The Far East Rum Diary - Le Journal du Rhum d'Extrême-Orient
The Far East Rum Diary (TFERD) is a collection of "rum worthy" news and events taking in place and beyond Asia written by Philippe K.A. Buchle, French Rum Ambassador based in Hong Kong.
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First it started with the 2nd Mauritius RumFest held at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 3rd and 4th featuring not less than 10 suppliers.
The RHUM FEST Paris closely followed on April 5th and 6th barely a month after the closing of the "Concours General Agricole". For the 3rd largest rum festival in France, Cyrille Hugon gave the "Rhum Fair" a new name. A welcome change that may help attract more visitors. In the Rhum Agricole group, 11 awards went to Martinique and 2 to Guadeloupe. In the Traditional group, Flor de Cana Extra Dry 4 years (Nicaragua), Plantation Original Dark (Trinidad), Chairman's Reserve (St Lucie) and El Dorado 15 (Guyana) received a Gold award in their respective categories. The only French who managed to get something in this group was the Savanna 3 (Reunion) receiving a silver award in the 3-6 years category. For the last group including other rums and punch, Rebellion Spiced Rum (Trinidad), Diplomatico Reserva Exclusive (Vénézuéla), Shrub Dormoy (Martinique), Isautier Arrangé Banane Flambée (La Réunion) and Arcane Cane Crush (Île Maurice) received a gold award in their respective categories. Chamarel was awarded silver for the Coconut Liqueur and bronze for the Coffee liqueur. For the rum ambassadors the above could have been considered starters before the main course taking place between April 25th and 27th in USA. For those not familiar with the Miami Rum (Renaissance) Festival, it is one of the largest Rum event held during the year. In 2013, 12,500 rum enthusiasts visited the fair occupying a space of 40,000 square feet. For the 6th edition of the festival, Robert Burr made it even bigger with over 100 brands and a space exceeding 50,000 square feet.
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Meanwhile in the Far East...
1st RHUM DE FRANCE OAK AGED RUM COCKTAIL CHALLENGE
The Final of Rhum De France's 1st Oak Aged Rum Cocktail Challenge took place at Dan Riley's Blckbrd on April 29th. The Finalists were selected earlier in the month. The jury was composed of Chrisophe Bonno a veteran in the industry who also reintroduced absinthe in Hong Kong as well as Thomas Lim and Maggie Beale from the well known "Bar Talk" magazine.
Antonio Ko (Barsmith) received the title of "Most Promising Mixologist" for his Flamboyant "Moon in the Dark".
Antonio Ko (Barsmith) received the title of "Most Promising Mixologist" for his Flamboyant "Moon in the Dark".
Austen Lendrum (Honi Honi) received the title of "Most Confident Mixologist" for his Damoiseau "La Fille De Fermier" (e.g. The farmer's daughter). Austen was also a finalist of the Bacardi Legacy competition held at Vibes in March.
Jack Byrne (Black Star) received the title of "Best Overall Mixologist" for his Damoiseau "Old Smoky" (a variation of the rum old fashioned). Jack was also a finalist of the Havana Club Grand Prix held at Ori-gin in March. It is regrettable that Timothee Becqueriaux (BiBo) was unable to present his Damoiseau "Punch De Bellevue". Same goes for the "Flamboyant Star" a cocktail created Alex Gurung (Brick House).
The prices (worth a few thousand dollars combined) presented by French Rum Ambassador (Rhum Ambassador) Philippe Buchle included four bottles of oak aged rum and a bottle of Divine. Rhum De France would like to thank all participants, jury members, members of the media and all the participating bars for their support. Special thanks to JB Mage (Wine Guild) for the photos and congratulations to the three winners! RUM & WINE TASTING DINNER
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Another likely first in Hong Kong, an authentic full course French dinner served with a selection of wines and exquisite French rums. The event was held on April 30th at Raymond de Paris fine dining restaurant in Sai Kung. The event organised by the Wine Guild and Rhum De France was very successful and it was unfortunate that the restaurant had to turn down some last minute guests. |
RHUMSHOP
RHUM DE FRANCE is launching the first Hong Kong shopping platform dedicated to rum and only rum in South China.
A large selection of rums and rum liqueurs will soon be available for the rum aficionados.
A large selection of rums and rum liqueurs will soon be available for the rum aficionados.
NEXT MONTH
There will be plenty of things to do in Hong Kong next month but the most important for our readers will be the 2nd Hong Kong RUMFEST and VINEXPO 2014.
The RUMFEST will take place at Honi Honi on May 24th and 25th in the presence of Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell and Rhum Ambassador Philippe Buchle. Like last year RHUM DE FRANCE will present a selection of Agricole and Molasses rhums (rums) from Mauritius and Guadeloupe.
Here is a taste of what to expect at the RUMFEST:
This year's Rum fest will showcase for tasting, 70 of the most diverse rums from 16 suppliers across Hong Kong representing 40 rum brands, as well as special rums never been sipped yet on Hong Kong shores. Sponsoring the Rum Festival Hong Kong provides the most direct opportunity to connect with the hottest drinking and social crowd in town, build your brand awareness and show your brand's support towards the legendary star of the show - RUM!
Join us this May to acknowledge, promote, educate, discover and celebrate one of the greatest liquors of all time.
Rum Festival Facebook Page:
The RUMFEST will take place at Honi Honi on May 24th and 25th in the presence of Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell and Rhum Ambassador Philippe Buchle. Like last year RHUM DE FRANCE will present a selection of Agricole and Molasses rhums (rums) from Mauritius and Guadeloupe.
Here is a taste of what to expect at the RUMFEST:
This year's Rum fest will showcase for tasting, 70 of the most diverse rums from 16 suppliers across Hong Kong representing 40 rum brands, as well as special rums never been sipped yet on Hong Kong shores. Sponsoring the Rum Festival Hong Kong provides the most direct opportunity to connect with the hottest drinking and social crowd in town, build your brand awareness and show your brand's support towards the legendary star of the show - RUM!
Join us this May to acknowledge, promote, educate, discover and celebrate one of the greatest liquors of all time.
Rum Festival Facebook Page:
COMMUNITY - "That's The Spirit!"
"That's The Spirit!" is a Hong Kong lifestyle forum for amateurs, connoisseurs and professionals to meet, share knowledge, taste and experiment with the best distilled beverages currently available. To join visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thatsthespirithk/ Past Issue(s) of The Far East Rum Diary |
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