Tales of the Tot

Where Do I Start My Rum Education?

We all have different approaches and ways of learning, so this is hopefully a reasonably diverse and inclusive list of various platforms, learning styles, and balanced content for you to begin your rum research. While many of us are stuck at home, there’s never been a better time to deepen our knowledge or understanding of a specialised subject - why not specialise in something that tastes delicious too?

There is of course, no substitute for simply drinking rum. We learn through tasting, especially if there’s some helpful information to go alongside. I’d always recommend starting with as many rum tastings and masterclasses as you can find. Ask your favourite bar or bottle store if they have any rum tastings coming up, or if they could organise one through some of your favourite rum brands - even if you’re in one of the many countries in some form of lockdown right now, there is a huge amount of online tastings and events happening over Zoom. I guarantee that every brand ambassador and spirits producer in the world right now is doing whatever they can to reach you with online tastings in the absence of being able to travel and do live events. In fact the advent of virtual tastings means there’s never been a better time to gain direct access to some of your favourite producers, without even having to leave the house. Many distillers and blenders who are normally too busy to leave the Caribbean to attend rum shows have been able to present amazing and informative events online.

We will continue to update this list with more and more resources, but hopefully this gives you a great starting point in your rum education!

If you prefer a good read…

Smuggler’s Cove - by Martin & Rebecca Cate -

https://bit.ly/36A4feU

Potions of the Caribbean - by Jeff “Beachbum” Berry

https://www.cocktailkingdom.co.uk/beachbum-berry-s-potions-of-the-caribbean?UseLoc=GB

The Curious Bartender’s Rum Revolution - by Tristan Stephenson https://www.thecuriousbartender.com/product-page/the-curious-bartender-s-rum-revolution

Nelson’s Blood - by James Pack

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nelsons-Blood-Story-Naval-Bluejacket/dp/1557506663

Minimalist Tiki - by Matt Pietrek

https://minimalisttiki.com/

And a bottle of rum - by Wayne Curtis