This annual celebration of sugar cane-based spirits has become the largest event of its kind to be held in the U.S. Each year the festival spotlights hard-to-find, and hard-to-resist, rums from around the world. Attendees will enjoy specially prepared rum-flavored foods, opportunities to learn more about the origins and subtleties of this popular spirit and sampling represented rums at events held throughout the Tampa Bay area over a three-day period.
”Rum consumption is increasing steadily, with super-premium and premium rums at the head of the pack. We are seeing a rise in production from an ever-increasing crop of new American ‘small batch’ distillers. Flavored rums alone are up 7%,” said Dori Bryant, president of Polished Palate, which organizes cutting edge tasting events nationwide for premium spirits from around the world. “And, this year, for the first time, flavored cachacas make their debut at the International Rum Festival.”
The 2008 International Rum Festival kicks-off Thursday, March 27, with a cocktail reception, five-course dinner and rum tasting at the Island Way Grill, featuring the acclaimed cuisine of Chef Tom Pritchard. Each course will be paired or infused with rum. All proceeds from the silent auction, which features rare and collectable bottles of rum, with some signed by the Master Distiller, benefit the Abilities Foundation.
Diners will also enjoy rubbing elbows and raising glasses with celebrated writers, authors, rum makers, historians, critics, columnists, television and radio personalities and aficionados who “Rum the World.”
On Friday March 28, the celebration moves to Gaspar’s Grotto in Ybor City for “Rum on the Bar B (Q)”, pairing aged, imported and popular rums with fresh-from-the-
The main event returns to the historic Cuban Club in Tampa’s Ybor City on Saturday, March 29. Featured throughout the evening is a global array of rums, including Brazilian cachacas. Culinary delights also will be served to help cleanse palates and enhance the tasting experience.
The Cuban Club will welcome master distillers and blenders, authors, rum aficionados and other industry experts who will be on hand to answer questions and converse about these popular and versatile spirits.
A silent auction benefiting Sky Ranch Foundation will offer fine spirits and other items for sale. All proceeds benefit the foundation’s efforts to assist troubled youths.
Polished Palate, which is based in Tarpon Springs, celebrates the history and culture of distilled spirits while promoting responsible consumption – all in a festive format. Attendees at all Polished Palate International Rum Festival events must be 21 or older to attend. Photo I.D. will be required.
Prices for the festivities are as follows:
March 27
Island Way Grill, 20 Island Way, Clearwater
Tickets: $125 per person (price includes tax and gratuities)
Cocktail Reception: 6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
Five-course Rum Tasting Dinner – 7:15 – 10 p.m.
(Each Guest also receives VIP Admission to the International Rum Festival taking place at the Cuban Club in Ybor City on Saturday evening March 29 ($50 value) and a Goody Bag filled with RUM! (value $50+).
March 28
Gaspar’s Grotto, 1805 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City
Tickets: $35
Rum on the Bar B (Q): 7 – 10 p.m.
March 29
Cuban Club, 2010 Avenida Republica de Cuba (14th Street and Palm Avenue), Ybor City
Tickets: VIP tickets are $50 in advance, $60 cash at the door. General admission is 8 – 11 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 cash at the door.
Doors Open at 7 p.m. for VIP admission; 8 – 11 p.m. for general public
To purchase tickets online, or for more information, go to http://www.polishedpalate.com or contact info@polishedpalate.com.
MEDIA CONTACT for interviews, information or images:
Mary Lou Janson, mary_lou_j@hotmail.com, 813-361-1061 or 813-251-5737 (www.maryloujanson.com)
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