Rum Fest 2024: A New Venue, Same Great Rum – Rum Fest 2024 Review
Rum Fest 2024 was everything we expected from the team at Tied Alliance. This year’s Rum Fest 2024 moved the event from The Capitol Kempinski where Rum Fest 2023 was held last year to Millenia Walk and boy was it a good move! The space was more open and accessible to walk-ins and the general public at large.
The Rum brands on offer were top notch and from all over the world, before I get into them individually and in alphabetical order here is the list of brands I tried (yes I tried at least one of each (with the exception of Perola, sorry Arno I did promise I’d come back but failed to do so) and at some of the other stands I drank more than others): Camikara, Diplomatico, Dos Maderas, El Supremo, House Of Cane, La Maison Du Whisky, Mizunara, Perola, Ron Colon, Santa Teresa, Swell de Spirits, Tanduay.
Rum Fest 2024 Tasting Notes of Each Rum
Do you honestly think I can take notes and drink alcohol at the same time, plus my personal rum aficionado Stephen Attenborough was not with me this year to advise!
What I suggest is this! Go to each of their websites (listed below) or search for them online and find out where they are stocked and go and support your local distributors here in Singapore!
Rum Fest 2024 Masterclasses – Here is what you missed!
Edriane Lim’s Rum Journey Masterclass – 3rd August 2024 – 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Edriane Lim used to run a beautiful rum bar that hosted over 350 labels of rum will be guiding you through a rum tasting while he tells you all about his journey with rum for the past 5years. You get to taste three rums in this session showcasing Spanish, French and English style rums.
Camikura Masterclass – 3rd August 2024 – 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Hop on to India as we explore the flavours of Camikura Rum and the interesting story behind the brand.
Santa Teresa Masterclass – 3rd August 2024 – 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Join Maria Kim, Trade Ambassador of Bacardi Portfolio on a deep dive into Venezuela’s oldest rum brand. With a legacy of over 200 years, discover the rich heritage and artistry that go into crafting this exceptional triple Solera aged rum, an experience you won’t want to miss!
La Maison’s Masterclass – 3rd August 2024 – 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Daniele Bondi, La Maison and Velier Export Manager, talks about the story of Velier and the journey of how this rum is making waves in the world. Rums like Hampden from Jamaica and Clairin from Haiti might show up in this class.
Knut Randhem’s Rum Journey Masterclass – 4th August 2024 – 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Knut has a vast experience in the hospitality industry and had a chance to be a brand ambassador for a rum back in the day. In this session he will be guiding you through a tasting as he tells you about his journey with Rum.
Diplomatico Masterclass – 4th August 2024 – 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Dave Jony, Brown Forman Brand Ambassador for Singapore, will guide you through Venezuela and the different types of ageing through solera with Diplomatico Rum.
House Of Cane Masterclass by Jaroslaw Iwanowski – 4th August 2024 – 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
House Of Cane Masterclass by Jaroslaw Iwanowski also known as Jarek. With years of experience in the hospitality industry and also managed a great collection of rum in the past, Jarek will be showcasing his own rum which is a blend of Asian and Caribbean Rum. House of Cane is a great rum to sip and for cocktails.
Bellamy’s Rum Masterclass – 4th August 2024 – 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Daquiri Challenge – 4th August 2024 – 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Rum Fest 2024 Review (My Take after only one day at the event)
I had intended to drop by for a couple of hours on the first day to meet some new and old friends in the trade, take some pictures and enjoy some rum and 5 hour later I am saying goodbye and as usual one of the last to leave! What on earth happened in those 5 hours? Let me try to piece this together for you!
When I arrived I met with the crew behind the event at Tied Alliance to say hello and wish them a great event! Rubina from Tied Alliance was front of house and Edriane Lim Rum aficionado was not too far away and so I was introduced to the make shift Rum Bar at the entrance of the event where they have plenty of rums on display and for sale!
Next up a Lap of Honour!
