Updated Nov. 18, 2024
As November approaches and most of the country starts to buckle down for the winter, South Florida’s thoughts turn to … RUM, of course. More specifically, the Miami Rum Festival in Coral Gables, which celebrates the world’s most diverse spirit with three days of seminars and tasting events that target everyone from newbies to high-end enthusiasts, to industry professionals.
Nov. 9-11 – Miami Rum Renaissance Festival at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club and Marriott Courtyard Coral Gables. Educational seminars on Saturday, grand tasting on Sunday, trade day on Monday.
See below: Seminars | Grand tastings | Tickets, venue info
• After party at Tiki speakeasy
NEW: Social media recaps
2023 recap: Photos and highlights of last year’s event
Upcoming: Rum events calendar
It’s not surprising that with its year-round tropical weather and proximity to the Caribbean, the Sunshine State is the fastest growing premium rum market in the United States. The Florida Rum Society is one of the largest and most active social groups dedicated to cane spirits. In 2024, we have been blessed with a plethora of events, from Miami Beach to Key West to Tampa.
But the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival is the grand daddy of them all in the hottest of the rum hotbeds, launched in 2009 by longtime rum collectors and enthusiasts Robin and Robert Burr, author of Rob’s Rum Guide. This year’s gathering will be fifth at the historic Coral Gables Woman’s Club and the 15th overall.
“South Florida is the number one rum market in the world and its only fitting that we present Miami Rum Fest as the best rum tasting program in the United States once a year in this location,” Robert Burr is quoted as saying. “Its also a chance for the international rum community to come together, from the islands of the Caribbean and the Americas to Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and beyond.”
The participating brands are carefully curated by the Burrs, reflecting both their interests in the global variety but also boutique and local producers who may not yet be major players. The website lists 68 different brands, and you can expect most to bring multiple expressions of their rum to the grand tasting, set for 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. If you buy a VIP ticket, you get early entry at 12:30.
If you want to dive deeper into the history and techniques used to create today’s finest rums, be sure to check out the seminars on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Marriott. One ticket allows you access to all three, including Tiki Evolution: The Historic Rums and Iconic Cocktails of The Mai-Kai, which I’ll have the pleasure of presenting along with Kern Mattei and Cory Starr, the longtime manager and new beverage director at the Fort Lauderdale restaurant (est. 1956).
While I’ve attended and covered the festival for the blog nearly every year (see links below), this will be The Atomic Grog’s first seminar and our first time participating since the memorable Zombie Jamboree cocktail competition hosted by Jeff “Beachbum” Berry in 2011. We hope to see you there!
Following is a rundown on what you can expect at the 2024 festival.
Saturday’s seminars
The Miami Rum Festival has always offered a wide array of seminars and expert master classes for its participants. In recent years, these educational opportunities have been held on the event’s first day at the Marriott Courtyard Coral Gables, less than a mile from the tasting venue at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club.
That’s not to say the seminars don’t involve tasting rums. To the contrary, many of the intimate events have featured numerous samples of rare and exclusive spirits. The all-inclusive ticket ($79) also includes food and refreshments served during the breaks between seminars. Seating is limited, so advance reservations are encouraged. Get your seminar ticket now.
“There is a lot of excitement at Miami Rum Fest among producers with many new and interesting products coming to market and many new developments in the world of rum,” Robert Burr said.
The Cave Above The Clouds: Production and Aging Techniques of Guatemala’s Legendary Cane Spirits with Laura Vasquez, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
An update on the rums produced by the Botran family’s Licores de Guatemala under the direction of master blender Lorena Vásquez. This includes the Zacapa brand, produced from sugar cane honey in the Tululá region near the Pacific Ocean and fermented, distilled and aged in the volcanic region of Quetzaltenango. The regional brand ambassador for corporate owner Diageo will provide an overview of all the expressions along with notes on their production techniques.
Tiki Evolution: The Historic Rums and Iconic Cocktails of The Mai-Kai featuring Kern Mattei and Cory Starr, hosted by Jim “Hurricane” Hayward, 2-3 p.m.
Established in 1956, The Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale is not only the last of the great mid-century Polynesian supper clubs, it’s a living history of tropical cocktails and rum, with many of its secret recipes dating back to Don the Beachcomber in the 1930s. Manager Mattei, beverage director Starr, and journalist Hayward explore how the bar’s rums and drinks have evolved yet remain timeless and classic. Along with a multi-year, multimillion-dollar restoration, the restaurant is unveiling a new signature spirit, Mai-Kai Rum No. 1. Learn about this groundbreaking new blend sourced from historic stills in Barbados and Jamaica, a throwback to the rums of yore.
