RumConnection.com

Rum brands from around the world and enthusiasts from across the US came together in Philadelphia last week for Rum on the River.  Here’s the scoop.

___________________________________________________________

Rum on the River Recap
by Mike Streeter

.

We’re always up for attending a party with rum and interesting people, so when we got word that Adam Kanter and the Rum Bar crew in Philadelphia were planning such an event on August 19th we were among the first to sign up.  This is the third year they’ve hosted a rum event and anticipation was high for an evening of fun and good spirits.  They did not disappoint.

Rum on the River was held at a beautiful riverfront bar and restaurant called Octo.  With a 360 degree view of the Philadelphia skyline, Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Delaware River, the location could not have been better.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.
.

At 6pm the doors at Octo opened and an initial group of VIPs were treated to a private party hosted by El Dorado Rum.  Drinks were served and a happy crowd mingled and talked about cane spirits in the afternoon sun.

The official party started at 7 and hundreds of people poured through the doors to sample some of the world’s finest rum and soak up the atmosphere.  More than 50 rums were represented including mainstay premiums like Mount Gay, Appleton and Clement, along with hot new brands like the Kraken Black Spiced and Kilo Kai.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

…

..
.

At 8pm MC Robert V. Burr kicked off the Mojito Olympics.  Six bartenders competed in a series of challenges including Speed Muddle, Infusion Experiment and overall Best in Show.  All the competitors were impressive but in the end Tony Perez from G-Lounge had the fastest muddle with 12 completed drinks in little over 3 minutes.  Andres Sanchez from Positano Coast took the Infusion Experiment gold medal and Gina Chersevani of PS7 in Washington DC won Best in Show with a traditional mojito made with a load of cutting edge tricks.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

..

.

.
.

As the sun set, a killer samba band hit the stage and belted out the perfect rum-drinking soundtrack to hundreds of people that circulated throughout the remaining hours of the event.  The night wore on and it became very clear that Philadelphians love rum and an event like Rum on the River is here to stay.

.

.

.

.

.

..

.

A special thanks goes out to Adam Kanter and the team at Rum Bar.  I can’t think of a better group of people to spend a few days with in sunny Philadelphia.  Sign us up for next year!  Cheers.

Tagged: Events