Some of the world’s best rums come from Jamaica. Campari Group has a few of them in its portfolio.
It’s no secret I’m a fan of rum nor that I’m partial to ones from Jamaica. So when the folks at Campari UK invited me along for a tasting of their rum portfolio at rumspirational venues across Brixton, I was keen to accept.
Rums tasted included coconut flavoured Koko Kanu, Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, and a range of rums from Appleton Estate. Venues visited were Upstairs at the Department Store, Rum Kitchen, and Three Little Birds.
It was a warm, blue-skied evening at the start of the event and the rooftop bar at Upstairs was an excellent setting for a quick Koko Kanu cocktail. I’m not as familiar with Koko Kanu as I am the other rums. It’s tasty – on its own or as an ingredient.
As for Wray and Nephew, it’s delicious too with a much more pleasant and complex flavour profile than you might otherwise think. This potent white rum is a treat when mixed with Ting (or another grapefruit soda). The rollicking Rum Kitchen was perfect for imbibing in a few Wray and Thing cocktails, as well as Wray on its own and in a punch.
I’m big on all the Appleton spirits as well especially the 12, 21 and the 50 Year Olds. Getting a sip of the 50 proved difficult during the night out in Brixton (fair enough considering there are fewer than 1,000 bottles on the market), but plenty of the rich 12 and the extra smooth 21 was flowing. The laidback atmosphere of Three Little Birds mixed well with these premium rums as did much of the restaurant’s menu. I loved the honey-jerk wings, ribs and curry goat best.
In addition to prowling around Brixton with a buzz, the outings offered a chance to find out about some big news about Jamaica rums that’s still under embargo. Stay tuned for that!
Rums
- Koko Kanu: kokokanu.com
- Wray & Nephew: straightfromyard.co.uk
- Appleton Estate: appletonestate.com
Venues
- Upstairs at The Department Store:upstairsbrixton.com
248 Ferndale Road, SW9 8FR - Rum Kitchen: brixton.therumkitchen.com
437 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LN - Three Little Birds: threelittlebirdsja.com
412 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LF
