Chicago Rum Festival

[eas]

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.

[Edward Hamilton]

Originally Posted by The Scribe

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]

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]

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

[Edward Hamilton]

Here's a review of the Rum Festival by Gaper's Block 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]

Originally Posted by eas

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!

[Edward Hamilton]

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]

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]

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


21 year old El Dorado and happy guest


Phil Prichard doing what he does best.


10 Cane Mojitos were just one of the popular cocktails. You can beat fresh ingredients served by a lovely lady.

Kyle McHugh - Leblon Cachaca seminar

[maradamc]

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