FIFTH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA RUM FEST RETURNS TO SAN FRANCISCO

Published by
Fede

The Rum Lab has announced the return of its fifth annual West Coast rum extravaganza – California Rum Fest. Featuring a Grand Tasting showcasing more than 40 different rums and ten educational seminar opportunities led by the world’s foremost authorities on rum, the immersive event will take place on September 7 at SOMArts Cultural Center in San Francisco. 

“As an advocate for the continued premiumization of rum, California Rum Fest presents an interactive educational forum for beverage trade professionals, media and spirits enthusiasts to taste and learn about the dynamic history, production and applications of premium rum,” said Federico Hernández, Owner, The Rum Lab. 

California Rum Fest is pleased to welcome some of the industry’s most respected leaders in rum. Featured guest speakers include: Bailey Pryor (Real McCoy Rum); Richard Seale (Foursquare Distillery); Karen Hoskin (Montanya Distillers); Kate Perry (La Maison & VELIER); Roberto Serrallés (Destileria Serrallés; Don Q) and more. 

2019 California Rum Fest Sessions:

1:00pm – 2:30pm – Spirit Industry Session

Opportunity for industry professionals to network with brand representatives, taste a wide variety of rums prior to the Grand Tasting and engage with industry colleagues.

2:30pm – 6:30pm – VIP Grand Tasting Session 

1-Hour early admission to the General Admission Grand Tasting. 

3:30pm – 6:30pm – General Admission Grand Tasting Session 

Includes opportunity to taste premium rums; attend brand seminars and access to the Tiki Bazaar.

2:30pm – 6:30pm – Tiki Bazaar

Available to all guests of California Rum Fest, the Tiki Bazaar will be hosted on the outdoor patio of the venue, where attendees will enjoy tropical rum cocktails created by some of SF’s best bartenders, arts & crafts by local vendors and live music.

 

2019 California Rum Fest Seminar Schedule:

Seminar Room

1:45pm – Jamaican Rum 

2:45pm – Taking a Closer Look at Rum

3:45pm – Brigands, Barons & Beachcombers: The Many Faces of Planter’s Punch 

4:45pm – Barbados Rum 

5:45pm – Guardians of Rum 

 

Educational Stage

2:30pm – How the British Navy Influenced the Birth of Tiki 

3:30pm – Sustainability with 3 Distilleries of the Americas 

4:30pm – The Rise of Rum Cocktails … Again 

5:30pm – The Skeptic’s Guide to American Rum 

6:30pm – (Exclusive After Hours Seminar) The Importance of Puerto Rican Rum for the Rum Category 

For full schedule details and ticketing information, please visit www.californiarumfest.com

Fede

Born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, Federico is the founder of TheRumLab.com.

Recent Posts

  • News

Women Leading Rum & Spirits launches the first International Bootcamp 2026 in Gran Canaria with Ron Arehucas as the main host

Women Leading Rum & Spirits (WLR&S) announces the launch of the first International Bootcamp Zafra…

March 4, 2026
  • News

Maison Villevert Earns B Corp Certification, Strengthening Its Responsible Model

In 2001, Jean-Sébastien Robicquet founded Maison Villevert in France’s Charente region with a clear ambition:…

March 4, 2026
  • News

NICOYA: the first rum of Costa Rica arrives in the United States

After a successful European rollout, the first rum of Costa Rica now arrives in  the…

March 4, 2026
  • Interviews

Magda López, Master Blender & Aging Centers Manager at Botran: Three Decades Shaping the Art and Science of Guatemalan Rum

With more than 30 years devoted to the craft of rum, Magda López stands as…

March 3, 2026
  • News

Beyond the “Bright Spot”: RTD Spirits Growth in 2026

For much of last year, the ready-to-drink category carried a familiar label: the industry’s bright…

March 2, 2026
  • News

Pernod Ricard H1 Sales Decline Amid China and US Pressures

Pernod Ricard recorded a challenging first half, as Pernod Ricard H1 sales fell sharply under…

February 28, 2026