I thought it might be wise to wander around say hi and stay off the booze early doors so that I can take better pictures, get some intel and say hello but that did not last long! As I stood saying Hi to Stephanie Goh from Distilled.Fun who distributes Ron Colon I was handed an empty glass by Edriane and told to drink some Ron Colón Salvadoreño Singapore: RumRye (50/50) and boy what a way to start the event, silky smooth with citrus notes! Thanks for the great start Edriane!!
Daniel from Spirited Singapore started with an Aged Rum and it looked like he had been hit in the chest by a canon ball but like any good man he was not down for long and bounced back! Great work Daniel!
I’ll run through the rest by Brand/Distributor as below but wanted to give the final closing of the event to Jarek Iwanowski Chief Rum Officer from House of Cane!
Jarek had been a busy boy all day and so when I was about to go we finally had a chance to meet up and chat, then he pulls something special he has been working on and its his new baby, a very special RUM that I got to taste and boy it is very special! Can’t say no more than that at this stage as it’s all secret squirrel stuff!
So from open to close I started on a high and left on a high!
Camikara at Rum Fest 2024
Camikara means Liquid Gold in Sanskrit
Camikara is an Indian Rum made by Piccadily Distilieries!! Yes you heard right an Indian Rum but hold tight, this Rum is brought in by a friend of ours called Anupam from Spirited.sg and trust me when I say he knows his alcohol! I have been privy to a number of his other products in the time that I have known him and they are all nothing less than stellar! His palette is incredible when it comes to this stuff.
My fav rum of the event was the Camikra Rum 3 Year, not complex but had banana notes that just sat so well with me personally as a by the pool sippy rum! In fact the 8 year and 12 year were also smooth and much more complex, it was just that the Camikara Rum 3 Year worked well for me!
Don’t forget you are an expert at your own likes and dislikes and this was special for me!
Anupam held a Masterclass the next day but sadly I missed it but he did let me try the raw cane juice which was super pungent and tasted of jaggery.
Camikara is at top of the page as its all in alphabetical order but if this was a listicle (not a paid one like other bloggers) it would still be be at the top! So thank you Anupam for another amazing tipple!
Camikara 8 Year Old Pure Cane Juice Indian Rum
Buy here: SGD 135.00
Camikara 12 Year Old Pure Cane Juice Indian Rum
Buy here: SGD 245.00
Diplomatico at Rum Fest 2024
Off the bat here I went top end for the award winning Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva from Venezuala and is known as one of the top rums in the world! You can enjoy this neat or in a top end of town cocktail, do not under any circumstances add coke! The Diplomático Single Vintage was not open but I tried to two meant for mixing which is where it went a little downhill on the palette, it’s my own fault and I should have known better!
Sadly there was no Diplomático Ambassador at the event! Whilst I write this I just realised I missed getting the Diplomático baseball cap (you know where to find me)!
Diplomático can be bought from many distributors here in Singapore and can be found in almost all the major bars and hotels!
Dos Maderas at Rum Fest 2024
Tasting Dos Maderas was a first for me, I did enjoy it a lot! We had such fun chatting away with Melvin and Jasmin from 3Elixir.sg the local distributors that time slipped by, Jasmin actually recognised me from the FHA event recently and there was me thinking all us Ang Mo’s look the same!
According to Jasmin “Dos Maderas is actually aged in ex-bourbon cask in Guyana/Barbados, American Oak Barrels is the Barrels used to age the ex-sherry casks (PX/OPC)“
The price points on these rums make it very affordable and worth while picking up some for your home based enjoyment! The Dos Maderas 5+5 which essentially is additional aging at $88 is a steal!
Buy here Dos Maderas 5+5
El Supremo at Rum Fest 2024
Meet Kim Heng Teo from El Supremo who is manning his product at the Woodstock Beverages Pte Ltd stand who are his regional distributors, Woodstock Beverages is a purveyor of artisanal alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
El Supremo Rum 3 Years Old
Initially aged in Incienso Marron barrels, this rum undergoes a secondary maturation in French Oak barrels for added complexity.
El Supremo Rum 8 Years Old
A remarkable medium-bodied rum perfect for sipping or crafting unforgettable cocktails.
El Supremo Rum 12 Years Old
El Supremo Aged Rum 12 Years stands out with its unique taste and exceptional smoothness. This mahogany brown vintage rum, crafted for connoisseurs, boasts aromatic richness and is best enjoyed neat or chilled.
