Beverage, Things to Do

Not Just for Rum Lovers

If you like rum, and even if you don’t, read on! Get a recipe for a to die for daiquiri, find out about a leading Venezuelan rum Diplomatico, and would-you-believe-facts from the President of The Florida Rum Society. Plus, The Miami Rum Congress makes its return for its 3rd year, taking place from March 11-12, at Hilton Cabana Miami Beach where they will feature a selection of premium rum brands from all around the world in several hour tastings along with seminars.

The boutique-style Miami Rum Conference will showcase a handful of brands that emphasize the education and premiumization of the rum category. Day 1, the 11th, is for the trade and Day 2, the 12th, is for consumers.With rums from places like the Phillippines, South Africa, and the Americas and the Caribbean Islands with French, English and Spanish influence, guests can get a little taste from all over the world. Consumers can choose from a VIP Grand Tasting Experience, a 5.5 hour program, or a General Admission Tasting Session for 3 hours. Both experiences include brand seminars. Ticket prices run from $45 – $180. For more information and to purchase visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miami-rum-congress-2022-tickets-149368642631

venezuelan rum diplomatico, Miamicurated — Diplomatico rum plant in Venezuela

I recently went to a tasting of the family-owned Diplomatico Rum, a super-premium rum from Venezuela with a distillery located at the foot of the Andes Mountains. We really enjoyed it, especially since the flight of rums were teamed with traditional Venezuelan food, which went so well. And a highlight of the evening was their Pimento Daquiri whose recipe I was able to snag along with interesting facts about rum. Diplomatico’s top selections range in price from $39.99 to $270. They can be found at leading liquor stores and online, click here.

At the tasting was Jay Cocorullo (“Trader Jay”), President of the Florida Rum Society and a podcaster on rum. He describes it as a ” group of 1,300 Rum Lovers across Florida who have the common goal of bringing great rum and rum education to the Sunshine State!” The website has an online shop. https://floridarumsociety.com/

Some interesting facts about rum:

What’s the origin of rum?

The origin is not clear, but there are several theories.The most commonly held theory is that one of the first references to rum was in Barbados where slaves used the leftover sugar and distilled it.

Which are unusual places you can find fine rum?

Massachusetts, Fiji, Australia, Canada

” Privateer, made in Massachusettes, is one of the best made in the U.S.A. In the late 1800s up until Prohibition, New England was making some of the best rum in the world and Privateer has tried to bring Northeastern rum back to that level,” said Jay.