VIDEO: Mai-Kai Rum No. 1 presentation at The Hukilau
Since the original seminar announcement, we’re excited to confirm the participation of The Mai-Kai’s new head bartender. The seminar will be a great opportunity to meet Cory Starr and taste his cocktails at his first public event in South Florida. Hear his plans for maintaining the legacy and enhancing the bar program as the restaurant’s reopening looms.
Starr will be making not one, not two, but three classic Mai-Kai cocktails for seminar guests to sample. Order your tickets online now before they sell out.
• Related story: The Mai-Kai welcomes Cory Starr as new chief mixologist in advance of grand reopening
About the presenters: Mattei was born into The Mai-Kai family and has worked there since his youth, from barback and bartender to the past three decades as manager. His father was the GM before him, and his mother performed in the stage show. His unique position makes him intimately familiar with the restaurant’s famous cocktails, their history and the secret recipes. Starr is the newly installed beverage director and head bartender, taking over the storied program in September. He previously was beverage director at Tiki Tatsu-Ya in Austin and a bartender at Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago. Hayward is a cocktail enthusiast and writer who has covered The Mai-Kai for more than a decade, documenting and recreating the cocktail recipes in exacting detail on The Atomic Grog blog.
Atomic Grog links
• Okole Maluna Society – The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide
• Latest updates on The Mai-Kai refurbishment and reopening
Mister Fogg – The Re-Birth of an Authentic Navy Rum with Adrienne Stoner, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Maison Ferrand recently released Planteray Mister Fogg, a meticulously crafted blend that pays homage to the rich heritage and craftsmanship of British Navy rum. Maison Ferrand’s rum community liaison tells the story of its inception and development, then gives us a taste of a spirit that sets a new standard in the category.
Drawing from four of the main rum-producing Caribbean islands historically used in navy blends – Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana and Jamaica – Mister Fogg is a spirit of rare depth and complexity. Available as a limited edition, the rum is accompanied by the in-depth co-authored book Exploring 300 Years of Royal Navy Rum and Its Technique by Maison Ferrand owner and master blender Alexandre Gabriel and rum historian Matt Pietrek, aka Rum Wonk.
• Planteray’s Navy Rum project – Behind the scenes
Sunday’s grand tasting
The highlight of any spirits festival is what is generally known as the “exhibition floor,” a very bland and corporate way of describing what connoisseurs may consider to be absolute nirvana. In the case of Miami Rum Renaissance, that means multiple rooms in the cozy Coral Gables Woman’s Club building filled with tables and booths brimming with some of the world’s top rums from brands large and small. Rob’s Rum Guide reports that exhibit space is sold out.
Robert Burr calls the tasting session “an opportunity for rum enthusiasts to enjoy their favorites and discover some delightful new expressions, gain a greater appreciation and share the enthusiasm of these fine spirits with friends.”
You not only have the rare chance to taste more than 100 samples from producers around the world, but some of the exhibitors are the brand owners or master blenders themselves. At the least, you’ll encounter knowledgeable ambassadors and representatives who can guide you through the tasting session.
Confirmed brands, distilleries and importers that will have samples available this year include: 3 Sisters, Ron Abuelo, Admiral Rodney, Alfie’s Bamboo Rum, Angostura, Appleton, BacardÃ, Bacoo, Baie Des Tresors, Rhum Barbancourt, Ron Barcelo, Botran, Brinley, Bombarda, Bristol, Brugal, Cane Rock, Carta Vieja, Ron Centario, Chairman’s Reserve, Ron Colón, Copalli, Ron Centenario, Coconut Cartel, Compagnie Des Indes, Ron Diplomatico, Dos Maderas, Elia 625, Flor de Cana, Foursquare, Gosling’s, Grander, Hampden, Island Company Rum, Java Mur, Lemon Hart, Ron Matusalem, Mezan, Monymusk, Nine Leaves, Noxx & Dunn, Nusa Cana, Don Pancho Origenes, Papa’s Pilar, Parce Rum, Pinaq, Planteray, Reif, Renegade, Ron Roble, Romero, Saint James, Santa Teresa, R.L. Seale, Rolling Fork Spirits, Royal Jamaican Rum, Rum Nation, Silver Seal, Trois Rivieres, Habitation Velier, Zacapa, and Zafra.
