Miami Rum Festival Day 3

The day for the judges began with a lovely breakfast hosted by Afrohead rum.  We discussed the history of the company and tasted the two rums in the line.  Overall I found it to be a good experience and enjoyed the vibe of this fledgeling company. Look for reviews of both of their products in upcoming issues of Got Rum? magazine. 

We finished breakfast and went straight in to judging session five-White and Premium white rums.  This is an interesting category as the rums can vary from straight from the still products to minimum aging. 

Lunch was hosted by Erick and Karin Vonk  of  Richland Rum.  They provided an educational and enlightening history of the only rum currently being produced in Georgia.  We were also given the opportunity to taste their straight from the still product, the rum aged to 18 months, and then their final Single estate cask expression.

The last judging round we evaluated Flavored rums and Overproofs.  In a blind judging environment this is always a tough category.  After completing it we proceeded to our last two fun meetings of the day with Cartavio and Bayou rums.  Cartavio is making a come back in the U.S. market attempting to over come challenges created by a disreputable distributor. 

Bayou rum from Louisiana hosted a fun pool side event that was a great way the wind the day away.  Tomorrow brings another day of meetings and the first day of the festival. I will have all the news and impressions of the opening day.  Cheers!