Nose: Aromas of cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla are accompanied by a hint of furniture varnish, evoking a library ambiance. The complexity and polished notes reflect its aging process.
Palate: It resembles a grape distillate more than a traditional rum, with sweet, wood-forward flavours. The vegetal notes have receded, allowing wood spice to shine through with hints of vanilla, butterscotch, burnt honey, and milk chocolate.
Finish: The finish is long and smooth, reminiscent of red pepper flakes rather than black pepper. It leaves a lingering taste of fruit, vanilla, black coffee, cloves, and crème caramel.
Buy here: El Supremo Rum 12 Years Rum
House Of Cane at Rum Fest 2024
House of Cane was born from this wild experiment, combining premium rums from the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Panama, Venezuela, and Thailand into one fantastic blend. Each bottle is a testament to Jarek’s dedication to quality and authenticity, showcasing the rich, diverse flavours of these far-flung places.
And here’s the kicker—House of Cane is cooking up something new and top-secret. Picture this: a rum so exciting, it might just make your taste buds do a happy dance. Keep your eyes peeled and your glass ready—something extraordinary is on the horizon!
I am planning to meet Jarek next week, so watch this space!
La Maison Du Whisky at Rum Fest 2024
Last year La Maison Du Whisky rebranded to La Maison du Rum! This year they split into to stands, Island Rums and Asian Rums, I had tried their Samai Rum from Cambodia and Chalong Bay from Phuket at last years event but this time I tried Phrya Rum which at $60 a bottle is a worthwhile cause to contribute to and the ‘bottle looks stunning‘ (said the Vicar to the Actress)! Both tables were a real treat but I was pulled into the stand next door by one of the crew at Tied Alliance as something was to be opened and boy was it special!
Triple Entente Project
Introducing the Triple Entente Project: a limited-edition box set featuring three exceptional white rums from some of the last independent distilleries standing—Foursquare, Neisson, and Hampden. This exclusive collection, limited to just 600 sets, showcases rums from three distinct rum producing locations: Barbados, Martinique, and Jamaica. Each rum offers a unique expression of its origin, reflecting the rich traditions and flavours of these renowned regions.
Hampden Jamaica pure single rum (2024, 62%)
Neisson Martinique rhum blanc agricole (2024, 52.5%)
Foursquare Barbados pure single rum (2024, 62%)
Mizunara at Rum Fest 2024
The smiley cheeky chappy above is Brandon Lee who does Sales & Marketing at Mizunara he kept us amused with a lucky draw event especially when the lovely young ladies from Cellarbration who showed up to the event! Now I want to describe this rum as a character from Pirates of the Caribbean for some strange reason!
Ahoy, rum enthusiasts! Meet the Navy Island Navy Strength—a rum so potent it might just give your old sea legs a run for their money. This treasure is a 100% pure Pot Still rum, blended from 11 meticulously chosen rums, each aged to perfection in small batches.
Bottled at a heart-pounding 57% alcohol by volume, this rum is the equivalent of a pirate’s cannonball in a glass—intense, robust, and ready to make waves. The deep amber hue signals its rich character, while the high ester profile gives it a funky twist that could have even Blackbeard raising an eyebrow.
Expect a nose full of bold aromas and a flavour profile that’s a delicious mess of ripe fruits, bananas, and a hint of vanilla. It’s a full-bodied, heavy style of rum with a finish so long, you might start thinking you’re on a never-ending sea voyage.
For the ultimate experience, sip it straight or on the rocks—either way, you’ll be navigating a sea of flavour. Just be prepared to drop anchor and savor every satisfying drop of this magnificent concoction!
Read more about Navy Island Rum
Perola at Rum Fest 2024
As I mentioned at the beginning of the post I did not get to go back and try anything at Perola but if you remember they have the dessert flavours Banana Bread, Peanut Butter and Choco Brownie rums, sweeter than your Nan at Christmas!
Here is a bit of information about Bellamy’s Rum
Bellamy’s Reserve Rum aims to deliver a range of uniquely aged, exclusive rums, from rare gems to smooth sippers. Each bottle comes with detailed information about its heritage, ensuring you know exactly what you’re enjoying.
