How I get the most from a Rum Show
Since I wrote my first post on ‘my top tips for attending a show’, I’ve been to quite a few more. That original article has gone on to become one of the more widely read posts on the blog, but revisiting it now, it feels a little light. The basics are there, but the details are missing. Over a few evenings, glass of rum in hand, I’ve been revisiting the original idea and trying to draft a much improved version.
A rum show or festival is a chance to explore a wide range of rums, spend time talking with ambassadors and distillers, and cross paths with familiar faces along the way. It is also a great opportunity to potentially discover your next favourite rum.
This guide is divided into three parts: before the show, during it, and afterwards. It brings together the things I have found useful, and the small habits that have made these events more enjoyable for me over the years.
Pre-show
A week or more out
In the days or weeks leading up to a show, the exhibitor list, masterclasses, and talks are usually published. This is when I start doing a bit of quiet preparation. I’ll look through the brands that are attending, note the ones I definitely want to visit, and flag anything unfamiliar that’s worth a little research.
Once I’ve got a sense of what’s on offer, I sketch out a loose running order. Nothing rigid, just enough of a plan to make sure I don’t miss something important to me, especially if I’ve booked tickets for talks or masterclasses.
Some bottles don’t last the full event, so a bit of strategy here can make a real difference.
When you’re thinking about a rough order, it’s worth working upwards in ABV where possible. It helps preserve your palate over the course of the day.
Once tickets are booked, I sort travel and accommodation as early as I can. It’s usually cheaper, and any money saved at this stage is money I’d rather spend at the show.
The day before
I like to be as prepared as possible so the day itself feels stress-free. That means making sure tickets are printed or saved on my phone, and packing a bag with the essentials. For me, that’s a water bottle, a notebook, and a pen that I trust not to leak.
It’s worth checking the event website for what you can and can’t bring in. Water bottles are usually fine. Sample bottles, less so.
This is also when I do a quick check of my budget. Some events offer show prices or exclusives, but most bottles will still be available afterwards. There’s rarely any need to rush into buying everything on the day.
Once that’s done, all that’s left is a decent night’s sleep ahead of a busy one.
On the day
On the morning of the show, comfort takes priority. I like to dress smartly enough, but practical shoes are essential. You’re on your feet for a long time, and rooms can get warm quickly, so layers help.
I also make a point of eating a solid, fairly bland breakfast. It helps line the stomach and keeps my palate in a neutral place before a day of tasting higher-strength spirits.
Water starts early too. Staying hydrated might not be the most exciting advice, but over a day that might involve tasting dozens of rums, it genuinely makes a difference.
Try to avoid bold flavours in the hours leading up to the show. Coffee, toothpaste, chewing gum, and heavily spiced food can all pull your palate away from neutral.
During the show
When I arrive, the first thing I do is get my bearings. Knowing where masterclasses are held, where the brands I’m keen to visit are set up, and whether friends have already arrived helps me settle into the day.
For me, a rum show serves two purposes. The first is conversation, with exhibitors and fellow enthusiasts alike. The second is discovery. Because of that, I tend to focus on tasting rums I haven’t tried before. As much as I enjoy returning to favourites, there’s usually more value for me in exploring something new.
Don’t hesitate to use the spittoons. Whether you’ve been poured too much, don’t enjoy the rum, or simply want to taste without consuming, it’s entirely normal and nobody will take offence.
Between samples, I always rinse my glass with water. It helps reduce carry-over between pours and gives my palate a brief reset. I’ll also keep drinking water throughout the day. It’s not glamorous advice, but it genuinely helps keep things enjoyable from the first pour to the last.
One thing I still have to remind myself to do is take photos. Bottle shots, fact cards, or even quick snaps of a stand can be surprisingly useful later, especially when writing things up after the event.
You’ll usually see me with a notebook too. My notes at a show are short and functional, nothing like what I’d write at home with a fresh palate. A few details about the bottle, a handful of flavours that stood out, and a simple marker of whether I enjoyed it are usually enough…
Try not to treat the event like a free bar. Take time to talk to people, learn about what you’re drinking, and pace yourself. It makes the day better for everyone.
The best part of a rum show for me isn’t the sheer volume of rums on offer, although that’s a close second. It’s the access to the people behind them. Being able to stand at a table and talk directly with distillers, blenders, and ambassadors is something I value more with every event I attend.
Over time, I’ve found that the best conversations tend to come from simple, honest questions. Here are a few ideas I’d suggest starting with:
- Be honest. If something isn’t to your taste, explaining why helps them guide you towards something that might suit you better.
- Ask about production details:
- Was this bottle tropically or continentally aged? Don’t know the difference? Ask them about it.
- What still was used?
- What are the age, ABV, and cask details?
- Ask how they like to enjoy it. Neat, mixed, or as part of a specific cocktail.
- Share what you tend to enjoy drinking, whether that’s a particular style or a specific bottle, and where you feel you are in your rum journey.
- Ask about the brand or distillery more broadly. There’s often history or context you won’t find elsewhere.
Occasionally, if you’re very lucky, a conversation like this leads to an under-the-counter sample that never made it onto the table.
Post show
My post-show routine is fairly consistent. A large glass of water, followed by a look back through my notes. That usually turns into me deciding which of the bottles I tried is going to be my next purchase.
I’ll also follow any brands or distilleries that stood out to me on Instagram, just to keep an eye on future releases. After that, it’s usually time to start putting thoughts into words and working on a write-up while everything is still fresh.
In conclusion
If there’s one thing to take from this article, it’s simply this: have fun, try something new, and drink plenty of water.
If you’re looking for a show to attend, the two events I make sure to get tickets to every year are The TWE Rum Show and Manchester Rum Festival!
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