Chicago Rum Festival [Archive] - Rum Lovers @ the Ministry of Rum

Edward Hamilton

03-11-2008, 09:40 PM

Chicago is a mecca for spirits lovers with some of the best selections in the country.

The Ministry of Rum invites rum lovers, and those who just want to learn more about sugar cane spirits, to come to the windy city to meet the people who make some of the best rums in the world - while enjoying these wonderful spirits.

I'll be publishing more details in the coming weeks.

RobertBurr

03-12-2008, 01:57 AM

It just so happens I'm driving three thousand head of cattle across the prairies to the Chicago stockyards in June and I plan to be kinda thirsty when I arrive. I might take you up on that offer.

Cowboy Bob

Dood

03-12-2008, 02:50 AM

Depending on the dates....why not? :) How can I say "No" to rum?

JMac

03-12-2008, 06:26 AM

Depending on the dates....why not? :) How can I say "No" to rum?

I can't either but the other half can!

mcmachete

03-12-2008, 06:32 AM

I'll be in Chi-town mid-May...

Any idea when this will be?

primate77

03-14-2008, 01:12 AM

Unlike Robert, who plans on "riding herd" from so far away, I'll be fortunate enough to only have to make a 2-1/2 hour drive.

Please keep us posted, if my schedule is open, I'd love to be there, and hope you are still tinkering with the idea of some sort of tasting or event in Central Illinois

Edward Hamilton

04-16-2008, 09:19 PM

Friday June 27 and 28, 2008 are the dates for the Chicago Rum Festival. Here's a link to the latest information (http://ministryofrum.com/chicago2008.php).

primate77

04-17-2008, 02:54 AM

Ed - I am in distress... you picked dates when I will be at Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri!!!

I am in Chicagoland right now in fact, and will be visiting a Binny's outlet or two on this trip.

Ed mentions Chicago is a great place for spirits and I assume specifically rum, if Ed is talking about it.

You can't swing a dead cat in the Chicago area without hitting a liquor store.

So - outside of the two biggie outlets in Chicagoland - Binny's and Sam's Wine and Spirits, anyone have a good suggestion where I might find a few nuggets of gold, a great deal or at the very least, an awesome selection?

I live in the wide open prairies about 2-1/2 hours south of the big city, so I don't get up here all the time - I'm as you would say, on that cattle path on the way that Robert Burr will be driving his cattle through!

Edward Hamilton

04-17-2008, 11:08 AM

Both Sams and Binnys have several stores so don't expect to find everything in every store, the newest Sams at 50 E. Roosevelt Rd. and the store at 1720 North Marcey Street, just off North Ave and Sheffield have the widest selections but the other stores are also well stocked.

Binnys on North Clark St and their newest store at 1132 S. Jefferson Street have the best selections of the Binnys stores, if you only have the chance to visit one or two stores in Chicago. But having said that there are other Binnys stores where you might find something which has been overlooked such as a bottle of Demerara rum bottled by Bristol Spirits that is no longer being bottled.

There are a couple of boutique stores on Wells south of North Ave that have stocked some hard to find rums in the past.

primate77

04-18-2008, 02:30 AM

I'll have to check out those two Binny's in the city next time I venture into the forest of tall buildings downtown Chicago.

I did stop in the Binny's out in Glen Ellyn today, and was a bit disappointed. The store seems most concentrated on wines, rum was one fairly short aisle. I found Party Source in Louisville to have a much larger, in depth selection that this outlet, which kind of surprised me.

I "think" they had the bottle of demerara by Bristol you were talking about; one on the shelf marked for $134. Sound about right?

primate77

04-21-2008, 11:37 PM

the newest Sams at 50 E. Roosevelt Rd

I used to live on South Plymouth Court (State and 9th) which is literally a stone's throw from this new store! Damn the luck!!!

bcarney

04-30-2008, 04:28 PM

Friday June 27 and 28, 2008 are the dates for the Chicago Rum Festival. Here's a link to the latest information (http://www.ministryofrum.com/forums/../events/chicago08.php).

I was wondering if a location has been selected for the Festival? I live nearly 5 hours away, so I'll need to make hotel arrangements (and hopefully at a hotel within walking/staggering distance)...

Edward Hamilton

05-23-2008, 04:42 PM

The venue will be Bottom Lounge (http://www.bottomlounge.com/) 1375 W Lake St., just east of Ashland under the Green line tracks.

The Chicago Chapter of the USBG (US Bartenders Guild (http://www.usbg.org/Events/)) will be doing 2 classic rum cocktail seminars on Saturday afternoon during the Chicago Rum Festival.

To date there are 13 companies and more than 33 rums confirmed, among them are Flor de Cana, Mount Gay, La Favorite, Neisson, Cabana Cachaça, El Dorado, Prichard's, Scarlet Ibis and some other new rums that you can't buy in the wider market yet.

