UK Rum Ambassador must be one of the best job titles in town, and the lucky man it belongs to is Ian Burrell. We caught up with him at The London Cocktail Club launching The Rum Experience.
Twenty years in and around the cocktail circuit, Burrell currently runs Cottons and was originally Rum Ambassador for Appleton’s. Wanting to really express his passion for rum he came up with the idea of representing all the major brands. Speaking at an overseas event he was introduced as ‘The UK Rum Ambassador’ and it stuck. Like a cool rum encyclopaedia, if you ask him just one question you’re in for a free-form, passion-filled potted-history, rum fest of an answer. He clearly knows his stuff; and loves it too. As for the best way to drink rum the answer’s much shorter; ‘with friends’. Cocktail recommendation? He pointed Mr G in the direction of the El Presidente (like a Manhattan but with rum stepping in for whisky) mixed with Chairman’s Reserve rum and Antica Formula vermouth. Very smooth. Like Mr Burrell himself. We’ll be watching his progress with interest.
