I was one of the selected few to have a special invite to an intimate evening with Dave Marsland’s Q&A. It was a night at the Merchant House bar in Well Court, hosted by Dwight & Marcos of The Real Rum Experience, think of it as a “This Is Your Life” moment.
Also in the room were guests like Ashera Goonewardene, Rhum clement, Martinique. Roger Barnes, aka Rum Reverend, a rum cocktails’ educator. Tristram, aka tristhespiritsguy, a Spirits & Champagne Portfolio Ambassador for Campari Group. Chris Dennis, Educator & Spirits Expert and former Appleton Estate ambassador. Lewis Hayes of Drop Works Distillery, among many others. So there were great conversations, questions and laughter thought the night.
The night kicked off with a wonderful welcome Daiquiri shaken up by Dave himself. The Real Rum Experience hosts then proceeded to introduce Dave’s pretty impressive résumé in the hospitality sector, from Pop Up Bars, working as a Brand Ambassador for Chairman’s Reserve/St Lucia Distillers and running his own Spirits & Sundries Emporium – Riddles in Altrincham and of course his new book, Saint Lucia: A Sugarcane and Rum History (of which I purchased a copy at the end of the night) should be a historically, insightful read.
We were treated to a selection of specially hand-picked rums, chosen by Dave from his collection of hundreds of rums! The value of the rums ran over £1000! So you can see why space was limited, lol.
Overall it was a great night filled with memories, the trials and tribulations of working in the rum and hospitality sector (especially during lockdown!) touching stories and guess what rum is in your glass and why it was chosen.
Dave’s journey is by no means over. With the Manchester rum festival, working with extensive brands and of course the beloved Charimans Reserve rum, his journey and accolades will continue as long as the rum flows! Thanks for a great night. Cheers.
