The spectacular rum weekend begins on Saturday, November 9, at the Courtyard By Marriott in Coral Gables with a series of in-depth seminars dealing with rum production, tiki cocktails and a bit of rum history, sailing the high seas with the British Royal Navy.

This year’s seminars include “The Cave Above The Clouds,” focusing on production and aging techniques of Guatemala’s legendary cane spirits; “Tiki Evolution,” which explores the historic rums and iconic cocktails of the legendary Mai-Kai Polynesian Restaurant and Molokai Bar; and the creation of “Mister Fogg,” discussing the re-birth of an authentic and historically accurate Navy rum by Alexandre Gabriel.

On Sunday, November 10, the rum education weekend continues with a Grand Tasting event at the historic Coral Gables Woman’s Club from 12:30 to 5pm, featuring several hundred rums on display for sampling, with exhibits by several dozen rum companies and a Caribbean-theme catering menu with special offerings made to pair with the rum.

On Monday, November 11, a special session is held at the Woman’s Club from 12:30 to 5pm just for members of the spirits trade, attracting bartenders, food and beverage managers, importers, brokers, distributors, buyers for liquor store chains, and liquor retailers. Also, members of the spirits press will be in attendance.

Advance tickets are available online for $49 to $59 before Friday, November 1. After that date, and at the door, ticket prices are slightly higher.

For more details and ticket information, call 707-278-6736 or visit https://www.rumrenaissance.com/

Rum Renaissance Festival (photo: Loren Moss)