Visit & Vibes

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the final Rum Club gathering of the year, a celebration that coincided with Barbado’s Independence and marked the 130th anniversary of the West Indies Rum Distillery.

The venue, Table 28, was a familiar and charming space that had hosted a previous event, promising a cosy and enjoyable atmosphere.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with a delightful rum cocktail that boasted a festive, cinnamon-infused flavour—a delightful start to the evening. Eager to explore the offerings from Plantation, the featured brand of the night, I anticipated rediscovering a label I vaguely remembered from years ago.

The event commenced with an introduction by the Plantation brand ambassador, who not only guided us through each rum but also shared captivating historical insights about the brand and its offerings.

This added a layer of depth to the tasting experience, making it an informative and enjoyable affair.

Anticipation heightened as the evening unfolded, with the promise of a delectable culinary experience crafted by the chefs at Table 28. Despite having only admired the enticing aromas and visually appealing dishes from afar during previous encounters, I was finally going to experience their culinary prowess firsthand. Needless to say, my expectations were set high, fueled by the tantalizing scents that had piqued my curiosity on previous occasions. Tonight, it seemed, would be a feast for the senses, both in terms of spirits and gastronomy.

As mentioned earlier, we had the opportunity to sample a variety of rums from Plantation, each uniquely aged and produced. The anticipation was high, and after every tasting, the brand ambassador provided insightful information. One particular standout among the first three rums was the XO by Plantation—its distinct qualities left a lasting impression, making it a definite choice for future indulgence after a workday.

The informative session continued, unveiling details about the diverse production methods and characteristics of the rums. The accompanying slideshow, visible on the screen behind the rum, enhanced the learning experience. Although the screen’s positioning may have posed visibility challenges for some attendees, the ambassador’s articulate explanations ensured everyone had access to the information, with additional opportunities for inquiries after the sipping session or the event.

My personal favourite, the Plantation Barbados XO 20th Anniversary, boasted a 40% alcohol volume and tropical ageing of 8 to 15 years—a perfect combination that ticked all the boxes for me. As we transitioned to the culinary segment of the evening, a special treat awaited: a coconut rum imported from Barbados, set to hit the shelves early next year. Describing it as a liquid bounty, this delightful concoction left a lasting impression, and I am eagerly anticipating acquiring a few bottles.

With the rum tastings concluded, it was time to shift focus to the eagerly awaited food portion of the event, which met with enthusiastic readiness from all attendees.

The Food

As previously mentioned, the team from Rum The Show collaborated with the chefs at Table 28 to craft delightful dishes complementing the Rum Club experience.

Starter

Spiced coconut tiger prawns, mango salsa and okra fries.

The initial offering, Spiced Coconut Tiger Prawns with mango salsa and a side of okra fries set the culinary tone for the evening.

Beginning with the okra fries, they were impeccably cooked, delivering a delightful taste alongside a satisfying portion size.

The Spiced Coconut Prawns, presented with an appealing visual aesthetic, provided a nuanced flavour profile. While I detected a subtle hint of coconut, the spiciness was not overpowering; nothing particularly stood out, but the overall experience was marked by a truly enjoyable and tasty flavour.

Dish Flavour	★★★★★
Appearance	★★★★★
Serving Size	★★★★★
Aroma	★★★★★
Value for Money	★★★★★
MY RATING:	★★★★★

Main Course

Caribbean spiced chicken supreme
spring onion, thyme sweet potato mash, Caribbean curry sauce & wilted greens.

Transitioning to the main course, we were treated to a Caribbean Spiced Chicken Supreme, accompanied by spring onions, thyme, a delightful sweet potato mash, and an exceptional Caribbean curry sauce.

Even without the sauce, sampling each component individually revealed an exceptional dish with rich flavours.

However, when combined with the Caribbean curry sauce, the dish ascended to a new level of culinary excellence.

The perfectly cooked chicken, paired with the delectable sweet potato mash, resulted in an extraordinarily tasty dining experience that left me wishing for the recipe, particularly for that exceptional curry sauce that added an unforgettable dimension to the dish.

Dish Flavour	★★★★★
Appearance	★★★★★
Serving Size	★★★★★
Aroma	★★★★★
Value for Money	★★★★★
MY RATING:	★★★★★

Final Thoughts…

In summary, tonight’s Rum Club proved to be an exceptional experience from beginning to end. The diverse array of rum styles from Plantation, coupled with delectable dishes, laughter, and engaging discussions, made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening. The event was not only entertaining but also highly informative.

It’s noteworthy that vegetarians were accommodated with specific menu options upon prior notice to Rum The Show, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees. This thoughtful approach allowed everyone to savor both the food and drinks.

While reflecting on the event, a personal suggestion would be to consider incorporating two rum tastings followed by the starter, then another two tastings before the main course, and concluding with the remaining rums. Alternatively, having some rums available to sip throughout the meal could enhance the overall experience. However, this is a subjective perspective.

Looking forward, I eagerly await the next rum and food-tasting event from the talented team at Rum The Show. For those interested, stay tuned for potential upcoming events in January or February by following them for the latest news and updates.

Service / Staff	★★★★★
Ambience	★★★★★
Time between Courses	★★★★★
Halal Friendly	★★★★★
Vegan Friendly	★★★★★
Overall Value for Money	★★★★★
MY OVERALL RATING	★★★★★

It’s important to note that all the views and opinions expressed in my blog posts and vlogs are entirely personal, have not been influenced in any way and reflect my individual perspective. I value authenticity and honesty above all, and my content is a genuine reflection of my thoughts and experiences.