Taste of Rum unveils schedule

Published by The Spirits Business

Puerto Rican festival Taste of Rum has revealed the educational programme for its 14th edition in March.

Held at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, Taste of Rum will return on 9 March 2024. It is described as the largest rum festival in the Caribbean.

The event will offer educational panels led by renowned rum experts from Puerto Rico and around the world.

This year, the creator of the event, Federico J Hernández, will present his first book, Puerto Rico Rum-Clopedia: A Brief History of Puerto Rico’s Rum Industry, which addresses the history of rum from Christopher Columbus’ time to the present day.

“As an organisation that embraces the culture and history of rum, Taste of Rums honours the legacy and customs of this exquisite liquor,” he said.

“We are honoured to offer a unique event of the highest calibre that gives participants an unforgettable experience that is not found anywhere else in the world.”

The seminar programme will kick off with a talk on the importance of Puerto Rican rum at 12pm, followed by a discussion on different types of casks at 1pm and a look at ‘emerging artisanal brands’ (2pm). Afterwards, there will be a tasting of Flor de Caña rums, hosted by global brand ambassador Mauricio Solórzano from 3pm to 3.45pm.

In addition to local rums, there will be expressions from countries such as Panama, Spain, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic.

Entertainment will also be on offer with local DJs, live performances and a tribute to rock band Def Leppard.

The event is sponsored every year by the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico.

The department’s secretary, Manuel Cidre, said: “We invite all those interested in learning more about the Caribbean runs to spend an unforgettable night to share with friends and family and celebrate this great industry that contributes so much to the Puerto Rican economy.”

There are several ticket options for the event including general admission (7.30pm to 11pm) and the ‘rum enthusiast’ pass, which provides entry to the event an hour earlier, food discounts, and access to seminars.

Ticket prices start from US$55.99.

Taste of Rum is organised by The Rum Lab, which will host its first show in Europe in April.

The Rum Lab holds festivals in Miami, Dallas, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco annually.