UK Cigar Scene Magazine September Issue 9 | Page 20

Rum and Cigars – What’s not to like!
Many of you who love the combination of
a fine rum with your cigar, may well already
be aware of London’s Rumfest which will
be held this year on the 17th and 18th of
October at the ILEC Conference Centre, 47
Lillie Road, London, SW6 1UD.
But the great news for all of you rum and cigar
lovers who think that a two day Rum event is
nothing like long enough, this year Rum expert
and cigar lover Roger Barnes has organised a week
of events in the lead up to Rumfest.
Rum Experience Week 2015 is the inaugural event
designed to allow Rumfest lovers to spend a week
prior to Rumfest appreciating the qualities and
diversity of rum. Part of that week is spent looking
at the history of rum and cigars which is steeped
In Caribbean history.

The rum brands that have expressed interest
to date include : Abuelo [Panama], Appleton
[Jamaica], Diplomatico [Venezuela], Don Q [Puerto
Rico], English Harbour [Antigua], Havana Club
[Cuba], Matugga [Uganda], Monymusk [Jamaica],
Rhum JM [Martinique] and Ron de Jeremy
[Panama]
Just in case you don’t know him Roger Barnes is a
partner in Spirits Elite and is a globally renowned
rum enthusiast whose knowledge of rums is well
respected by industry professionals. Has advised
brands, on-trade and consumers on the category
of rum along with other premium spirits. Over 20
years of building relationships with key personnel
within the industry. Owned and managed a food &
beverage franchise in London.

There are currently four events planned and there
is the possibility of one more. Confirmed events so
far are:
Monday 12 October - Sautters Knightsbridge: 106
Mount St, London, Mayfair W1K 2TW
Tuesday 13 October – No 1A St James’s: London
SW1A 1EF
Wednesday 14 October - La Casa Del Habano: 76
High St, Teddington TW11 8JD
Thursday 15 October - James J Fox: 19 St James’s St,
London SW1A 1ES
The format of the evening will be to offer two rum
brands which will be presented separately with a
chosen cigar or simultaneously with each cigar.
The rums will be paired against two cigars,
commencing with a smaller one allowing time
to finish before progressing to a larger one. The
evening will consist of a presentation from the
rum brand and also from a cigar expert to discuss
the cigars chosen and the pairing. We plan to serve
canapés on the evening.
Each venue will present one cigar brand along
with its history. The brands chosen will be selected
from the Cuban brands of: Bolivar, Cohiba,
Montecristo, Partagas & Romeo y Julieta

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www.spiritselite.com
Tickets for the events and details of all the
other events in this rum filled week are available
via the Rum Experience Week web site
www.rumexperienceweek.com