The Madness of a 5 am Party

Who in their right mind would start a massive party at 5 am? That was my initial reaction when I heard about the sunrise parties in the Caribbean, particularly at the Barbados Food & Rum Festival. But as I stepped onto the beachside grounds of Harbour Lights along the Southeast coast of Barbados near Bridgetown, I began to understand the appeal.

The atmosphere was electric as I entered the festival. The darkness was illuminated by an assortment of rum punches, each presented in unique containers. I couldn’t resist grabbing a plastice pineapple and taking my first sip of the many rum drinks I would consume throughout the day. Coffee, water, and a variety of culinary delights were also on offer, providing a much-needed balance to the alcohol.

The festival had a dress code, encouraging guests to wear yellow. It was a sight to behold as a parade of locals and tourists donned their finest sun dresses and tropical shirts. The Rise & Rum fest had meticulously arranged and decorated areas where attendees could indulge in a feast for the senses. Chef Kiara Riley’s Da Fuh Lick Yuh, a sticky brown sugar pork taco infused with Mount Gay XO Rum and topped with green papaya slaw, was among the many delectable bites available. Other highlights included Chef Nicholas Ifill’s “De Bajan Benny,” featuring pork belly, cassava salt bread, smoky tomatoes, cured egg yolk, and Scotch bonnet hollandaise, as well as Chef Marvin Applewhite’s tri-citrus prawn ceviche and spice-scented sweet potato purée with mango bobas.

The event wouldn’t have been complete without coffee, courtesy of Wyndham’s, a family-owned roaster on the island. They not only provided regular coffee but also treated partygoers to delightful espresso martinis. A ticket to Rise & Rum granted unlimited access to all the food and drink you could consume, and I made it my mission to put that limit to the test. I even took advantage of a free massage offered during one of the rain showers to rejuvenate myself around 9 am.

Sponsors like Mount Gay and Cocksure, along with local mixologists, presented an overwhelming variety of rum cocktails. One of my personal favorites was a simple yet refreshing concoction—a freshly cut coconut with an airplane bottle of Mount Gay Black Barrel stuck upside down into a hole in the top. As I took the first sip, the infusion of rum began, making each subsequent sip wonderfully potent. Another stall offered fresh-cut pineapple soaked in rum and served in the fruit’s husk, creating a tropical delight.

DJs kept the energy high on the beach, playing the latest soca hits. Despite the intermittent rain showers, the revelers danced with enthusiasm, equally soaked in rain and rum. Saturday’s Rise & Rum was just one of the events taking place at the 2023 Barbados Food & Rum festival. The festivities kicked off on Thursday night at Oistins, a coastal town known for its local cuisine. Pat’s and Moe’s, both renowned establishments, offered their unique takes on the national dish of flying fish and cou cou, accompanied by macaroni pie and various other Bajan foods. Food Network’s Anne Burrell, an international guest chef, even graced the event with a cooking demonstration. Local distilleries also provided samples of their rums, with the Plantation XO 20th Anniversary standing out as a personal favorite—a truly exquisite rum aged in bourbon casks for 12 to 20 years and finished in French oak for over a year.

The following day, I ventured to Foursquare, the youngest of the island’s four rum distilleries, for a tour and tasting. Despite its relatively recent founding in 1996, Foursquare is situated on an historic sugar plantation dating back to the 1600s. It is owned and operated by the Seale family, whose history in blending and bottling rum spans over a century. Foursquare produces beloved local brands such as Old Brigand, Alleyne Arthur’s Special Barbados Rum, and E.S.A. Field, in addition to their own R.L. Seale label and other contract distillation. The distillery is dedicated to sustainability, sourcing sugar locally and even implementing their own CO2 capturing plant on-site. Approximately 40,000 barrels of rum are currently aging in their facility, predominantly former bourbon barrels, but also casks previously used for madeira, port, zinfandel, sherry, and cognac. Despite being a newcomer compared to the 320-year-old Mount Gay, Foursquare has established itself as one of the most sought-after rum brands, releasing special small batches for limited distribution. I had the pleasure of sampling several of their “select” offerings, including the 2021 Indelible, aged for 11 years in ex-bourbon and ex-zinfandel casks, as well as a 12-year-old private cask selection aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.

