For those who are fond of rum, the launch of the third annual Angostura Rum Festival would have been like paradise, as it literally rained free alcoholic beverages. The event, aimed at attracting young adults, ended yesterday. The opener saw hundreds of patrons flocking to the Success Village, Laventille compound from as early as 10 am and were treated to mini tours, free drinks, cocktails and demonstrations on cooking and mixing drinks using exclusively Angostura rum and bitters.
The company which has been at the forefront of top local party events just like the Angostura Rum Land, is all about educating young people on the value and history of rum. Brenda De la Rosa, marketing and sales manger of Angostura, said the Rum Festival was born out of people's fondness of Rum Land.
"Rum Festival is really an extension of Rum Land. It is where we showcase all our brands and we show people the different ways we can present rum because a lot of people think it's just rum and coke. But rum can be served in so many different ways. Especially when you want to attract the young people, you have to do things that are relevant to them. Hence the reason for Rum Fest."
Upon entering the venue, patrons where given chits which entitled them to two full size alcoholic drinks and two rum cocktails of the many choices of rum that included, Angostura Black Label Rum, Single Barrel Rum, 1919 Rum and 1824 Rum, mixed with the world famous Angostura Bitters. There were also a series of interactive games, a food court and various informative packages pertaining to Angostura.
The cocktail demonstrations by mixologist Rackesh Madoo and the students of the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI) along with renown chef Wendy Rahamut, proved to be an audience pleaser. London 2012 Olympic gold medalist Keshorn Walcott, was also on hand to witness a fiercely contested Angostura's Mix Master Challenge. The challenge was judged by communications manager Giselle La Ronde-West and mixologist consultant Jamal Bowen. The competition winner, Clayton Archer, will go on to compete in the Global Cocktail Challenge, in 2013.