Ian Burrell

Ian Burrell, an award-winning Rum "EduTainer," is one of the most traveled and recognized figures in the spirits industry. Previously an ex-professional basketball player in the UK and an international recording artist, he is now the only globally recognized Ambassador for the rum category. He has conducted masterclasses and seminars on all seven continents worldwide.

In 2014, Burrell broke the Guinness World Record for the largest organized rum tasting and masterclass. His passion for rum and cocktails led him to create the world's first international Rum festival (The UK RumFest) in 2007. This pioneering event has inspired the development of similar festivals around the globe in locations such as Miami, Berlin, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Prague, Hong Kong, California, New York, Chicago, and Mauritius.

As an "Edu-tainer," Burrell regularly shares his expertise and passion with a wide audience. He gives keynote speeches, rum tastings, cocktail presentations, and demonstrations for both trade and consumer audiences. A familiar face on British television, Burrell serves as the rum and cocktail specialist on the UK TV show "Sunday Brunch." There, he educates celebrity guests and millions of viewers on various rums and rum cocktails.

In recognition of his contribution to the industry, Burrell was named the International Brand Ambassador of the Year at the 2018 Spirited Awards, part of The Tales of the Cocktail celebrations in New Orleans. Notably, Burrell doesn't represent any single brand, only the rum category as a whole.

In 2019, his peers at the THINK RUM event in London named Burrell as Rum's Champion. The same year, he launched his first Rum festival in Miami, USA, called The Miami Rum Congress, further emphasizing his commitment to rum education and experiences in America.

In 2020, Drinks International ranked Burrell as the 10th most influential person in the global drinks industry, underscoring his significant impact and influence in the world of rum and beyond.