This is a significant increase over last year, so we’re excited to check out the offerings during Sunday’s tasting session. Most of these are new releases and standard offerings, but if that doesn’t get you excited enough, the Burrs have a special treat. Some rare and limited-edition bottles from their private collection are offered in the Private Collection Tasting Bar, with proceeds from tickets ($5 each) benefitting a local non-profit organization.
If you’re in the industry in some capacity, you may want to check out Monday’s “trade day,” which runs from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Complimentary admission is offered to qualified members who can prove their eligibility. This includes producers, importers, distributors, retailers, brand representatives, food and beverage managers, bartenders, plus spirits press and recognized media outlets. Fill out the online form to request trade admission.
Tickets and venue info
Discounted advance tickets are available online for $49 (general admission) and $59 (VIP) for Saturday’s grand tasting. There’s also a VIP ticket for two for $99. On Nov. 1, prices will rise by $10 each. Admission includes a complimentary tasting glass. Tickets for Saturday’s seminars are $79, rising to $89 on Nov. 1.
In addition to the website, you can call (305) 350-0764 to order or get more information. Tickets will also be available at the door while they last.
The seminars are held in conference rooms at the Marriott Courtyard in the heart of the Coral Gables Historic District. Rum fest attendees can get a special rate at the hotel, which is just nine blocks and easy walking distance from the Coral Gables Woman’s Club, where the grand tasting and trade day are held. Click here for more info on the Marriott and other nearby hotels.
The Coral Gables Woman’s Club is a historic venue that features two large halls that are used as exhibition space for the grand tasting and trade day. There is ample seating in the larger room, and the festival always offers plenty of food options throughout the event.
There is plenty of free parking on the surrounding streets. The city also offers a free ride service. Click here for more venue info and here for travel information.
After party at Tiki speakeasy Kaona Room
Since Miami Rum Renaissance Festival usually wraps up in the late afternoon or early evening, extracurricular activities at some of the region’s top Tiki and rum bars have always been a big part of the agenda for attendees. Miami has no shortage a stellar restaurants and cocktail bars, so there’s a lot to choose from.
This years’s official Rum Renaissance after party will be held at Kaona Room, the highly immersive Tiki speakeasy in downtown Miami. Billed as a “the hidden Tiki room,” the small bar featuring world-class rum and Tiki cocktails (as well as delicious small bites) is accessed via an unassuming entryway on a side street in the Arts & Entertainment District.
The event, which starts at 6 p.m., is co-hosted by Planteray Rum and the Florida Rum Society. “Kudos to Adrienne and the Planteray team and Billy Dalla Pola at Kaona Room for hosting,” rum festival organizer Robert Burr wrote on the rum society’s Facebook group. “Looking forward to seeing all our Florida rum friends and out-of-town guests.”
Kaona Room was created by Dalla Pola’s father, noted mixologist and globe-trotting Tiki ambassador Daniele Dalla Pola. It was originally the hidden back bar attached to Esotico Miami, the large tropical lounge and restaurant that stood out in in the competitive downtown dining scene for nearly 5 years before sadly closing in March 2024.
Esoticio has been replaced by The Canvas Bar, run by Daniele Dalla Pola’s Graspa Group partners. But Kaona Room is still going strong, run by Billy while Daniele plans an eventual return from his current home base in Cozumel, Mexico.
Kaona Room is Miami’s most authentic Tiki experience and often home to special events, from The Hukilkau to Tiki Bingo. We hope to see you at the Miami Rum Fest finale.
Miami Rum Fest 2024 social media recaps
Miami Rum Fest 2023 recap: More photos and highlights
Being confronted with so many choices at an “unlimited” tasting event can be daunting, especially when you have a limited time frame. Arriving at the warm and welcoming Coral Gables Woman’s Club for the 14th Miami Rum Renaissance Festival on Nov. 12, 2023, I reverted to a familiar plan: Seek out as many new (and “new to me”) rums as possible.
We’re lucky to have multiple rum tasting events in South Florida, so I had already checked some off my list earlier in the year. But choosing from the wide selection of potential sips was still very subjective. Apologies to any I missed. This review will only scratch the surface of the highlights.
Organizer Robert A. Burr provided a handy list of what he was looking forward to in the preview story posted on The Atomic Grog. I also ran into Burr’s son, Robert V. Burr, upon arrival and he gave me some tips.
