Taste of Rum 2025: Reaffirms Its Status as Puerto Rico’s Official and Premier National Rum Festival
This past March marked the 15th edition of Puerto Rico’s international rum festival: Taste of Rum 2025.
With more than 80 rum brands in attendance—including BACARDÍ, Don Q, Ron Barrilito, and Tres Clavos—the event welcomed over 1,800 guests, including enthusiasts, content creators, and industry professionals. The turnout confirmed Puerto Rico’s leading role and unparalleled appeal in the global rum market.
“Taste of Rum 2025: an unforgettable experience. If there’s one place where rum is truly celebrated, it’s here. Puerto Rico not only produces the best rum—it lives it, breathes it, and shares it with the world.”
— Gerardo Ortiz, @boritografo
Attendees enjoyed seven seminars and educational talks, in addition to sampling over 80 rum expressions—all set to a vibrant musical backdrop paying tribute to legends of American rock and Caribbean music.
The Rum Conference: Education at the Heart of the Festival
The #RumEducation time is a defining element of every rum event organized by Federico J. Hernández (creator and organizer of the event), and Taste of Rum 2025 was no exception.
With over 15 expert speakers, the conference provided attendees with the opportunity to delve into topics such as production techniques, market challenges, and brand histories, creating a unique chance to learn, network, and celebrate rum culture.
Highlights from the seminars included:
1. New and Intact: Try New Expressions Made in Puerto Rico
Featuring Frank Stipes (Ron Superior) and José Roberto Álvarez (San Juan Artisan Distillers), this session unveiled the stories behind upcoming releases from these two standout local brands.
2. Rums from Around the World
Led by Leonardo Comercio (PM Spirits NYC) and Javier Berberena (WSET Instructor & Spirits Importer), this global tasting experience showcased the diversity and richness of sugarcane-based spirits from various regions.
3. Puerto Rico’s Forgotten Rum City – Arecibo
Presented by Federico J. Hernández and Juan Montes (Rums of Puerto Rico Ambassador), this historical seminar explored the legacy of Arecibo as one of Puerto Rico’s most important rum and sugar-producing cities.
4. Women Leading Environmental Responsibility Initiatives
A conversation with Larissa Arjona (President of Women Leading Rum), Magaly Feliciano, and Ailsa Bonet, highlighting the sustainable practices essential to preserving the environment in the spirits industry.
5. How Do 10-, 15-, and 20-Year-Old (Single Cask) Rums Taste Directly from the Barrel?
Troy Arquiza (Bacardí Global Master Blender) and Christian Frontanés (Casa Bacardí Home Brand Ambassador) invited guests to experience rare, unblended single cask tastings—an opportunity for even seasoned aficionados.
6. Ron Superior Master Class
A deep dive into the legacy, production, and distinct qualities of Ron Superior, led by Frank Stipes.
7. San Juan Artisan Distillers Master Class
Francisco Fonseca, International Brand Ambassador and Master Mixologist, presented the launch of Ron Capicú Añejo & Platino and Ron Pepón Agrícola 6 Years Aged in the Estate.
Taste of Rum 2025 Welcomes Other Spirits
This year’s edition also welcomed a broader spectrum of craft spirits. While rum remained the centerpiece, whiskey, bourbon, and craft beer were also featured, making the event a more inclusive celebration of the Caribbean’s evolving drink culture.
Launch of Puerto Rico Rumclopedia Ver. 2
A major milestone of the festival was the launch of the second edition of the Rum-clopedia: Puerto Rico Rumclopedia Ver. 2.
In this new volume, Federico J. Hernández guides readers through the rise and fall of Arecibo as the historical epicenter of Puerto Rico’s rum industry, while also providing deeper insight into legendary brands such as BACARDÍ through a mix of historical essays and visual storytelling.
The book is currently available on thebookmarkpr.com and will soon be accessible on amazon.com
Taste of Rum: A Boost for Puerto Rico’s Economy
Since 2009, Taste of Rum has contributed to the growth of Puerto Rico’s tourism sector. Each year, the event attracts more than 600 tourists, generating between 7,800 and 9,000 hotel nights, thanks to strategic partnerships with hotel chains across the island.
“Taste of Rum strengthens Puerto Rico’s position as a global leader in the rum industry. This event showcases our heritage and craftsmanship while driving tourism, investment, and economic growth.”
— Federico Hernández, creator and organizer of Taste of Rum
The rum industry remains a key pillar of Puerto Rico’s economy. According to a recent Nimb15 report, 70% of Puerto Rico’s rum exports are destined for the U.S., solidifying the island’s role as a major player in the American spirits market. In 2020 alone, Puerto Rico produced around 160 million liters of rum.
Taste of Rum 2026: Save the Date
Committed to strengthening the bond between tradition, rum brands, and consumers, Taste of Rum will return next year on March 28th, 2026, at the Puerto Rico Convention Center.
Tickets will go on sale starting June 30, 2025, through the official website www.tasteofrum.com, where visitors can also find detailed information on ticket tiers, policies, hotel discounts, and sponsors.
About TheRumLab
TheRumLab is a creative production agency specializing in the rum industry. Led by Federico J. Hernández, the company produces Puerto Rico’s national rum festival, Taste of Rum, as well as the California Rum Festival, Chicago Rum Festival, New York Rum Festival, Texas Rum Fest, Spain Rum & Gin Expo, and the Miami Rum Congress.
TheRumLab events attract hundreds of guests, including beverage professionals, rum enthusiasts, tourists, and local consumers, further elevating the status of rum in the global spirits culture.
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