Chicago Rum Festival 2026: A Decade Celebrating the Magic of Rum in the Windy City
Last Updated on April 9, 2026 by Maythe Monoche
TheRumLab is excited to celebrate the Chicago Rum Festival 2026, marking a decade of bridging the best of the rum industry to the windy city. This anniversary edition promises to be the most immersive yet, bridging the gap between global producers and the vibrant Midwest rum community.
An Iconic Venue for a Premium Tasting Experience
Set to take place at Logan Square Auditorium on April 25th, 2026, this event, ideal for rum connoisseurs, casual consumers, and industry professionals, will feature over 40 distinct award-winning and new rum brands, including Planeray Rum, Dos Maderas, Nicoya, Rhum Depaz, Ron Viejo de Caldas, and Tanduay Rum, among others.
Attendees can explore approximately 200 distinct expressions, available for sampling neat or showcased within a “Twisted Daiquiri.”
Educational Seminars: Insights from Industry Titans
On Saturday, April 25th, the Grand Tasting will take place, an experience ideal for both rum connoisseurs and casual consumers eager to taste, explore, and learn about rum.
To honor a decade of education, the Chicago Rum Festival 2026 will host a series of high-level seminars led by renowned experts. These sessions offer a deep dive into the craft and philosophy of the industry:
- Kate Perry (U.S. National Manager for La Maison & Velier) will introduce her premise, “Drink Less, Drink Better,” in a seminar that will teach the philosophy of drinking with intention, a journey to rediscover the art of the slow pour, prioritizing community, conversation, and the craftsmanship behind every drop.
- Christian Esser (Founder – The Academy of Wine & Spirits) will present “From Sea Depth to Sweet Finish: Maturation & Pairing in Cayman Islands Rum.” A seminar that will study how three distinct maturation environments and barrel types shape the structure and flavor profile of premium rum, and how carefully selected cheeses enhance and reveal those characteristics.
- On the other hand, Pierre Bardinet (Production & Export Sales Americas at Les Bienheureux) will share the story behind the creation of the first Costa Rican single-estate rum: Nicoya. From an uncompromising focus on raw material to the art of blending, in the seminar “Costa Rica Single Estate Rum: Combining pure juice, molasses & sugar cane honey.”
- To finish, Adrienne Stoner (Rum Community Liaison at Maison Ferrand) and Mitch Wilson (Global Brand Ambassador of Black Tot Rum) will perform “Making Historical Rum for the Modern Era”. A seminar that will open the archives to show how Black Tot and Planteray Rum have moved from secret recipes to open-source engineering.
DaquiriManía: The Ultimate Cocktail Experience
The day will light up with DaiquiriMANIA, a full-scale cocktail experience launched in 2025, that will spotlight innovative daiquiri variations by the hand of key partners like RE’AL Ingredients and Finest Call.
It is a must-visit for anyone looking to see how modern mixology is redefining the category’s most iconic serve.
The Epicenter of Rum Culture in Illinois
On this milestone anniversary, Chicago Rum Festival 2026 stands as the premier space in Illinois for networking, brand discovery, and rum education in the industry.
Tickets and Information
For ticket tiers and event updates, please visit www.chicagorumfest.com, and follow the journey through the brand’s social media channels: @chicagorumfest and @therumlab
About TheRumLab
With over 15 years of experience, TheRumLab is a platform dedicated to elevating the premium rum category through events, education, and community engagement. From Puerto Rico to Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Madrid, TheRumLab’s events are trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Media Contact:
For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or ticket information, please contact: press@therumlab.com
