It is an idea to ask the same ten questions to the organizers of the major international festivals in the world of rum.
This time the publication of the replies given by my friend Dirk Becker, founder of the German Rum Fest to be held next october in Berlin.
1- Which rums do you recall first when you began to consider drinking rum?
Appleton VX and of course Havana Club and Bacardi, because my career starts 20 years ago
2- Was there a particular rum brand that inspired you to love rum or learn more about this spirit?
Appleton VX, was my first rum I’ve found when i travel in the US and was looking for a rum for coke. I have then tried pure and was so excited that I drank the whole bottle without Coke! It’s eternally long ago
3- What are the three essential features that your RumFest should have?
Our visitors are very interested in the topic of rum, they want to learn something and not get drunk.
We present a wide selection of small producers, and thus have a wonderful mix of exhibitors.
Many of the producers are personally on site, and we have around 30 tastings, which are included in the admission price.
The GERMAN RUM FESTIVAL AWARDS are very important to me. A very good jury tasted more than 100 varieties of rum in different categories. A minimum of 80 points must be reached to obtain a medal.
4- If you were in a desert island, what style of rum would you choose with you?
Definitely a complex Agricole or an old Caroni bottling
5- What future trends in rum will be successful and which producers are likely to be involved in the future success of rum?
I think the camp splits in two groups. On the one hand there will always be the group that will like to drink, sweet, soft or flavoured Rum. On the other hand, the group which is looking for quality and transparency are getting bigger. There are lot of rums that are similar. You have to wait and see who can prevail. It is important to have an independent character.
6- How do you see the spirits industry evolving in the future?
I think in the future will prevail quality. The trend for organic, so I mean to work in our case, with no additives, will be greater. There will also always tougher laws, for example, for labeling that will support this trend. I think there will be a lot of mayflies. The potential for the future is enormous, if you do it right.
7- What is your prediction for the success or failure of Cachaça i the next five years?
Cachaca is a difficult issue. Cachaca reminds me a little of the story of Don Quixote and his fight against windmills. As long as there is no solidarity among the Brasil producers, it will remain difficult. An exciting topic, but the lobby is missing.
8- In a time of greater awareness of rum in the media and the public perception, how can your rum festival help rum enthusiasts to better understand and appreciate rum?
The Rumfest is a bit of an educational trip. You can try theoretically over 350 rums. You can learn a lot about all the topics in the tastings and in talks with the producers. the best way to find his own style. And of course, the subject cocktail is important, especially as the good old bar is experiencing a revival. We bring together pleasure, like rum with food, chocolate and cigars.
9- What are the potential effects of rum legislation or certification, such as AOC in Martinique?
As I said, at the end is quality determine success or failure. Legislation such as the AOC can help. The rules must not be too tight lace but, otherwise, the diversity will suffer. A healthy middle course would be desirable.
10- If you didn’t organize the rum expo in your country, where would you like to do it?
That’s difficult because there already is a festival in many countries. I am very happy as it is.
Thanks Dirk for your time and to the next with the answers of Leonardo Pinto creator of ShowRum the Italian rum festival.
Marco Graziano
