Mauritian rum seizes the limelight

Mauritius is looking to secure a place on the world drinks map as it launches its first ever rum festival in collaboration with global rum ambassador Ian Burrell.

Dedicated exclusively to the island’s own rum brands, the two-day Mauritius Rum Festival runs from 23 to 24 August, with a line-up of blind tastings, lectures, bartender competitions and distillery visits.

Highlighting the island’s “long and diverse history of rum”, event organiser Enterprise Mauritius remarked: “the industry has blossomed in recent years with the emergence of world class distilleries and producers.”

Mauritius is currently home to seven rum distilleries with industry sources estimating their combined 2012 production at 619,274 litres at a value of 30,259,257 rupees (£631,631). Recent years have seen a marked shift towards the production of higher quality “agricultural rum” and speciality infused rums, or Rhum Arrangé.

“We feel privileged to have the Global Rum Ambassador in our midst in our paradise island,” said the Enterprise Mauritius spokesperson of Burrell’s involvement. “His visit to Mauritius and his enthusiasm will help us bring rum to the front stage by planting the interest and passion about rum in the young generation of bartenders.”

In a bid to build on the momentum from this domestic event, Enterprise Mauritius will also host a pavilion at RumFest Berlin, which takes place from 5-6 October.