Spoonfed talks to Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell ahead of the ExCeL Centre's upcoming RumFest.
What was your first job?
Besides being paper round boy, and stacking shelves in Waitrose, my first job was a waiter in a restaurant called Pizzeria Uno.
Where do you work now?
All over the world, wherever rum education is needed...Or my restaurant in Camden, Cottons Rhumshack.
How did you become an ambassador for British rum?
I was employed part time by J Wray & Nephew rum company who asked me to be their brand ambassador. While helping to launch one of their rums in New Zealand, they announced me as their UK Rum Ambassador, so the name stuck.
Describe some challenges you’ve faced in your career and how you tackled them.
Some people have negative images of rum because they have had a bad rum experience, so I have to help them to convince themselves that there is always a rum for all occasions, be it served in a cocktail, with a mixer or just on the rocks. The easiest way is to make them a delicious rum cocktail.
Why did you decide to set up RumFest?
I wanted the world to understand that rum is more than just a spirit, it's a lifestyle.
What do you look for in a good rum?
An intense colour, beautiful aroma, great legs and a full bodied taste.
What does a typical day's work involve for you?
No two days are the same as I may have to be at a bar teaching bartenders about rum & cocktails; or conducting a rum & chocolate masterclass; or judging a cocktail competition; or designing a menu for a new bar; or promoting my Rum Festival, UK RumFest; or writing my book...and this can all happen in at least 40 different countries around the world.
UK RumFest 2012 takes place at London's ExCeL Centre from 13-14 October. Tickets are available from £20. Please visit rumfest.co.uk for more details.
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