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 -
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
And a bottle of rum - by Wayne Curtis
Rum - a Social and Sociable History - by Ian Williams
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rum-Social-Sociable-History-Spirit-ebook/dp/B004OA64UM
Rum: The Manual - by Dave Broom
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rum-Manual-Dave-Broom/dp/1845339622
Georgi Radev - by Let’s get tropical
https://www.waterstones.com/book/lets-get-tropical/georgi-radev/9780241378953
If you prefer to watch videos and take part in live events…
Black Tot YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuyNKJ--fjJyl3_Hjwe_IlcUCWJ1eq7wf
Zavvy
If you prefer listening to podcasts…
RumCast
Privateer Rum Podcast with Maggie Campbell https://open.spotify.com/show/43QTStFCnHzfC3psASObsM
One Nation Under ‘Whisky’ - look for a couple of rum sessions emerging in season 4!
https://onenationunderwhisky.com/
If you want more nerdy deep dives with history and technical breakdowns…
CocktailWonk
The Lone Caner
http://thelonecaner.com/thoughts-essays/
If you want rum reviews on particular releases and bottlings…
https://rumdiariesblog.wordpress.com/
https://www.rumrevelations.com/
If you want your instagram feed filled with rum…
Gergo Murath (Trailer Happiness)
https://www.instagram.com/ldn_rumrunner/
Chockie Tom (Doom Tiki)
https://www.instagram.com/chocktails/
Sly Augustin (Trailer Happiness)
https://www.instagram.com/slyaugustin/
Ian Burrell (Global Rum Ambassador)
https://www.instagram.com/therumambassador/
Dawn Davies (The Whisky Exchange / Sugarcane & Champagne) https://www.instagram.com/dawndaviesmw/
Kate Perry (La Maison & Velier)
https://www.instagram.com/wheninrhum/
Maggie Campbell (Privateer)
https://www.instagram.com/halfpintmaggie/
Daniyel Jones (Angostura)
https://www.instagram.com/daniyeljones/
Pete Holland (Floating Rum Shack)
https://www.instagram.com/thefloatingrumshack/
Jo Blogs Rum
https://www.instagram.com/joblogsrum/
Fat Rum Pirate
https://www.instagram.com/thefatrumpirate/
Rum Runners Co
https://www.instagram.com/rumrunnersco/
The Tropic Topic
https://www.instagram.com/thetropic_topic/
Glassmates UK
https://www.instagram.com/glassmatesuk/
Kara’s Rum Quest
https://www.instagram.com/karasrumquest/
And of course join us at https://www.instagram.com/blacktotrum/ and https://www.instagram.com/mitchsaidthis/ if you haven’t already!