The core lineup features an impressive array of rums from the Caribbean and Latin America, each with a hint of sweetness. These rums undergo finishing in an assortment of casks—be it old rum barrels, Rye Whiskey barrels, PX Sherry casks, or Japanese Mizunara oak barrels—adding layers of complexity and crafting a truly unique flavour profile.
For those seeking the crème de la crème, the vintages offer high-end single cask rums aged between 20 and 40 years. Bottled at cask strength in limited quantities, these rare treasures are as exclusive as they come, making each sip a rare find.
Ron Colon at Rum Fest 2024
As mentioned in last years post Stephanie was by far the most hospitable and we have even caught up for drinks and chat over Whatsapp from time to time, so I really only stopped in to say Hi as my first kick off point as mentioned above with that first drink from Edriane!
Distilled.fun are the distributors for Ron Colón Salvadoreño amongst other Rums but this day was all about Ron Colon!
Ron Colón Salvadoreño Singapore: RumZcal (66/33) – Buy – $135.00
This intriguing blend combines:
- 66% Ron Colón Dark Aged Rum, which is made up of:
- 70% six-year-old column-stilled Salvadoran rum from Licorera Cihuatán.
- 15% unaged pot-stilled Jamaican rum from Worthy Park, Hampden, and Monymusk.
- 15% three-year-old pot-stilled Jamaican rum from Worthy Park estate.
- 33% Maguay Espadin Mezcal.
RCS RUMZCAL opens with a nose of smoky, earthy funk, enhanced by a natural sweetness. The mezcal’s smoke and char blend seamlessly with the rum, leading the way with a robust, smoky flavour. This is followed by earthy undertones where the mezcal mingles with the rum, and it finishes with a hint of tropical fruit.
Ron Colón Salvadoreño Singapore: Red Banana Oleo – Buy – $115.00
RCS Dark Aged Rum with a Banana Twist
Prepare yourself for a rum experience that’s truly bananas! This concoction blends Ron Colón Dark Aged Rum with a maceration and distillate of dried bananas and fresh banana peels, finished off with a touch of sugarcane syrup.
Nose: Dive into a tropical paradise with the rich aromas of fresh sugar cane and ripe banana, balanced by a hint of earthy funk and the natural sweetness of molasses.
Flavour Profile: The fusion of Ron Colón Blue/Overproof and banana creates a dazzling flavour profile. Enjoy the upfront notes of roasted cacao, followed by both fresh and caramelized banana. It finishes with a delightful touch of heat and the signature pot still funk.
Ron Colón Overproof Rum Composition:
- 70% six-year-old column-stilled Salvadoran rum from Licorera Cihuatán.
- 15% unaged pot-stilled Jamaican rum from Worthy Park, Hampden, and Monymusk.
- 15% three-year-old pot-stilled Jamaican rum from Worthy Park estate.
This rum is a tropical journey in a bottle – bold, unique, and unmistakably delightful.
Ron Colón Salvadoreño Singapore: RumRye (50/50) – Buy – $130.00
This blend of Ron Colón Dark Aged Rum is a delightful concoction of:
70% six-year-old column-stilled Salvadoran rum from the Licorera Cihuatán distillery.
15% unaged pot-stilled Jamaican rum sourced from the Worthy Park, Hampden, and Monymusk distilleries.
15% three-year-old pot-stilled Jamaican rum from the Worthy Park estate.
To add a unique twist, it’s combined with a four-year-old straight rye whiskey made from 100% rye, showcasing the warm, rich spice of the grain.
On the palate, expect a bold experience with hints of candied fruit and orange blossom. The classic rye spice is perfectly balanced by the rum’s natural sweetness, leading to a dry finish with refreshing notes of citrus and a subtle touch of mint.
Santa Teresa at Rum Fest 2024
Got to hang out with one of our favourite Instagram accounts in the flesh Maria Kim who is the Brand Ambassador at Bacardi Ltd. and an incredible mixologist to boot! Bacardi happen to have a strategic relationship with Ron Santa Teresa! I met Maria Kim last year at the Rum Fest and have bumped into each other at a number of alcohol related establishments along the way!