My over-arching take-away from the grand tasting is that the best, most distinctive expressions served to reinforce several industry trends that have been gaining momentum in recent years and hopefully will continue:
(1) Creative cask finishes. While it’s not really new, this time-honored tradition in the rum world is not only spreading, the bottlings seem to be getting better and better. Keep an eye out for special releases – rums finished in wine or whiskey casks, for example – at this year’s fest.
(2) The best rums are getting younger and younger. I no longer seek out the longest aged rum at many of the booths, and I’d advise you to do the same. Two of my favorites of the day were new unaged, overproof expressions.
(3) More sugar cane, less molasses. This is another trend that’s not exactly new, but I’m anecdotally noticing at tasting events and elsewhere that many brands are now much more transparent in promoting the fact that their expressions feature cane juice or syrup as the source, sometimes blended with molasses. With some distilleries struggling to keep up with demand for molasses, it’s no surprise that many are turning to some form of cane distillates outside of the French islands (Martinique, Guadeloupe, et al.) that traditionally produce rhum agricole from cane juice. Note: This is a complex topic with more nuance than I can provide in a one-paragraph review. I highly recommend picking up Matt Pietrek’s Modern Caribbean Rum for a deep dive on the topic.
Beyond these overall impressions, there were many individual rums that stood out. Here are my top five, rated on a scale of 1 to 5. They all appear to be still available and are reasonably priced.
• (1 – tie) Renegade Cane Rum pre-cask, micro origin, single farm, and all-island blend – Four one-of-a-kind, terrior-driven, pure sugar cane juice rums from the acclaimed distillery in Grenada. I knew this was going to be an experiential tasting, but it exceeded all expectations. As recommended, I enjoyed them in a specific order to appreciate the evolution. All four were off-the-charts good and deserve to be in the top slot: The raw 100-proof pre-cask (4.1), the 110-proof “micro origin” Swimming Pool (4.2), the 100-proof “single farm” Cuvee Dunfermline (4.2), and the 92-proof “all island” Cuvee Nova (4.3). You can clearly taste the raw cane, but also many subtle nuances in all of these bottles. The distillery is up for sale, so let’s hope its new owners put the same care and integrity into future bottlings. These expressions are not as easy to find as the others below, but they’re worth seeking out at prices ranging from $45 to $75 a bottle.
• (2) Bacardi Reserva Ocho – Sevelliana Orange Wine Cask Finish (4.1) – The Puerto Rican spirits industry behemoth has long produced a variety of different special lines of rum aimed at enthusiasts. Typically these have been long aged expressions, but as noted above, cask finishes seem to be the flavor of the moment so it was not surprising to see three offerings from Bacardi aged 8-12 years in American oak barrels with an additional finish. The rye cask finish was very solid and balanced the barrel notes well (I gave it 3.7), but the 90-proof wine cask was a big surprise. It’s spicy and bold, more like a vermouth finish, but also well balanced and very easy to sip. In the style of an Old Fashioned, the orange notes pop but don’t dominate. Typically $29–$31.
• (3) Romero Distilling Co. Amber Rum – Sherry Cask Finish (4.0) – A total unknown to me heading into the tasting, this complex but young 114-proof Canadian pot-still rum was another eye-opener. While it’s not touted on the label, I was told the rums in the blend are less than 5 years old. The rum is matured in bourbon barrels, then finished in Oloroso Sherry casks imported from Spain. The finish is not overwhelming, but it tempers the dominant vanilla and caramel notes, and its young age keeps the final product a little rough around the edges (in a good way). Typically $45–$48.
• (4) Monymusk Overproof White (4.0) – Just recently available in the U.S., this 126-proof Jamaican rum is the Clarendon distillery’s answer to the ubiquitous unaged style popular on the island and quickly gaining traction abroad as more labels roll out their own versions. I found this blend of pot and column distillates very approachable as a sipper, unlike some of the more fiery blends. It still has that fruity-funky flavor this style is known for, but it’s just a little more refined. I’ve seen references online to it being “triple distilled for purity,” which might have something to do with that. Typically $34–$37.
• (5) Rhum Barbancourt Haitian Proof White (3.9) – Clocking in at 110 proof, this is easily the most adventurous release from the revered distillery that specializes in a small but respected range of rums made from sugar cane juice in Haiti’s unique style. I find it to be distinctive, somewhat similar to – but more approachable than – the more intense Haitian clairins. More than other Barbancourt marks, you can get a hint of the cane along with a touch of citrus and spice. Typically $27.
All of the above brands are scheduled to return this year, so keep an eye out for these expressions. You won’t be disappointed.
