Speakers
Ian Burrell (Global Rum Ambassador)
Known as the Global Rum Ambassador, Ian is one of the world's most knowledgeable people on ALL things rum. He is also the organiser of the UK RumFest and C.E.O of the Rum Experience company. A celebrated expert on the subject of rum, he is also involved in training, lecturing, judging cocktail competitions across the globe and promoting rums products in Europe, America, Asia and Australia. He also travels the world visiting distilleries to learn about rum from the proverbial "horse's mouth".
Dave Broom (Author of the book "Rum")
Although Dave is known for his whisky knowledge, he has written a classic book about rum; understanding, making, buying and drinking it. Clearly explained, comprehensive, and brilliantly illustrated with gorgeous photos, it's the next best thing to actually being in the Caribbean. Not only a full study of the manufacture and history of rum, but also a characterful travelogue of a fascinating region. This book is one of the reason Dave won the Glenfiddich Spirits Writer of the year award.
Steffi Holt (El Dorado Rum Global Ambassador)
Stefanie Holt has been working in the bar industry for almost 10 years, starting in some of the top cocktail bars in Edinburgh while finishing off her degree in Genetics & Biochemistry. After winning the 2010 UK Rum Ambassador of the Year at he Golden Rum Barrel Awards, she was given the job as El Dorado rum's global mixologist and ambassador.
David Cordoba (Bacardi Global Ambassador)
David Cordoba is one of the leading bartenders to emerge from Latin America. His passion, commitment and attention to detail have made him one of the world's most influential mixologists. It's this pioneering cocktail spirit that makes him the perfect person to represent Bacardi Superior rum as their global rum ambassador.
Jeff Beachbum Berry (Tiki Cocktail Historian)
Noted author, rum expert and tiki demi-god Jeff Berry is well known for his dedication to the cause and his online publication,Beachbum Berry's Grog Blog.
Jeff is the author of several books on vintage Tiki drinks and cuisine -- Grog Log, Intoxica!, Taboo Table, Sippin' Safari and Beachbum Berry Remixed-- which Los Angeles magazine called "the keys to the tropical kingdom."
Jim Wrigley (Santa Teresa Global Ambassador)
Jim started bartending in 1996 in an old man's pub in Lancaster, and after that, there were various waiting & bartending jobs.
He learned the basics of preparing drinks and customer service, but it wasn't until I worked in Popolo in Newcastle that I learned the history of cocktails & spirits.
After a short move to Tonic, (think Cocktail the movie; two guys holding off 3 deep at the bar with the blenders whirring), he took the big step to running my own team at Albannach, the acclaimed whisky bar on Trafalgar Square.
After two great years Jim moved into the Notting Hill scene as Head Bartender at the Lonsdale before being offered the chance to spread the good word of rum to the masses as the Brand Ambassador for Santa Teresa Venezuelan rums.
Tito Cordero (Master Blender of Diplomatico Rum, Venezuela)
For the 1st time, The UK welcomes the master blender for one of the worlds best tasting rum. Tito Cordero will be flying exclusively for the UK RumFest to share his knowledge and offer his words of wisdom, as well as playing host to the launch of the new Diplomatico Ambassador Rum.
Richard Seale (Master Distliller of the Foursquare distillery, Barbados)
One of Caribbean's foremost experts on the art of distillation and rum blending. A regular presenter in Europe and inThe USA, Richard brings a wealth of knowledge and charisma to the off & on trade of the rum industry. His distillery has produced rums such as Doorly's, Four square spiced rum; ESA Field white rum; Tommy Bahama; Mahiki Rum and St Nicholas Abbey 10 year old.
