Rum, the spirit made from one of the greatest food groups (sugar), conjures images of the warm and sunny Caribbean Sea, or maybe a couple of Johnny Depp inspired pirates distraught at its absence. With the possible exception of Johnny Depp's Owensboro roots, the images of Bourbon-loving Kentucky may clash with this image. However, Rum was the most consumed spirit in all of Colonial America before the Revolution, and a reawakening is occurring now.
On Saturday, December 6th, the Midwest Rum Festival celebrates the rich history and colorful cultures of rum-making at the Kentucky International Convention Center. The day itself will be full of seminars, tastings, a Cocktail/Mixology presentation, and live Caribbean music. The event will run from 3 to 6 p.m.
This is the first event of its kind, and is focused on becoming the Official Rum Expo throughout the northern United States. The Midwest Rum Festival is organized by The Rum Lab, which started the Taste of Rum Puerto Rico in 2009. Originally, it promoted Puerto Rican rums to tourists, but has since expanded to include taking the best rums from micro and boutique distilleries on tour.
Tickets currently range from $28 to $60. There are two different tasting passes available, and three passes are offered without tasting tickets. These tickets can be bought online until December 1st. Depending on the ticket bought, attendees may have a complimentary food ticket.
Along with those to the event itself, attendees can buy tickets to four different pre-parties, the first of which will occur on December 1st at Sidebar. Wild Rita's will sponsor the second on December 3rd from 4:00-7:00pm. On December 4th, Sky Bar at Saint's will host salsa dancing at 10:00 pm, and the final pre-part will be at El Camino from 7:00-11:00 pm. Many of the festival passes include access to the pre-event revelry.
The premium rums that will be served at the event come from all over the multilingual and multicultural Caribbean. This list even includes a few Kentucky-made rums, like Oak Rum, aged in bourbon barrels.
For more information on this event, go here.
Photos courtesy of : Midwest Rum Fest website, Rhum J.M. , and Oak Rum, featured beverages at the festival
