliest references to sugarcane spirit production in the region date back to 1647, and through innovative techniques like oak barrel ageing, rum quickly gained a foothold in global markets and earned its place as a highly sought-after commodity during the golden age of piracy in the years 1690-1720.

Throughout the islands of the region - from Belize right across the Caribbean Sea to Barbados - there is a grand tradition of rum production, with traditional family-owned brands practising a variety of methods of fermentation, distillation, casking and blending just as intricate and distinct as the Scotch whisky industry.

In recognition of this a new three-tiered Authentic Caribbean Rum marque has been established as an assured sign of quality and provenance and as a proud symbol of a heritage stretching back four centuries.

Varieties such as St Lucia's Chairman's Reserve, with its rich aromas of chocolate, raisin, spice and vanilla, or El Dorado 15 Year Old, made in Guyana using a unique wooden Coffey still, are ideal for sipping 'straight-up' or over ice, mixing in cocktails, or with your favourite mixer. In 2007 the Beverage Tasting Institute of Chicago awarded the latter the accolade 'Best Rum in the World', achieving the highest score for any rum ever - 98 points.

Helping us to explore the world of authentic Caribbean rum is Ian Burrell, host of our WebTV show but mostly known as 'Mr Rum'. A well-known London mixologist and organiser of the 2007 UK Rum Festival, there is no-one better equipped this side of the Atlantic to give us an inside track on producing, appreciating and mostly importantly drinking a drop of the good stuff.

Ian Burrell joins us live online on the 15th July from 1500 to 1530 time to discuss Rums of the Caribbean

Described as "Mr Rum", Ian has been a well-known face on the London bar scene for nearly twenty years. As well as being a "mixologist" and managing cocktail bars across London since 1991, and most importantly to become an "Ambassador of Rum", travelling around the world teaching and studying about the wonders of the drink, and organised the 2007 UK Rum Festival. His restaurant and cocktail bar, "Cottons", boasts the largest collection of rums in London and he has personally tasted them all.

For more information visit www.truerum.com

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Rums
• of
• the
• Caribbean