Handcrafted in the Dominican Republic, Atlántico boasts a selection of the highest quality rums and is aiming to “change people’s perception of rum”. Often overlooked in favour of gin and whisky, rum is being pitched as the next big spirit by the drinks industry, and the Atlántico National Rum Day dinner will introduce guests to three leading rums created in the heart of the Caribbean.

The evening will see Atlántico’s three rums – Platino, Reserva and Gran Reserva – served up in cocktails created especially for National Rum Day by drinks expert Rob Wood. Owner-operator of two of Birmingham’s leading bars, Smultronstalle and 18/81, Rob is famed across the drinks industry for his experimental approach to flavour combinations and drinks serves. He’s heading to Malmaison for National Rum Day to serve up five expertly crafted cocktails.

Accompanying Rob in the exploration of rum will be Atlántico Rum Ambassador Roop Kahlon, who will be talking through the history of rum and the Atlántico brand, and Claire Sumner-Hughes, who is helping to launch Atlántico into the local market. Roop will talk about the brand, which is really making waves in the UK market, delving into the processes that make each of the three rums so unique. Claire will talk about the uptake of Atlántico across the Midlands bar, hotel and restaurant scene, and what’s next for the brand.

Speaking about the event, Claire comments: “I’ve really enjoyed creating this event… it makes a change from all things gin. Working collaboratively with Rob and the Malmaison team has been fun and rewarding, and we hope the people of Birmingham enjoy this event as much as we have developing it.

“We’ve put together an evening for cocktail enthusiasts, rum lovers, food and spirit explorers and people who just want to try something different. Rob has worked closely with Malmaison’s chefs to create a stunning menu of five delicious courses, paired with five specially-created cocktails. It’s the perfect way to celebrate National Rum Day at Malmaison; showcasing our International award-winning rum from the Dominic Republic.”

Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed by lamb toastada, with wild garlic crème fraiche and onions, which will lead into a starter of pulled jerk pork terrine served up with heritage tomato and apricot sauce. On to mains, guests will enjoy cornfed chicken breast and spiced wing, with sweetcorn puree, pickled onions, roast scallions, and spiced chicken gravy. Then comes coconut cream with pineapple puree, roast pineapple and lime sorbet, followed by a chocolate rum torte to finish off the Caribbean-inspired meal. Malmaison’s chef has also created menus for vegetarian and other dietary requirements.