As I reflect on my experience at the 2023 Barbados Food & Rum festival, it becomes evident that the early-morning party at Harbour Lights was just the beginning. From the flavorsome delights at Oistins to the rich history and craftsmanship of Foursquare, the festival celebrates Barbados’ vibrant culinary and rum traditions. It’s an experience that not only indulges the senses but also provides a deeper appreciation for the culture and heritage of this enchanting Caribbean island.

Title: A Rum-Filled Adventure in Barbados: A Weekend to Remember

Intrigued by the allure of Barbados’ rich history and vibrant rum culture, I embarked on a culinary journey that would delight my taste buds and leave me with lifelong memories. From exquisite cocktails to mouthwatering dishes, the Food & Rum festival proved to be an unforgettable experience.

Upon my arrival in Barbados, I was greeted by a representative from the festival, who wasted no time in introducing me to the island’s signature drink – a refreshing rum punch. With a tropical breeze in the air and the anticipation of what lay ahead, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement.

The festivities began on a Friday night, as a convoy of party buses embarked on the “Rum Route.” Our first stop took us to Mount Gay’s bottling facility, where a cocktail demonstration awaited us. Diadem, a private cask selection aged in ex-bourbon and ex-madeira casks, was the star of the show. Its complex flavors danced on my palate, leaving me longing for more.

Karaoke at Stade’s Rum bar added a touch of fun and lightheartedness to the evening. As we sang our hearts out, the experience became more than just about the rum – it was about the camaraderie and shared love for this island spirit.

To satisfy our hunger, a trio of Mount Gay rums was paired with delectable food offerings. Each dish elevated the rum’s flavors, showcasing the perfect marriage between culinary expertise and mixology. Our bus kept the party going with traveling karaoke, ensuring that laughter and merriment filled the air.

Saturday brought even more excitement, with the Bajan Fair and the highly anticipated Jr. Chef Cook-Off finale. The fair offered a glimpse into traditional Bajan culture, with vibrant music, arts, and crafts. As for the Jr. Chef Cook-Off, I witnessed the remarkable talent of young Bajan chefs as they showcased their culinary skills. The dishes presented were nothing short of extraordinary.

As the weekend drew to a close, the festival’s grand finale awaited us – the Liquid Gold party. This black-tie affair was a celebration of gastronomic delights and mixology mastery. Partygoers acted as the esteemed judges for food and cocktail competitions. From delectable fried okra and cornmeal cake to an otherworldly sweet potato and spiny lobster éclair, each bite was an explosion of flavors.

When it came to cocktails, the island’s mixologists outdid themselves. The Mellow Water, a refreshing watermelon and guave concoction, left me feeling invigorated. However, it was “Chef Javon’s Fav” crafted by Dameain Williams that stole the show. This masterpiece, featuring States Beach Vat #1, cilantro-black pepper syrup, pink grapefruit juice, and Himalayan salt, was a true testament to the artistry of mixology.

Throughout my weekend in Barbados, I reveled in the island’s rum culture. From the moment I stepped foot on the island to the final sip of rum punch at my hotel, it was a journey that surpassed my expectations. The flavors, the people, and the atmosphere created an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

As I look back on this remarkable weekend, I can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to indulge in the best that Barbados has to offer. Whether you’re a rum enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure, the Food & Rum festival in Barbados promises an experience like no other.

No matter where life takes me, the memories of that rum-filled weekend in Barbados will continue to bring a smile to my face. It was a celebration of flavor, culture, and the undeniable spirit of the island that gave birth to rum.