This July and August, get well acquainted with the seafarer’s favourite (soon to be your favourite too!) – rum is back. With delicious white, dark and spiced varieties hailing from as far as the Philippines, Young’s Pubs and Geronimo Inns are predicting a summer surge in popularity for this fun, flavoursome spirit.
It’s not only the Summer of Rum but a Summer of Fun, as Pop-up Rum Shacks will take over some of the most popular Young’s and Geronimo pubs, including Nine Elms in Battersea (23rd and 24th July), the Rose & Crown in Wimbledon (6th and 7th August) and The Castle in Tooting (13th and 14th August). Drop by to savour the chilled out summer vibes while enjoying rum classics including cuba libres and mojitos, or the new favourite – rum and ginger ale.
For those looking to delve a little deeper into this smooth spirit, expect tastings sessions, full-on masterclasses for the seriously dedicated, and some casual fun and games including a Sailor Jerry Skittle Alley. Classes on how to shake it like a pro and blend your own will make you the bartender of the ball.
Some of the most renowned brands around have lent their talents to the line-up, including Jamaican Duppy Share, a 3-year-old blend of Barbadian and Jamaican rum, the dark and mysterious undertones of Kraken – named after the mythical sea monster of the deep and a whole host of other rums including Goslings, Sailor Jerry and Ron Zacapa.
The Events
Duppy Share Rum Blending Masterclass
Trafalgar Arms, Tooting (20th July); Burger Shack & Bar, Wimbledon (26th July); Leman Street Tavern, Whitechapel (3rd August); Duke on the Green, Parsons Green (4th August); The Canonbury, Islington (25th August)
Explore the alluring world of Caribbean rums with Duppy Share – blend your very own bottle to take home and enjoy a Dark and Stormy cocktail with ginger beer and a dash of crisp lime before sipping your way through a flavour map between islands.
An Evening with Gosling’s Black Seal
Duke of Clarence, South Kensington (14th July); Nine Elms, Wandsworth (28th July); Prince Alfred, Maida Vale (4th August); The Surprise, Chelsea (31st August)
Hardcore fans of Gosling’s iconic tipple and rum novices alike will enjoy this informal tasting session looking at the history of one of the oldest family-owned rum producers in the world.
Sample different expressions of its Bermudian rum, and take home a gift of a stylised barrel glass and recreate their favourite rum-based thirst-quenchers at home.
Sailor Jerry Skittle Alley
Coat & Badge, Putney (22nd July); Windmill on the Common, Clapham (23rd July); The Marlborough, Richmond (29th July)
British summertime calls for games on the lawn, and Sailor Jerry are bringing it on with their Pins & Pin-Ups skittle alley. There’ll be prizes, complimentary samples and some seriously delicious concoctions; rock up, knock ‘em down and see where the evening takes you.
Ron Zacapa Rum Masterclass
The Castle, Islington (20th July); The Castle, Tooting (21st July); The Plough, Battersea (17th August); John Salt, Islington (25th August)
Seasoned aficionados will jump at the chance to spend an evening with the Ron Zacapa brand ambassador for a welcome cocktail followed by in-depth insight into the history of rum production, with a particular focus on ‘the solera process’ of blending, rounded off with a tasting session. An absolute must for lovers of this Guatemalan elixir.
Kraken Black Ink Society Masterclass
Dial Arch, Woolwich (20th July); Princess of Wales, Clapton (11th August); Leather Bottle, Earlsfield (17th August); Brewers Inn, Wandsworth (19th August)
Those who like it feisty and spicy can get hands-on with a fully interactive cocktail making sesh, learning how to make a total of three classic drinks while discovering the rich, dark notes of this beast of a blend. All attendees will also be given a mason jar to take home with them – perfect for would-be hosts who want to impress with their mixing prowess.
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