A celebration of world rums
Manchester’s first and only rum festival sees its biggest event yet
Rum producers and drinkers gathered for a celebration of the category’s finest liquids and distillers at the Manchester Rum Festival 2022.
Dozens of global rum brands gathered for the one-day festival in Manchester, England on Saturday 18 June, which showed off the best that the fast-growing and vibrant spirits category has to offer.
The festival’s record number of exhibitors gave guests a true taste of the rum world. Caribbean producers showcasing their spirits included Bacardí, Barbados’ Foursquare, Chairman’s Reserve from St Lucia, Jamaica’s Hampden Estate and Worthy Park, Ron Santiago de Cuba, rhum agricole distiller Rhum Clément, and Haitian clairin producer Saint Benevolence.
Alongside these distillers, there were representatives from many other rumproducing nations, including Montanya Distillers from Colorado, USA, Venezuela’s Diplomático, Don Papa from the Philippines, and French-owned brand Plantation. The festival’s home country was also well-represented, with English brands including The Duppy Share, Scratch Rum, One Eyed Rebel and Salford Rum among the exhibitors.
As well as covering a broad range of geographies, an exciting array of rum varieties were also represented at the festival, such as the botanical rums from Spirited Union and cold coffee-infused rum from Ron Colon Salvadoreño.
As well as having the chance to try – and buy – bottles from the exhibiting rum distillers, guests could also snack on Caribbean treats and enjoyed live music throughout the day.
Manchester Rum Festival owner Dave Marsland, who also runs spirits-focused brand agency Drinks Enthusiast, said: “This year’s festival had more than 15 new brands making their debut, making it 50 rum brands overall and the biggest Manchester Rum Festival so far! From Arcane and Beach House of Mauritius to Angostura and Santiago de Cuba, 2022 saw a fantastic response from both brands and ticket holders.
“We had cocktails by The Liar’s Club, traditional music by festival stalwart DJ Dom and food by British Virgin Island cuisine legends Nyammin’, which really set the tone for a day of rum immersion.”
For those who were not able to make the show, Marsland has recorded a series of videos with rum producers. Titled ‘Rum on the Couch’, the series can be found on the festival’s website (www. manchesterrumfestival.com/rumonthecouch) or on its YouTube channel.
Founded in 2017, the Manchester Rum Festival is the city’s first and only dedicated rum festival. The 2022 event’s main sponsor was Stratford’s Soda and its media partner was Rum Magazine.
Keep up to date with all news and announcements from the Manchester Rum Festival at www.manchesterrumfestival.com, or via social media @manchesterrumfestival / #MCRRumFest.