Rarely does my cachaça-sleuthing take me across the pond. Thankfully, the good folks at Boca Loca hooked me up with an email interview with the Ian Burrell -- entrepreneur, rum ambassador, and founder of RumFest UK.
What is the opportunity for cachaça in the UK? How has the reaction been?
There is a huge opportunity for cachaça in the UK, providing the brands educated not only the trade but consumers to understand how cachaça differs from other cane spirits. The fact that it is from a country that promotes exotic music, people, football and lifestyle can only benefit the general public’s perception of what is still a misunderstood spirit.
What have you been doing lately with cachaça? Any recipes to share?
Obviously those that know cachaça will serve it 99% of the times in a Caipirinha, but the earthy, fresh cane juice flavours can be combined within an array of cocktails that bring the natural fruity notes of the Brazilian spirit. A typical recipe that I serve is:
Boca de Coco
- 2 parts Boca Loca cachaça
- 1 part coconut water
- ½ part lime peel syrup
- ½ part coconut rum
- Dash of fresh lime juice
Shake, and serve into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a thin zest of lime.
How did you hook up w/ Boca Loca?
I discovered Boca Loca in the UK at a trade show. I thought the brand brought a fun, refreshing approach to the category. I was also a judge in a blind tasting in 2008 in which Boca Loca won a gold medal.
What's next for you, cachaça-wise?
To help educate the trade and consumers into understanding Cachaça as a spirit through seminars, cocktail training, master classes throughout Europe & the US as well as my Rum & Cane Spirit festival in London, which is the biggest event of it’s kind in the world.
When will Ian Burrell be over here in the state ? I hear that his seminars and demonstrations are legendary.
Posted by: Sam | August 14, 2009 at 07:05 AM
Sam,
According to Ian, via Boca Loca's agency:
"he is hoping to do a rum academy in New York this coming October, but he might delay it until early next year so he can promote it and attract 100 of New York's top bartenders.
"So as of right now, he doesn't have any definite plans."
Posted by: Phil | August 22, 2009 at 01:30 PM