And there are more rums being added. More (http://www.ministryofrum.com/forums/../events/chicago08.php)

aussiesmg

06-14-2008, 07:07 PM

This could be a good time to gain some knowledge, what with being a newb and all. Are the forum members staying at one hotel, hanging out

Edward Hamilton

06-14-2008, 07:12 PM

Unfortunately, there isn't a hotel next door but if you're coming up I'd suggest checking out Hotwire. The closest would be North Loop or Streeterville. The venue is two blocks east of the Ashland Ave Green Line CTA stop. It's an easy stop from the loop on the el or about a mile and a half cab ride.

Edward Hamilton

06-14-2008, 07:16 PM

If you're logged in to the forums and want a discount on tickets to the Chicago Rum Festival, go to My Favorites above and follow the link to Chicago Rum Festival Tickets.
Forum members are entitled to a discount on all of the events. And as always please let me know if you encounter any problems with links, etc.

The Scribe

06-16-2008, 10:47 PM

So it turns out that I am going to be in Chicago for at least the second day of the Chicago Rum Festival. Who is going to be there?

Also, Ed, are there any extra special treats in store?

Cheers. - S

(As an aside, assuming this doesn't get deleted, which it might deserve as I just saw the post in the events thread, this is the 500th thread in the main forum. Congrats Ed!)

Edward Hamilton

06-17-2008, 02:02 AM

I'm updating the listing almost every day so you can take a loo (http://www.ministryofrum.com/chicago2008.php)k. While I can't list all of the rums at this point, I can tell you that there will be several rums there that are limited editions, like Scarlet Ibis, if Eric doesn't drink it all in the next two weeks. Some St Vincent Extra Gold in addition to a few rums that I'm told are only being released in three other markets since they are still in the test market stage of development.

I don't think anyone will be disappointed. I'm working with the suppliers to make this the best it can be for the consumers, bartenders and the rum suppliers.

There will be door prizes from the Ministry of Rum and from some of the rum companies.

Some of the best bartenders in Chicago will also be there and of course there will be plenty of discussion about rum from the rum loving community.

Bilgemunky

06-24-2008, 04:06 PM

Who is going to be there?

I'll be there, and am looking mighty forward to it!

Edward Hamilton

06-27-2008, 01:08 AM

I've been too busy to post anything the last few days. There is a lot of planning being done to make this the best that it can be. The support of the suppliers has been extremely good, all kinds of people are jumping through hoops to bring you the biggest selection of rums in a relaxed atmosphere so you can really enjoy all there is to savor.

Hope to see some of you in Chicago.

The Scribe

06-29-2008, 02:03 AM

So, my first impression is "Gee, Ed is TALL." For those of you who haven't met him, he's like 6'6" or maybe more, since I think my buddy I was with is around 6'6" and Ed was taller. Also lots, and lots, and lots of yummy rum. I should have a post up on my blog up by tomorrow, but I forgot my camera, so, Ed, if there will be any photos online, I would love to know about it.
Cheers. - S

Edward Hamilton

06-29-2008, 03:43 PM

Thanks to everyone who came to the Chicago Rum Festival and showed your support for the people who bring sugar cane spirits to Illinois.

I'll post some more pictures soon.

http://ministryofrum.com/images/crfa.jpg

It was great to meet some of the forum members and I look forward to doing more at the Volcano Room in the coming months. I'm just sorry I didn't have more time to spend with everyone who took the time to come to this event.

Rum Runner

06-29-2008, 05:37 PM

Looks like a good turnout!

SuperCorona

06-29-2008, 08:12 PM

I wish I could have made it. drooling2.gif

Edward Hamilton

06-30-2008, 12:33 AM

There were 31 attendees for the Distiller's Seminar on Friday afternoon. Dinner was attended by over 50 industry people and consumers.

There were just over 200 attendees on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, including press, retail, restaurant and bar employees, not to mention very enthusiast consumers.

If there was one comment that summed up the sentiment on Saturday, it had to be "I never knew rum could taste that good."

More than 60 rums were presented and USBG bartenders presented cocktail seminars.

RobertBurr

06-30-2008, 12:58 AM

You're making history in Chicago... bringing the message to consumers, getting the bartenders up to speed, promoting the many wonderful brands available in the area.

Ed, you're not just incredibly tall, you're the biggest thing in the rum business.

Dood

06-30-2008, 03:07 PM

I'm sorry I couldn't make it. Between attending Tales of the Cocktail in a few weeks, multiple trips to Las Vegas for weddings and just random fun, and RumFest in London this year, I couldn't squeeze it in.

Perhaps next year...

The Scribe

06-30-2008, 04:20 PM

Dood, while I envy you Tales and London (I think Tales more than London...on the other hand, London does have the benefit of being in London...So hard!), you missed a great time in Chicago. I only got to taste the events, but it was a blast!
Cheers. - S
(PS: I finally got my hands on a muddler! Yayness!)

Edward Hamilton

06-30-2008, 08:53 PM

There were several forum members in Chicago but I didn't have a chance to meet all of them because they use different names on the forum, or in real life - to protect the guilty.

