HOUSE OF RUM BARBADOS 2006 – UK RUMFEST 20TH ANNIVERSARY Some bottles are interesting because of what’s inside them. Others are interesting because of the story behind them. This one has both. House of Rum released this Barbados 2006 Single Cask to celebrate the 20th anniversary of UK RumFest – and appropriately, the rum itself… Continue reading House of Rum Barbados 2006 – UK RumFest 20th Anniversary
Author: Rum Shop Boy
RumShopBoy | Honest Rum Reviews, Recommendations & Rum Knowledge
I'm Simon, the person behind RumShopBoy — exploring the incredible world of Rum, Ron, Rhum and Cachaça.
I've been writing about, tasting and collecting rum for many years, with a particular interest in the diversity of production styles, traditions and flavours found around the world.
RumShopBoy is all about honest opinions, independent reviews and helping people discover better rum. Whether you're completely new to rum or already have a well-stocked collection, I want to make the category easier to understand, explore and enjoy.
My content covers individual rum reviews, affordable and beginner-friendly recommendations, Rum Knowledge videos and explorations of rum-producing countries and styles from around the world.
Appleton was where my own rum journey really began, and Jamaican and Barbadian rum remain important reference points for me. Foursquare is another particular favourite, and I'm an advocate of Luca Gargano's proposed reclassification of rum as a useful way of understanding how rum is actually produced.
I hold WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Spirits, achieving Distinction at Level 2. I also hold WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Wine, again achieving Distinction at Level 2.
Away from rum, I'm a Liverpool supporter and season ticket holder, and a long-time Pet Shop Boys fan — which provided some of the inspiration for the RumShopBoy name.
📺 YouTube: @1RumShopBoy
🌐 RumShopBoy.com
🍹 Drink More Rum.
If I Could Only Have 5 Rums… These Are the Ones I’d Choose
🥃 IF I COULD ONLY HAVE 5 RUMS… Imagine having to reduce your entire rum collection to just five bottles. Which ones would survive? It’s a question that sounds fairly straightforward until you actually try to answer it. Do you choose your five highest-rated rums? Your most expensive bottles? The rarest? Or simply the five… Continue reading If I Could Only Have 5 Rums… These Are the Ones I’d Choose
Why Older Rum Isn’t Always Better | Rum Knowledge #7
Surely an older rum must be a better rum? If one bottle has been aged for 20 years and another for 10, it seems perfectly reasonable to assume that the older rum should be better. It has spent twice as long maturing in a barrel. It will probably cost considerably more. And that impressive age… Continue reading Why Older Rum Isn’t Always Better | Rum Knowledge #7
If Spiced Rum Is So Bad, Why Is It So Popular? | Rum Knowledge #6
Spiced rum is incredibly popular. Walk into almost any supermarket, pub or bar and you’ll probably find several bottles of it.Captain Morgan. Dead Man’s Fingers. Kraken. Sailor Jerry. For many people, these aren’t just familiar names — they’re their introduction to the entire world of rum. There’s just one problem. I don’t like spiced rum.… Continue reading If Spiced Rum Is So Bad, Why Is It So Popular? | Rum Knowledge #6
Why Some Rums Have Added Sugar | Rum Knowledge #5
Added sugar in rum. It’s one of those subjects that can very quickly divide rum drinkers. For some people, any added sugar is unacceptable. For others, it simply doesn’t matter as long as they enjoy what’s in the glass. But the reality is a little more complicated. In Rum Knowledge #5, I’m looking at why… Continue reading Why Some Rums Have Added Sugar | Rum Knowledge #5
Rum, Ron or Rhum? What’s the Difference?
Have you ever wondered why some bottles say Rum, others say Ron, and others say Rhum? Do they describe different types of spirit? Different production methods? Or are they simply different names for the same thing? It’s a surprisingly common source of confusion in the rum world. 🥃 RUM Rum is the English-language term and… Continue reading Rum, Ron or Rhum? What’s the Difference?
5 EVEN MORE Rums That Show How Diverse Rum Can Be | World Explorer #3
Just when you think you’ve discovered how diverse rum can be, there’s always somewhere else to explore. Across the first two World Explorer videos, we’ve already travelled through a remarkable range of countries, production methods and rum traditions. For World Explorer #3, we’re going even further. This time we’re travelling to Guyana, Jamaica, Haiti, South… Continue reading 5 EVEN MORE Rums That Show How Diverse Rum Can Be | World Explorer #3
5 MORE Rums That Show How Diverse Rum Can Be | World Explorer #2
The world of rum is far bigger and more diverse than many people realise. After exploring five very different expressions in World Explorer #1, we’re continuing the journey with another five fascinating rums from around the world. World Explorer #2 takes us to El Salvador, Jamaica, Grenada, Réunion and Cape Verde — with very different… Continue reading 5 MORE Rums That Show How Diverse Rum Can Be | World Explorer #2
5 Rums That Show How Diverse Rum Can Be | World Explorer #1
Rum is one of the most diverse spirits in the world. Different raw materials, fermentation methods, stills, ageing techniques and regional traditions can produce dramatically different styles of rum. That’s exactly what my new World Explorer series is all about. In World Explorer #1, I’ve selected five very different bottles that demonstrate just how broad… Continue reading 5 Rums That Show How Diverse Rum Can Be | World Explorer #1
5 Budget Rums That Might Surprise You | Great Value Rum Recommendations
Think you know what to expect from a budget rum? You might be surprised. In the latest instalment of my Budget Rum series, I’m looking at five affordable bottles that offer plenty of character without demanding a premium price. This time we’re travelling from England and Madeira to the Canary Islands, Dominican Republic and Jamaica.… Continue reading 5 Budget Rums That Might Surprise You | Great Value Rum Recommendations