TRIPLE AGED SOLERA RUM
Santa Teresa 1796 is renowned as the first triple-aged rum, featuring blends aged for up to 35 years through our unique Solera process. Each bottle carries a touch of the original Ron Madre (mother rum) from when we first filled the Solera casks in 1992, and those casks have never been emptied since.
Triple Aging Process:
- Traditional Aging: We start by aging three types of rum separately—light, heavy, and pot-still—ranging from 4 to 35 years. Each type contributes unique flavours:
- Light Rum: Wood, vanilla, clove, and spices.Heavy Rum: Apple, pear, banana, fermented fruits, and honey.Pot Still Rum: Leather, dark chocolate, tobacco, and rum cellar notes.
- Solera Cask Aging: The Solera method is a unique aging technique used exclusively for Santa Teresa 1796. It involves a system of four rows of Hogshead barrels. Rum cascades from one barrel to the next, from top to bottom, until it reaches the ground, or “suelo” in Spanish. This system ensures a smooth and balanced rum, similar to how a cotton shirt transforms into silk after a refined journey. Only half of each barrel is emptied and then replenished with rum from the barrel above, so each bottle always contains some of the original 1992 blend, maintaining consistent flavour over time.
- Solera Vat Aging: Finally, the rum is aged a third time in large French limousine oak vats, which are never emptied. This final aging step imparts the rum’s distinctive smoothness and balance.
You can buy Santa Teresa 1796 from our good friends at LMDW for $135
Swell de Spirits at Rum Fest 2024
This stand is where things get heavy and I am talking in a good way, no sorry great way! This is where Daniel from Spirited started his journey but it was not far from where my rum fest tasting ended!
These Rums are aged and I can not begin to give them the justice they deserve, so let me highlight a couple and then you can take a look through the link below at the full range! From the labelling through to the tasting points from soft to harsh funky rums they have it all and no one rum is like another!
That’s The Spirit Heavy TDL Rum 2008 (Trinidad)
This rum is a bold example of cask strength at 64.9% ABV. Aged for 11 years in tropical conditions and 3 years in continental climate, it comes in a 500 ml bottle, delivering a robust and intense flavour profile.
Wild Series Fijian Rum 2014
This Fijian rum, distilled from 100% pot still, boasts a powerful cask strength of 66.1% ABV. With 2 years of tropical aging and 7 years in a continental climate, it’s a single cask release limited to 366 bottles of 500 ml each.
Wonders Series TDL Rum 2009 (Trinidad)
From Trinidad, this rum is a single cask offering with a high ABV of 64.5%. It is a rare 500 ml bottle from a single cask of just 317 bottles, known for its rich and complex character.
Wonders Series Australian Rum 2012
This Australian rum, aged in a single cask and bottled at 66.9% ABV, features 500 ml of intense flavour. It comes from a limited release of 368 bottles, showcasing a powerful and refined profile.
Buy Swell de Spirits products here
Tanduay at Rum Fest 2024
Tanduay Double Rum 16 Years
Tanduay Double Rum 16 Years offers a perfectly balanced tropical profile with dried fruit flavours and a smooth, medium-bodied richness. It finishes with medium-length woody notes, complemented by hints of torched pineapple, cherry, and vanilla. This deluxe aged rum features elegant, medium-long woody notes and a finish of raisin and tropical zest.
Our friends at Cellarbration stock Tanduay Double Rum which is my go to and I drank this at their recent event, so let me leave it to Tanduay to tell you all about it!
Buy Tanduay Double Rum 16 Years here
Big Hugs and Thanks for the Invite this year!
Huge kudos to Rubina, Edriane, Knut, and the Tied Alliance team for knocking it out of the park at Rum Fest 2024! Your amazing work made the event unforgettable. Can’t wait for Rum Fest 2025!
Disclaimer:
This post contains content related to alcoholic beverages. Alcohol consumption should be enjoyed responsibly and in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health risks. It is illegal for individuals under the age of 18 to consume alcohol. Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
This post is intended for adults of legal drinking age only.
