Rum: A Tasting Course

Open the bottle on this comprehensive tasting course to discover the variety, complex history, and distinct flavors that rum has to offer.

From its origins in the West Indies and its seafaring associations, rum is now distilled all over the world, and its popularity as a spirit is experiencing a new rise. Ian Burrell, a passionate advocate for all things rum, reveals the spirit’s long and complex history; the production, distillation, and aging process; and the myriad flavors of this delicious drink available today.

Discover who we have to thank for inventing rum, exactly how it is created from sugarcane, and how best to enjoy the different varieties before exploring tasting notes for more than 100 global rums and recipes for more than 30 cocktails―both classic favorites and those with a modern twist.

This all-encompassing guide to the ongoing story of rum will teach you to establish your own palate and write your own tasting notes and will open up the world of premium and bespoke spirits for a lifetime of enjoyment.

Ian Burrell – also known as the Global Rum Ambassador – was voted the tenth most influential person in the World Drinks industry by Drinks International in 2020. He shares his infectious passion for rum and cocktails with the public the world over through masterclasses, seminars, speeches, and festivals. In 2007, he created RumFest, the world’s first international rum festival, and in 2014 he broke the Guiness World Record for the largest organized rum tasting. Ian works with brands worldwide, and in 2018 he won International Brand Ambassador of the year at the Spirited Awards. He is the current rum and cocktail specialist on Channel 4’s ‘Sunday Brunch’ and was the winner of the IWSC's 2024 Spirits Communicator Trophy.