Whilst gin is my passion, I sometimes cheat on it with other spirits! After my Cuban adventures in 2015 I have grown fond of rum and if you are looking for a place to try a VAST selection in London, then look no further than Cottons rhumshack in Notting Hill!
Cottons for rum
Here’s the official certificate and official Guinness adjudicator with Barry Lamine Head Barmanager, Samantha Edwards Cottons Manager and Merco Lecca Cottons Barman. Image courtesy of Cottons.
Cottons have recently won the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most number of rums commercially available.
How many is that I hear you ask…. 372!
Even I would struggle to taste all those!
A small sample of the numerous rum bottles behind the bar!
I tried counting how many I’d had but it barely made double digits. Even with my Cuban and BVI trips more work was needed….
Cottons is definitely worth a visit if you are a rum aficionado – they have all the main stream brands and some tiny tiny ones that you’ll struggle to find outside of the Caribbean.
Close up of that certificate
So obviously an achievement like this required a party! I enjoyed tasting some rum punch and sampling Cottons Caribbean food menu in celebration.
Our lovely waitresses for the evening. Image courtesy of Cottons.
Are you interested in learning more about rum?
If you are interested in learning more about rum then I have a treat for you! Cottons have now opened a cocktail training school in their Notting Hill restaurant and they are offering FREE rum masterclasses!
That’s sure to brighten up your January! Masterclasses start with Angostura rum (which I first tasted at London Cocktail Week!) on Wednesday 25 Jan 17 and there is a different rum showcased each month. Be sure to sign up quick as these are likely to book out fast. More information on the masterclasses can be found here: Cottons FREE rum masterclasses
Check out their website on how to register for the masterclasses
After each masterclass guests can also sample how that rum is used in cooking with a special one-night-only menu alongside the cocktail of the month (dishes individually priced – this is separate to the masterclasses).
I was a guest of Cottons at their celebration party, however all opinions are my own, I hope you enjoy their rum selection!
Jen Morrow says
You had me at RUM!! 372 Rums would take me at least a few visits to try them all – and try I would.
Katie Hughes says
That’s a goal we can all work towards Jen 😉
Danni Lawson says
372 is better than what Heinz can do for Ketchup! I would love to try the masterclass too. Kudos to them for making a unique experience and getting in the GWR- nice.
Katie Hughes says
Haha totally Danni! I can’t wait to try out the masterclasses 🙂
Thelittlelai: Beyond limits says
Wow, this is just so cool. I’m not that a huge fan of rums, but this one is truly an interesting one even by just stepping at its door. I would like to spend my day here and checking each rum and if given a chance will try them as well.
Megan Indoe says
WHAT! 372 different kinds of rum!? I have never heard of such a thing. I am sure there’s a flavor for everyone with a variety like that.
Katie Hughes says
Definitely something for everyone Megan!
nicki says
This is awesome. Notting Hill is such a cute neighborhood. Next time I am in town (around October) we must go! I have always loved rum although I am more of a whiskey girl, I can’t pass this up. I wonder how many I could feasibly try in a night.
Katie Hughes says
Yes we should test how many before we fall over Nicki! ?
Paige Wunder says
This looks pretty cool! I have two things holding me back from taking this class though – I don’t live in London and I don’t like rum. I’m with you that gin is my favorite, but just can’t get myself to drink rum anymore – I think too many bad experiences in college. Haha!
Katie Hughes says
I had a similar experience with tequila – I can only drink margaritas now! ?
Stephanie says
Rum is so fascinating. I learned so much about it in the Caribbean. I like the darker rums, but will also drink malibu. I love learning about small batch distilleries too. Sounds like you found a great place!
Katie Hughes says
Yes totally agree Stephanie – the smaller distilleries usually have great stories.
Lydia@LifeUntraveled says
I’m not a big fan of rum but the best I’ve had and my favorite is the sweet rum ‘Legendario’ produced in Cuba. This masterclass does look like a lot of fun though and I would certainly enjoy trying out some Caribbean eats!
Katie Hughes says
Lydia, that’s the rum I brought back from Cuba! Great taste 😉
Sarah Kim says
Wow 372 rums is a lot! I wonder what the record is for whiskeys because there’s a place in Amsterdam that has over 1,000. I don’t love rum but I feel like I could have a much better appreciation for it if I took this class! And since it’s free. Why not?!
Katie Hughes says
Exactly Sarah! Why not 🙂
Claire says
Ooh I do love a bit of rum! I’ve tried rum in several different countries, and recently found out they make it in Mauritius too – but coming here looks like I’ll get to try all the kinds I want! I couldn’t handle straight rum in Cuba though, Cuba Libre cocktails for me all the way!
Katie Hughes says
I do like to taste my spirits neat 😉 I love a rum old fashioned too and a good rum punch on the beach always hits the spot!