Jamaica Rum Festival curating premium rum experiences for spirit lovers worldwide
Published:Friday | June 24, 2022 | 12:08 AMStephanie Lyew/Gleaner Writer
With its move to Jamaica’s proclaimed ‘tourism capital’, Montego Bay, St James, the organisers of the Jamaica Rum Festival and its partners are envisioning a premium rum experience for spirit lovers worldwide.
“As the first event of its kind locally, we’re pulling out all the stops to curate an experience that does justice in telling the story of Jamaican rums,” affirmed J Wray & Nephew Limited’s Regional Marketing Manager Kamal Powell.
He shared that “having partnered with all local rum producers” to showcase the best of Jamaica’s respective offerings will do “justice” to the role that rum plays in the island’s heritage and culture.
He said, “Our festival speaks to the culturally beloved signposts of our culture – our music, food, art, and of course our rum through seminars, a live reggae concert, a rum heritage tour, demonstrations and more to give patrons a wholesome, entertaining and educational experience.”
This year marks the fourth staging of the Jamaica Rum Festival, and it will be executed in a hybrid format, with both virtual access and the return of the physical event, which is being held at The Aqueduct in Rose Hall.
Powell said that for patrons, especially first-time attendees, the Heritage House is the best point to start exploring on arrival to the venue.
“I think it’s important for patrons to start there, to get an appreciation of the history of Jamaican rum and the role it plays in our everyday lives and the process of rum-making. From this, persons will be briefed with the knowledge needed to immerse themselves in the offerings and deepen their appreciation of the spirits they will sample and enjoy, responsibly of course,” he said. “Persons should expect nothing less than a premium experience and a seamless marriage of entertainment and education with the best of Jamaican rums and cultural practitioners.”
The organisers have also revealed that they will be making a special tribute to Master Blender Dr Joy Spence, among other unique offerings to be provided by the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum brand to its patrons.
Powell urged that persons register for the Appleton Estate seminars led by Spence, who will present ‘Appleton Estate, The Spirit of Luxury’ and Senior Blender David Morrison’s ‘Cocktails and Cuisine’, a rum and food pairing with Mystic Thai’s Kareena Mahbubhani.
“Both these seminars deep dive into our ultra-premium expressions, which have won countless awards on the global stage. If seminar tickets are sold out, then definitely visit the Appleton Estate booth for fun activities, sampling, and to purchase items from the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience gift shop,” Powell said.
The Jamaica Rum Festival will feature performances by Sanchez, Tessanne Chin, Romain Virgo, Capleton, Runkus, Sevana, D’Burnz, D’Voyce and Kalyra.