The Scribe

06-30-2008, 09:01 PM

eas

07-01-2008, 01:31 AM

Edward Hamilton

07-01-2008, 01:48 AM

I was the shorter one you turned back on the roof. =) Then I went to grab some rum, and next time I saw you, you suggested the cocktail seminar (which was a blast!), and then I didn't see you after that.
Cheers. - S

I never knew a guy could be so busy for 3 and a half hours. Between making sure the seminars were ready, moving the Bacardi seminar as a summer squall blew through to the north of the venue, giving out the door prizes, making sure everyone had enough ice and attending to a dozen other details I didn't have enough time to meet all of the forum members.

Next time I'll put forum names on badges, in small type, so we'll be able to identify forum members.

primate77

07-01-2008, 03:56 AM

Ed,
Sorry I could not make the trip (and I only live 2-1/2 hours south)! But I had to do the family vacation thing that week.

Sounds like you might be dabbling around some more in Chicago in the coming months? Perhaps then!

Looks like it was a great time!

The Scribe

07-01-2008, 02:34 PM

Eas,
Which table were you? I thought Sagatiba was next to ED.
Cheers. - S

Edward Hamilton

07-02-2008, 09:19 PM

Here's a review of the Rum Festival by Gaper's Block (http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2008/07/02/but_why_is_the_rum_gone/) a Chicago blog that's been around since 2003.

Too bad about the comments about Bacardi and Malibu, Bacardi has some interesting things but in a room full of other spirits it might be hard for some people to get excited about trying their other spirits. I'll be pouring and talking about Bacardi 8 next week in Washington DC. And Malibu has something for everyone.

bcarney

07-02-2008, 11:27 PM

No doubt the best event I've participated in so far this year - and a big bold positive step for a market like Chicago. The event pulled in some of the best of local trade, serious enthusiasts, journalists/bloggers and of course curious palates. There were some great small distillers and even the big producers put on a good show. Had some killer drinks by talented staff at the Sagatiba and Mount Gay tables. That the full El Dorado line was at the table next to mine was a wonderful sight. A real treat followed with the calypso and carib music on Saturday evening.

I drove in from central Michigan, about a 4 hour trip, and I have to say that this was probably one of the most interesting weekends I've had in a long time. Falling in love with the El Dorado line of rums, new exposure to cachaca, hearing about how Pritchard's Distillery started, etc... This Rum Festival will definitely be on my "must do" list for next year.

Ed - thank you a million times over for organizing this event! cheers.gif

Edward Hamilton

07-03-2008, 01:40 AM

Thanks bcarney, it was the least I could do for my favorite spirit. And as my last boss told me more than thirty years ago, "Ed, you always do the least you can do."

I'm glad you enjoyed the weekend, I had a good time as well. And I look forward to doing this again in Chicago.

The Rum Ambassador

07-05-2008, 05:24 PM

Sorry I couldn't fly out Ed, and from what I heard The Chicago Rum Festival was a great success. Well done mate !!!

Edward Hamilton

07-05-2008, 06:20 PM

Jessica White from the Martinique Tourist Promotion Board. You have to love Martinique.

http://www.ministryofrum.com/images/crf2.jpg
21 year old El Dorado and happy guest

http://www.ministryofrum.com/images/crf3.jpg
Phil Prichard doing what he does best.

http://www.ministryofrum.com/images/crf4.jpg
10 Cane Mojitos were just one of the popular cocktails. You can beat fresh ingredients served by a lovely lady.
http://www.ministryofrum.com/images/crf5.jpg
Kyle McHugh (http://www.theboozehound.com) - Leblon Cachaca seminar

maradamc

07-09-2008, 08:46 PM

Ed, I loved the festival and especially the distillers' seminar on Friday. I learned SO much and finally got to taste some of the products of I've seen on shelves for a few years.

Hmmm... met some great contacts in the industry, tasted some great product, seasoned my liver... no wonder I love this industry.

Can't wait for next year!

BTW, I managed to record most (2 hrs) of the distiller's seminar to an audio file. The audio is rather faint but still audible. If you or anyone out there know software that could spruce it up, I'd gladly post it somewhere for historic record. Anyone interested?

Martin

Edward Hamilton

07-09-2008, 09:22 PM

Welcome to the forums. If you'll send me the file I may be able to clean up the recording and publish it here. If you can send it to me through You Send It.com (http://www.yousendit.com) I can get up to a 100Mb file. Just use ed at ministry of rum dot com

Hank Koestner

07-10-2008, 01:18 AM

Congradulations, Ed, on a great event!

Zenfrisbee

07-10-2008, 10:41 PM

I've been visiting the Ministry of Rum site for a long while, but am now finally joining the forum. So hello to everyone!

I was at the Chicago Rum Festival and had an excellent time. I'm the guy on page 4 photographed with Phil Prichard, smiling and very happy after a first taste of his remarkable Fine Rum. My business partner and I were there representing our website http://www.spiritsippers.com I didn't get a chance to meet you, Ed, but I'm sure I will at a future tasting event. Great job with the event!