Foodie Adventures: Summer of Rum Festival – 2014 Rum Awards

The good folks at Summer of Rum Festival threw a massive rum tasting party in historic Ybor City of Tampa and yours truly was one of the lucky bloggers to experience the event complimentary VIP style courtesy of the festival organizers, Big City Events.  August 16th was National Day of Rum.  I have no idea who declared this momentous occasion, but God bless them.   I can’t think of a better way to say farewell to summer than hosting a Rum Review Awards Ceremony.   Sounds fun right?

At the festival, there were rum stations outside featuring some of the most popular rum brands on the planet.   Appleton Estate, Cruzan, Kraken, Yolo and Don Q were some of the most notable.   Inside, Bacardi was serving up fantastic mojiotos in all the flavors your little heart could desire.    There was live music outside and a DJ to set the party atmosphere inside.  Once you’ve had a little too much rum and need a break you could escape inside to the air-conditioned theater to watch the Pirates of the Caribbean or take a selfie with Captain Morgan.

However, the highlight of the festival was the rum tasting room inside on the top floor.   It was rum overload for many, but for a rum fan like myself it was bliss.   So without further adieu, I present to you:

Outdoorsy Diva’s 2014 Rum Review

Best Florida Distilled Rum

Siesta Key Rum
Sarasota, FL

Best Rum Demonstration

Clement – Ti Punch
Martinique

Most Unique Rum Creations

Twisted Daiquiri by Twisted Sun Gold Rum
Seminole Heights, FL

 

Most Likely to Lead to Good Times and Poor Decisions

Rumshine – Strawberry Lemon Glade
100 proof
Wicked Dolphin – Cape Coral, FL 

Best Spiced Rum

Siesta Key Rum
Sarasota, FL

 Best Flavored Rum

Blue Chair Bay – Coconut Rum

☆Best In Show☆

Rumshine – Strawberry Lemon Glade and Spiked Cran-Apple
Wicked Dolphin – Cape Coral, FL

Honorable Mentions

Koloa – Hawaiian Rum
Club Caribe – Banana Rum
Arnold Palmer  made with Sailor Jerry – Spiced Rum

This was my first rum fest but it certainly won’t be my last.  The best part was experiencing what our local Floridians are creating right here in our own backyard.  When I traveled to the Caribbean I made it a point to return with rum from the various islands, however we make some pretty tasty stuff just down the road!  Festivals are such a good way to learn and try new products that you’ve probably overlooked in the store hundreds of times.

**Remember to Drink Responsibly**

 

–Lauren Gay, Outdoorsy Diva

All pictures and accounts are the sole property of Lauren Gay unless otherwise indicated.  Copyright 2014