Ian Burrell

One of the most travelled figures within the drinks industry, the multi - award winning “EduTainer”, has redefined the definition of an international spirits ambassador. An ex-professional basketball player in the UK and ex- international recording artist, he has now established himself as the world’s ONLY recognised Global Ambassador for the rum category. He has conducted masterclasses and seminars, sipped cocktails and judged competitions on no less than 7 continents around the world. His passion for rum and cocktails is infectious and in 2007 he not only created the world’s first international Rum festival (The UK RumFest), he also inspired the birth of rum festivals around the world including Miami, Berlin, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Prague, Hong Kong, California, New York, Chicago, Mauritius and Jamaica.

As a professional speaker, Ian is in constant demand by various rum companies and organisations to give keynote speeches, rum tastings, cocktail presentations and demonstrations to trade & consumers alike. Ian is also known as The Rum Man on TV as he is a regular on channel 4’s” Sunday Brunch” and ITV’s “Love your Weekend.” thus regularly seen by millions of viewers as he educates celebrity guests on various rums and rum cocktails. His first book 'Rum. A Tasting Course', see Ian delve into the culture of rum from a flavour point of view, celebrating the category's diversity, nuances and cultural DNA.

Recent Accolades

2018 Ian was named International Brand Ambassador of the year by the ‘Spirted Awards’ at Tales of the cocktail.

2020 Ian Co-founded Equaino Rum, the world’s first African & Caribbean Rum brand.

2023 Ian was awarded Class Bar Magazine award for Outstanding Contribution to the drinks industry.

2024 Awarded the trophy for International Wine & Spirits (IWSC) communicator of the year.

(2020 - 2024) Ian has been named as one of the top 50 influencers in the Global bar industry the past 5 years by Drinks International’s ‘Bar World Top 100’ listing.