Golden State Gears Up for a Rum Renaissance: San Francisco Rum Festival & Congress Returns for its 10th Anniversary
Last Updated on August 26, 2025 by Maythe Monoche
The West Coast’s most spirited celebration is back. The 10th annual San Francisco Rum Festival & Congress, also known as the California Rum Fest NoCal Edition, will take over Trader Vic’s Emeryville for two days of tastings, education, and celebration—featuring more than 85 acclaimed rum brands and nearly 200 unique expressions from around the world.
Organized by TheRumLab, this milestone year promises not just world-class rum, but also a deep dive into the culture, craftsmanship, and community behind it. Attendees will swirl, sip, and savor their way through sunset tastings, expert-led seminars, and brand-new features—including DaiquiríMania, a cocktail-and-music showcase celebrating creative twists on the classic daiquirí.
“California is the second-largest rum market in the country, and the San Francisco Bay Area is a hub for cocktail culture,” said Federico J. Hernández, founder and producer of the San Francisco Rum Festival & Congress. “This event is where trade professionals, rum aficionados, tiki enthusiasts, and curious newcomers can connect, learn, and discover the next chapter in rum’s story.”
Rum Education Time: What are the seminars of this edition?
An essential complement of the festival is the Rum Education space. Here, attendees can delve deeper into the spirits industry, learning about the market, the history, the brands, and the voices part of this scenery.
Let’s have a look at seminars, starting from Saturday, September 13th:
1. Asia Pacific Gems | Fiji, Australia & Philipines
Joris Linke of E&A Scheer and Alexandre Gabriel, Master Blender at Maison Ferrand, will be exploring Asia-Pacific rum gems. From the rich, bold character of Fiji to the innovative spirits of Australia and the Philippines. Attendees will discover how this diverse region is reshaping the rum industry, which has long been defined by the Caribbean.
2. Legends of the Swizzle Stick
In this spirited seminar, bar expert Raymon Edwards of Angostura Rum and Adam Rains, Beverage Director & Principal Barman at The Golden Tiki, Las Vegas, will take you on a journey through the history, culture, and enduring magic of the swizzle stick, a tool used for centuries to stir and aerate cocktails, acting as a natural, hand-spun blender.
3. American Rums
Erin and Kevin Wright of Striped Lion Distillery, and Earl Brown of Wright & Brown, a celebrated Bay Area distillery, will tell the story about the American rum comeback.
Representing these two spotlighted distilleries, Erin, Kevin, and Earl will take the audience on a historical journey to the now of American Rum history.
4. Rum Revival: Exploring Agricole and Industrial Styles, Global History, and Cultural Significance
In this seminar, the audience will delve into the dual worlds of agricole and industrial rums with Daniel Tindal, General Manager of Crillon Importers, who has helped bring the storied Rhum Barbancourt from Haiti to the U.S.—a partnership that has been fueling American appreciation for this legendary agricole rum since at least the late 1990s
On Sunday, the 14th, the seminars will be focused on
5. DUNDERSTRUCK: A Deep Dive into the Legendary Hampden Estate
Kate Perry of LM&V will lead an in-depth tasting of Hampden Estate, one of Jamaica’s most storied distilleries. With centuries of history and singular production methods, Hampden crafts rums unlike any others—iconic, intensely aromatic, and truly unique in the world of spirits. Experience the magic and mystery of expressions like Trelawny Rum in this session.
6. Spanish sherry cask: Manzanilla. Fino. Amontillado. Oloroso. Palo Cortado.
From the coastal freshness of Manzanilla to the deep complexity of Oloroso and the rare elegance of Palo Cortado, Spanish sherry casks bring an extraordinary range of character to the world of spirits. This session explores the unique styles—Manzanilla, Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso, and Palo Cortado—and reveals how their individual personalities shape the rums aged within them.
7. A small town of Arecibo – Rum of Puerto Rico
Fede J. Hernández (author and rum aficionado) will glance over Arecibo’s history, a city and municipality that was one of the most important rum and sugar producers in Puerto Rico.
8. The Rum Never Sets: A Voyage into Navy Rum History and Production. Alexandre Gabriel Planteray Mister Fogg Navy Rum, Sail No.2
In this special presentation, Alexandre Gabriel, co-author of The Rum Never Sets, alongside famed spirits writer and historian Matt Pietrek, will be charting a course through the fascinating history and production of Navy rum. Audience’ll drop anchor and dive deep into the components of Mister Fogg’s Sail No. 2, tasting each one before we raise a glass of the final blend. “Splice the mainbrace!”
9. Essential Rums for Tiki Cocktails
Just starting as a home bartender and looking to make tiki cocktails? It seems like you’d need to invest thousands of dollars in acquiring dozens of different rums, but most recipes can be made with just a few. This panel will discuss the essential rum styles and provide an approach for starting or expanding your collection.
These sessions will be a full and immersive journey into the world of rum, offering knowledge and captivating stories.
A Proven Recipe for Success
The San Francisco Rum Festival & Congress 2024 edition drew hundreds of participants, with more than 5,000 rum samples poured from top-tier international brands. Last year’s highlights included:
- 40+ Rum Congress attendees
- 157 trade professionals
- 140 VIP rum experts and enthusiasts
- 290 first-time attendees
- Over 150 premium rum expressions showcased
New in 2025: DaiquiríMania
Presented by REAL Ingredients, DaiquiríMania will feature live music, inventive cocktails, and the artistry of bartenders reimagining one of rum’s most iconic serves. This lively program is designed for both seasoned rum fans and casual cocktail drinkers looking for a festival-within-a-festival vibe.
Ticketed Experiences
Guests can choose from multiple ticket options, including:
- VIP Rum Experts Session – 5.5 hours with early admission, exclusive tastings, and seminars
- Industry Trade Session – Networking, tastings, and trade-focused programming for bar, restaurant, and retail professionals
- VIP Rum Enthusiast Session – 4 hours with early admission and premium access
- Intro to Rum General Admission – 3-hour tasting session including access to DaiquiríMania
- Rum Congress – A full day of advanced seminars and discussions led by global rum authorities
Rum’s California Comeback
According to Park Street, rum made up 7.4% of total U.S. spirits consumption in 2023, with California ranking second nationwide in 9-liter case sales. This surge is fueling demand for new expressions, styles, and knowledge—making the Bay Area an ideal stage for the festival’s 10th anniversary.
Event Details & Tickets
To get more information about tickets, please click here.
