Advertisements for the event were everywhere. They were on the radio stations, on local websites and in the newspapers, so naturally my curiosity got the better of me and I decided that I should go to the Angostura Rum Festival. This festival is held by the House of Angostura Rum, a brewery/factory located in Laventille, Trinidad, a short distance from Port of Spain.
We arrived at the event quite early, so the large crowds hadn't arrived as yet. We took advantage and signed up for one of the tours that they offered for the guests. The tour we chose was of the brewery where the rum was manufactured, and it was quite informative.
Aside from the tour, there was a lot to learn about at the festival. A bartender showed the guests how to create a few cocktails and other drinks, using the Angostura Bitters. We were able to taste a few of the cocktails, and they were absolutely wonderful! Other events were taking place, such as a cooking demonstration.
The price of admission for the festival was $50 TT, or approximately $9 USD. This provided you with 4 chits for drinks from any of the many bars and booths which were set up inside of the grounds. Some booths housed a bar which served drinks made with one of the rums manufactured by the House of Angostura. I cashed in my chits at these booths at various points during my visit and two of the drinks I received particularly made a large impression.
At the 'Rumcocktails' booth, I chose an iced cocktail with two fruit flavours, strawberry and pineapple. It had just the right amount of sugar and alcohol to pack a punch, and the fruity flavours were quite distinctive. The second drink consisted of LLB (a Lemon, Lime and Bitters drink, manufactured by House of Angostura) and Angostura 1919 rum, and the combination was fantastic.
There was a live band at the event playing some of the best soca songs for the year 2012. People were dancing, drinking and having a great time all together. A few food items were available, to give persons something to munch on while they consumed the alcoholc beverages. Trinidad Doubles and Corn Soup were the main meals, and ice cream was also being served. The cost of these were included in the admission fee.
This festival takes place every year in the month of in September, and the event is always well attended. Tasty beverages, good local food and Trini Soca makes a sweet combo, and I hope to experience it again in the not too distant future!