Taste of Rum 2026 celebrated its 16th edition at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, bringing together nearly 1,800 attendees in an experience that.

During the event, guests had the opportunity to taste more than 150 rum expressions—from iconic brands to emerging labels—alongside guided tastings, educational conferences, and specialized seminars that explored the history, innovation, excellence and future of the rum industry.

One of the most memorable highlights of the evening was the Puerto Rico Rum Program booth, which became a central gathering point for attendees. Its concept, design, and overall experience drove high engagement and generated widespread visibility across social media, extending the festival’s reach well beyond the venue.

“Taste of Rum is a platform that connects our history with the future of the industry. Bringing together nearly 1,800 people to celebrate more than 150 rum expressions—while learning, discovering, and sharing—confirms that Puerto Rico is not only a leader in production, but also in experience, innovation, and global projection,” Federico J. Hernández, founder of Taste of Rum and internationally recognized rum expert, said in a news release.

“The public policy of the Government of Puerto Rico is to support the development of local industries with all the tools we have available,” Sebastián Negrón Reichard, secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DEDC) said. “And one of them is to act as facilitators for the execution of large-scale events such as Taste of Rum, especially considering how much the Puerto Rican rum industry contributes to the economic development of our island and identifies us internationally as the Rum Capital of the World.” 

“For us, it was a wonderful experience to see the massive participation of so many rum lovers,” Carlos Herrero, director of Puerto Rico’s Rum Program, said. “We will continue to work hand in hand with producers, distributors, and promoters of Puerto Rican rums to sustain the expansion of our visibility and exports within the United States, our primary market.” 

“Puerto Rico continues to stand out as a cultural and culinary trailblazer in the Caribbean,” PRTC’s executive director, Willianette Robles Cancel, who also underscored the global recognition of Puerto Rican rums and the opportunity the event provided to taste them, said. “As part of its commitment to promoting gastronomic tourism, the Tourism Company supports events such as Taste of Rum, an experience that invites both locals and visitors to enjoy the very best of our culinary offerings.” 

Live music, a curated culinary offering, and a vibrant atmosphere transformed the event into a full celebration of Puerto Rican culture, where rum served as the common thread connecting tradition, knowledge, and entertainment.

“Puerto Rico continues to stand out as a cultural and culinary trailblazer in the Caribbean.”
-PRTC Executive Director Willianette Robles Cancel

The event also reinforced its impact on the island’s tourism sector, attracting both local and international visitors who travel specifically to be part of this experience. Since its inception, Taste of Rum has generated thousands of hotel room nights and continues to position itself as a key driver of Puerto Rico’s cultural and culinary tourism.

Taste of Rum 2026 not only exceeded expectations, but also solidified its role as the premier platform connecting producers, experts, industry leaders, and consumers—driving both economic development and the global projection of Puerto Rican rum.

This achievement reflects strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. It also highlights the continued commitment of our local producers to enhance the quality and global presence of Puerto Rican rum.

For more information, visit The Rum Lab.

Read more: Denizen Rum Launches New Wander Series