Spirits Communicator 2020 shortlist: Ian Burrell
The IWSC Spirits Communicator 2020 – sponsored by Chivas Brothers – recognises the individual or team who has best been able to engage with consumers to promote the world of spirits via both traditional media and new and unusual vehicles. The award recognises someone who connected strongly with consumers in 2019, adapted to the new normal of 2020, and has compelling plans going forward into 2021. We are profiling each of the shortlisted candidates...
Ian Burrell is an award-winning ‘Edu-Trainer’ and Global Ambassador for the rum trade. He has conducted masterclasses, seminars and judging on seven different continents.
A regular cocktail and rum specialist on Channel 4 ‘Sunday Brunch’, and winner of International Brand Ambassador of the Year in 2018 at Spirited Awards, Burrell was also the 2019 Rum Champion of the Year and named as one of the most influential people in the Global drinks industry by Drinks International. His creation of the world’s first international rum festival, RumFest UK, has spawned a host of further events around the world.
Early in 2020 he launched a new rum brand and then hosted both the Miami and Kingston Rum Festivals, adapting his skills to online communication during lockdown.
“Instead of physically travelling around the globe to teach people about rum or to do tastings, these were conducted virtually. As a result, I was actually able to talk to more people than before. My plan for the next 12 months is to continue to promote the category of rum. Travelling will always be a part of my work, but the lockdown has taught us that we can still communicate the message of spirits through conference calls and social media.
“I’m very passionate when it comes to my work and try to use my influence to help others and create awareness for rum as much as I can.”
Ian Burrell at the IWSC 2020 spirits judging
Ian Burrell is an award-winning ‘Edu-Trainer’ and Global Ambassador for the rum trade. He has conducted masterclasses, seminars and judging on seven different continents.
A regular cocktail and rum specialist on Channel 4 ‘Sunday Brunch’, and winner of International Brand Ambassador of the Year in 2018 at Spirited Awards, Burrell was also the 2019 Rum Champion of the Year and named as one of the most influential people in the Global drinks industry by Drinks International. His creation of the world’s first international rum festival, RumFest UK, has spawned a host of further events around the world.
Early in 2020 he launched a new rum brand and then hosted both the Miami and Kingston Rum Festivals, adapting his skills to online communication during lockdown.
“Instead of physically travelling around the globe to teach people about rum or to do tastings, these were conducted virtually. As a result, I was actually able to talk to more people than before. My plan for the next 12 months is to continue to promote the category of rum. Travelling will always be a part of my work, but the lockdown has taught us that we can still communicate the message of spirits through conference calls and social media.
“I’m very passionate when it comes to my work and try to use my influence to help others and create awareness for rum as much as I can.”
View the other nominees
About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is a global drinks producer and exports company steeped in Scottish heritage. It is the only Pernod Ricard business dedicated entirely to Scotch whisky and comprises a prestigious range of single malt and blended whiskies. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet.
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