Seminar Agenda

1:30 PM | When In Rhum

Guest Speaker: Kate Perry

Brief: This seminar invites you to slow down and sip with intention. Together we will explore a selection of curated releases ****from the La Maison & Velier portfolio, including meaningful bottles, special sips and stories led by Kate Perry (@wheninrhum)

1:30pm | Rum Expert Registration

2:30PM | Independent Bottlers | Small to large scale

Guest Speakers: Jeff Diego, Seth Benhaim & Rafael Rodriguez

Brief: Independent bottlers are the creative engine of the spirits world, acting as curators who unearth hidden gems and push stylistic boundaries. Whether operating as a boutique family passion project or a large-scale international house, these bottlers provide a unique lens through which to view established categories.By sourcing rare single casks, experimenting with unconventional finishes, and prioritizing transparency, they offer expressions that mainstream distilleries simply cannot. This seminar explores how independent bottlers—regardless of size—drive innovation, preserve liquid history, and deliver the one-of-a-kind projects that keep the global spirits community evolving.

2:00pm | Trade Session Registration

3:30PM | Aguardiente: An Undiscovered Spirit

Guest Speaker: Ricardo March

Brief: Aguardiente remains one of the most culturally rich yet globally undiscovered spirits. This segment explores its evolution beyond tradition—highlighting how modern production, premium positioning, and contemporary branding are reshaping its perception on the global stage.

3:00pm | Rum Enthusiastic Session Registration

4:00pm | Intro to Rum - General Admission Session Registration

1:30PM | Check In

Brief: TBA

2:00PM | Costa Rica Single Estate Rum: Combining pure juice, molasses & sugarcane honey.

Guest Speaker: Pierre Bardinet

Brief: Pierre Bardinet shares the story behind the creation of the first Costa Rican single-estate rum. From an uncompromising focus on raw material to the art of blending, he explores how three major rum traditions: pure cane juice, molasses, and sugar cane honey can be combined to build complexity, balance, and identity. A deep dive into terroir, technique, and the power of assemblage.

3:00 PM | North American Rum Spotlight

Guest Speakers: Ryan Gilbertie and Seth Benhaim

Brief: TBA

4:00 PM | Planteray Extreme Series VI - The Legends of Rum

Guest Speaker: Adrienne Stoner

Brief: Maison Ferrand invites you into the world of rum taken to its absolute limits. This masterclass explores Extreme Series VI – Legends of Rum, a collection of rums that are as rare as they are uncompromising. Bottled straight from the cask at natural proof, each expression preserves the raw, unfiltered soul of a unicorn barrel from Alexandre’s personal stock.Created only every two to three years, the Extreme Series celebrates flavour intensity, authenticity, and rarity.This sixth edition is a tribute to the legendary distillers and blenders who have shaped Alexandre Gabriel’s 35-year journey through rum terroirs.Through lifelong friendships and shared craftsmanship, these masters passed down techniques, stories, and vision.During this session, guests will taste three exceptional expressions from the collection.

5:00 PM | Boom, Bust, and Rebirth: Cycles in Distilled Spirits

Guest Speaker: Federico J. Hernández

Brief: This seminar examines the ups, downs, and revivals of rum during the years. In this context, we’ll see how today’s trends in pricing (bars and consumers), bottle sizes, and evolving cocktail culture are steering the next cycle.

6:00 PM | TBA

Brief: TBA