MORE ON MIAMI RUM FEST
Recent media coverage
• Miami Rum Renaissance Festival expands to three days of rum appreciation (Finance Colombia)
Miami Rum Renaissance Festival
• RumRenaissance.com
• Facebook page | Twitter | Instagram | Flickr
Related websites
Rob’s Rum Guide: Expert reviews and news on cane spirits
Rum Minute: See Robert Burr’s video reviews
Rum events calendar
2024
Oct. 24-27 – Barbados Food & Rum Festival.
Oct. 28-31 – The Barbados Rum Experience.
Nov. 1-2 – Danish Rum and Whisky Festival in Denmark.
Nov. 8-10 – Miami Rum Renaissance Festival in Coral Gables.
Nov. 12-16 – St Barth Rum Festival and Caribbean Rum Awards.
2025
Jan. 31-Feb. 1 – Miami Rum Congress at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
• Social media recap: Photos, coverage of Miami Rum Congress 2024
Feb. 12-14 – Mondial du Rhum in Paris.
March 1 – Texas Rum Festival in Dallas.
March 29 – Taste of Rum festival in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
April 26 – Chicago Rum Festival.
June 7 – New York Rum Festival & Congress in New York City.
June 13-14 – Rum Love Festival in Wroclaw, Poland.
July 18-19 – Rum Show in London.
More to come! Check The Tiki Times calendar for updates.
PAST ATOMIC GROG COVERAGE
Pioneering Miami Rum Festival foreshadowed spirit’s renaissance
The 14th annual event offered an opportunity for rum connoisseurs to meet and mingle in an intimate setting with producers, distillers, importers, distributors, retailers and other members of the spirits trade.
• Q&A with festival co-founder Robert Burr
Miami festival fills weekend with rum seminars, tastings
The 13th event included two full days featuring some of the world’s best spirits, premiere industry experts, and a friendly gang of easy-going rum enthusiasts.
Photos, recap: Miami festival reunites rum family for one-day tasting event
Highlights from the 2021 Rum Renaissance Tasting Event, including photos and our favorite sips of the day.
Preview, photos and event history: Miami Rum Renaissance Festival is back for a 12th taste of cane spirits
Everything you need to know about the return of the Miami Rum Festival, including an in-depth preview and look back at the past 11 events with exclusive photos and remembrances.
2019 photos and recap: Rum festival returns to its roots
Event history: Miami Rum Renaissance Festival year-by-year
Atomic Grog flashback: Our top nine Miami Rum Fest memories
More Miami Rum Festival recaps
• 2018: Spirited mash-up: Rum Renaissance Festival moves next door to The Hukilau
• 2017: Miami Rum Festival and Trade Expo turns 9
• 2016: Koloa, Plantation and Don Q dominate awards at annual Miami festival
• 2015: Miami Rum Festival boldly explores the next frontier of cane spirits
Rum aficionados gather for 7th annual Miami festival
• 2014: Upstart spirits share spotlight with major players at Miami Rum Festival
Cocktails reach new heights of creativity at Miami Rum Festival
• 2013: Miami festival showcases a never-ending variety of rums
• 2012: Miami festival offers many lessons in rum appreciation
• 2011: We be Jammin: Rum Renaissance Zombie fest at The Mai-Kai
MORE EVENT COVERAGE
UPDATES: The Tiki Times: Exclusive events guide
Check the calendar for all of the major happenings around the world, from Tiki weekenders to rum festivals to marketplaces and music fests.
>>> UPCOMING EVENTS | PAST EVENT COVERAGE
MORE MAI-KAI COVERAGE
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The revered cocktail program is in experienced and enthusiastic hands as the historic South Florida restaurant prepares for its grand reopening in November.
>>> MEET THE MAI-KAI’S NEW HEAD BARTENDER
• Take 5: Q&A with Cory Starr
Okole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide
Hurricane Hayward reviews and rates the historic restaurant’s current and past tropical drinks, plus reveals a treasure trove of ancestor and exclusive tribute recipes.
The Mai-Kai announces reservations and reopening coming ‘very soon’
Four years after the October 2020 closing, The Mai-Kai made a long-awaited announcement on social media Oct. 30 that indicates the reopening of the historic restaurant is right around the corner.
UPDATES: Latest news and exclusive coverage of The Mai-Kai reopening in 2024
EXCLUSIVE: Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening
Check out all the latest news, photos, video and deep details on the refurbishment and return of South Florida’s Polynesian Palace.