New York Rum Festival 2025, A Global Rum Showcase (+2026 Date)
Last Updated on September 23, 2025 by Maythe Monoche
This past June marked the ninth edition of the New York Rum Festival and Conference 2025, hosted by TheRumLab.com. Held at 100 Sutton Studios in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, the event welcomed hundreds of rum lovers, trade professionals, bartenders, and content creators to a dynamic celebration of the spirit’s global diversity and cultural roots.
With more than 200 rum expressions from countries including Japan, Fiji, Australia, Reunion Island, Spain, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Martinique, and Jamaica, the event positioned New York as a key player in the global rum map. Among the standout features were new emerging brands, such as Neon Silver (Japan), Zhumir (Ecuador), Bacan Guaro (Colombia), and E. León Jimenez (Dominican Republic)—a promising sign of where the rum industry is heading.
The Rum Conference: Education at the Heart of the Festival
True to TheRumLab’s signature mission, education was the cornerstone of the event, thanks to more than 10 curated seminars offering historical context, technical expertise, and cultural immersion.
Some Highlights included:
- History of Australian Rums
Attendees traced rum’s naval legacy and learned why the global resurgence of Aussie rums is no accident, thanks to passionate independent bottlers.
- The Spirit of Haiti & Providence
Featuring Herbert Linge Jr. and Daniele Biondi, this panel dove into Haiti’s terroir through its unique spirit production and showcased the country’s rich landscape of more than 500 small distilleries.
- The Navy Rum Blend Reimagined
A spirited panel moderated by Adrienne Stoner and featuring Alexandre Gabriel, Mitch Wilson, and Kitty Bernardo explored the past and future of Navy-style rum, its role in tiki culture, and its continued relevance in modern mixology.
- The Art of Time
This seminar explored tropical aging and its unique impact on rums like Ron Centenario, blending science, sensory experience, and storytelling.
- Female Leadership in the Rum Industry
This conference explored the impact of women leaders reshaping the rum industry from the top down—fostering inclusive innovation and cultural transformation.
- What Am I: Rum or Aguardiente?
It was an essential discussion that examined historical definitions and how certain producers still proudly carry the “aguardiente” name.
- Sweets, Spices, and Caribbean Rum
Hosted by Damiean Williams of West Indies Rum Distillery, this interactive tasting paired Caribbean confections with rums for a multisensory journey.
Tailored Experiences for Every Kind of Rum Enthusiast
The New York Rum Festival continues to lead the industry in curating experiences that cater to both trade professionals and casual fans. With tiered ticketing options, guests could customize their festival experience.
Each session included premium rum tastings, access to exclusive seminars, and networking opportunities with brand ambassadors and industry leaders—plus a commemorative tasting cup.
New York Rum Festival 2026: Save the Date
Following the success of this year’s festival, TheRumLab.com is thrilled to announce the return of the New York Rum Festival on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Metropolitan Pavilion venue.
Tickets for the 2026 edition will go on sale starting July 16, 2025, at https://newyorkrumfest.com/. Attendees are encouraged to book early, as the 2025 edition sold out in advance.
More details on next year’s programming, guest speakers, and participating brands will be revealed in the coming months. For updates, follow @TheRumLab on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter.
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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