As world records go, it's not remarkably notable and probably quite breakable. Nevertheless, last week the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel's Lobby Lounge was conferred the distinction of 'bar with the most varieties of rum commercially available' by Guinness World Records. An official adjudicator from Guinness was even on hand at a - what else? - cocktail reception to verify the fact that the lounge indeed has a world-beating selection of 102 varieties of rum. With a room full of connoisseurs with an even greater appreciation for free booze, a certificate was presented to general manager John Girard. Apparently he is quite a rum aficionado, so perhaps it was a labour of love he spearheaded.
'This is indeed an exciting milestone for us. Not only were we able to put Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel on the map with this prestigious distinction, more significantly, this world record lends a significant boost to our efforts of promoting a greater appreciation for rum as a popular and truly distinctive spirit,' Girard said.
Well, let's see how long it keeps the title before another bar (probably one in the Caribbean or West Indies, where the best rums are made) stocks 103 selections to reclaim bragging rights.