Venetian Pool, Coral Gables, Florida March 2008

When you have the opportunity to attend one of Robert Burr’s Gifted Rums tasting events in Coral Gables, Florida, get on a plane/take the train/find a trustworthy horse and GO! His series of rum tastings are superb (he’s the good looking guy in the photo). This one was even more special, as it was also the release event for his ‘Gifted Rums’ Guide. A notable compilation of rums and related information is presented to the reader in a clean and enjoyable format. Kudos to Robert, who is a veteran publisher with a penchant for finding what’s new and knowing what works.

I arrived a day before, to help set up (Robert and I became friends after meeting at rum competitions). While originally planning to just participate, I ended up serving as brand ambassador for two of the rums which had no brand ambassadors at the event. I spent the evening presenting Appleton Rums from Jamaica, and Cockspur Rums from Barbados. What a treat! I spent hours offering tastings and comparisons of the different product lines; occasionally a friend or a guest took pity on me and brought me a different rum from another brand ambassador to taste – it’s a tough life, but I’m glad to do it. Dozens of guests roamed the stunningly beautiful Mediterranean grounds of Venetian Pool while sipping from dozens of rums from around the world. To quote Jimmy Buffett, ‘It was a pleasure and a hell of an evening’.

Between the event at Venetian Pool, and the festivals in Coral Gables along their Miracle Mile, I spent a wonderful two days chasing rum. Coral Gables is a short drive from the Fort Lauderdale and Miami airports. Robert, his wife Robin, and their son Rob were consummate hosts. While I have them linked on this website, they deserve their own mention: www.giftedrums.com If you can ever go, GO.