Private Colombian Rums and Chocolate Tasting in Cartagena

Cartagena has plenty of rum bars, but this tasting turns it into a guided, flavor-first session built around Colombian rum and Bolivar chocolate. You spend almost two hours learning how the rums are made and why different ages and origins taste different, with plenty of pirate-story fun.

I love the idea of an 8-rum tasting that goes beyond one bottle, so you can actually compare styles. I also like that your sweet side is handled too, with artisanal Bolivar chocolate, truffles, and pairing talk led by guides like Alejandra, who keeps things energetic and easy to follow, in English.

One drawback to plan for: this is not a dinner experience. You get tasting portions, plus three savory bites, but breakfast or lunch or dinner are not included, so you will want to eat before or after.

Key highlights you should care about

• 8 premium Colombian rums tested across different ages and origins, not just one pour
• In-house Bolivar chocolate and truffles paired during the tasting
• Lively guide energy with stories and discussions, including names like Alejandra and Wes
• Three typical savory snacks that help balance the alcohol and keep your palate fresh
• Private group format, so your guide can tailor recommendations to your tastes
• Not a class, more of a guided tasting and storytelling session

Walking into El Arsenal, The Rum Box 24, and the vibe of Getsemaní

This experience starts in Getsemaní, at El Arsenal, The Rum Box 24, on Calle Arsenal #8b-19. That matters because Getsemaní is the part of Cartagena where you feel the city moving, even when you step into a calmer corner to taste.

Since it is a private tour, you are not stuck listening to a crowd shuffle through their phones. It is your group, your pace, and your chance to ask questions without that awkward, everyone together energy.

Also, the location is described as being near public transportation, which is practical if you plan your day around walking plus a quick ride. And yes, service animals are allowed, which is helpful if you travel with one.

1 hour 45 minutes of tasting, stories, and pairing talk

The total time is about 1 hour 45 minutes, close to two hours in practice. You are there for more than the drinks, because the session includes a look at the production and history of the rums, told in a fun way with laughter and pirate stories.

A good way to think about the structure is simple: you are guided through multiple tastings, while chocolate and savory bites show up as part of the pairing experience. Even if you do not consider yourself a food person, this format is friendly, because the guide is not just reciting facts. They are explaining in a way that connects to what you taste.

One detail I appreciate: it is described as not a class. You are not signing up for a workshop where you have to perform. You are there to taste, listen, laugh, and leave with a short list of favorites based on your own preferences.

Tasting eight Colombian rums, one guided comparison at a time

The headline is the eight premium Colombian rums. They come from different ages and origins, which is the key to understanding what you are tasting, not just how it hits your glass.

Why this matters for you: rum can feel confusing if you only ever drink one style. By tasting across ages and origins, you start to notice patterns, like how one might feel smoother, another might taste more intense, or how different versions can pair differently with chocolate.

This is also where a private setting helps. Based on recent feedback, guides like Alejandra take time to get to know what you like, then make recommendations that match your taste. If you prefer sweeter profiles, lighter aromas, or something bolder, you can steer the conversation, and the guide can point you to a rum style you will actually enjoy later.

Practical tip: take small sips and pace yourself. You are trying eight different samples in under two hours, so going fast can turn the experience into one long blur of alcohol and sweetness. If you want to remember what you liked, slow down just a bit.

Why the chocolate is not an afterthought in Cartagena

The chocolate side is built in, not stuck on the end. You taste artisanal Bolivar chocolate, plus truffles, paired alongside the rum tasting.

What I like about this pairing approach is that it gives you a second track for judging each rum. If a rum feels too strong on its own, chocolate can soften the edges and highlight different notes. If a rum tastes flat with nothing else, the cocoa can bring out flavor contrasts that you would miss alone.

The chocolate is described as made in their factory, with Colombian cocoa from the Caribbean. That phrasing is useful because it tells you you are not just being handed random confections. You are tasting something tied to local ingredients and a specific production place.

And yes, pairing talk is part of the fun. Some of the best moments in this kind of tasting happen when your guide explains what to pay attention to while you taste, then you catch it yourself. That is when you leave with real memory, not just a full stomach.

Pirate stories plus production talk, a combo that keeps it light

You should expect humor. The experience includes laughter and pirate stories, along with discussions about rum production and history. That combination is not fluff. It helps you stay engaged, especially when you are learning about spirits in a short time.

From recent reviews, guides have brought strong energy. Alejandra stood out for being energetic, genuinely interested in making it fun, and easy to understand in English. Another guide, Wes, was praised for being sweet and knowledgeable. That points to a pattern: you are not just getting facts, you are getting a host who makes the session feel personal.

Also, since it is not a formal class, you will not feel like you are being tested. You can ask basic questions, react to what you taste, and go with the flow. If you want something structured, this might feel relaxed. If you want something enjoyable, it is a great fit.

The three savory bites that help your palate reset

You also get three typical savory snacks from local gastronomy. The exact items are not listed in the info you provided, but the purpose is clear: they round out the tasting.

This matters because rum and chocolate together can get sweet and heavy fast. Savory bites help cut through that, and they make the experience feel more like a full flavor journey instead of just dessert plus alcohol.

It is also one more sign the session is designed for real enjoyment. If you hate snacks that feel like filler, you can still appreciate these because they are part of the balance.

Price and value: what $103 gets you in Cartagena

At $103 per person for about 1 hour 45 minutes, this is not a casual drop-in tasting. But it also is not overpriced in the way some specialty experiences can feel, because it includes a lot inside the time window.

Here is what you get, in the simplest terms:

• 8 premium Colombian rums
• Chocolate and truffles (artisanal Bolivar)
• Three savory snacks

So you are paying for a guided comparison, with pairing and food built in. In a city where you can find rum and chocolate separately, paying for them together with a host who talks through production and pairing can actually be good value, especially if you like tasting multiple styles.

One more value angle: it is private, meaning you are not sharing the experience with strangers. That typically improves the quality of recommendations, because the guide can tailor answers to what your group likes.

Booking tip: it is often booked about 54 days in advance on average. That suggests demand stays steady enough that you should not wait until the last minute if your dates are fixed.

Who this rum and chocolate tasting is best for

This is a strong choice if you fit any of these:

• You like trying multiple versions of something, not just one drink
• You want a fun adult-focused experience in Cartagena that is not a museum day
• You enjoy food pairings and want to learn what makes them work
• You want a private guide who can recommend options based on your tastes

It is less ideal if you are expecting a full meal. Because breakfast, lunch, or dinner are not included, plan to eat beforehand or after. It also might not suit you if you avoid alcohol or only want zero-proof options, since the core of the event is tasting rum.

Practical tips to make your tasting experience smooth

A few small habits will make a big difference:

• Arrive on time at Calle Arsenal #8b-19 in Getsemaní so you start with the full session.
• Go slow with the pours, since you are tasting eight rums in a short period.
• Pay attention to pairing moments when the chocolate or snacks show up, because that is where the explanation becomes real.
• If you have clear preferences, tell your guide early. Based on guides like Alejandra learning guests’ tastes, your favorites can come faster if you communicate what you like.
• Expect it to be storytelling and discussion more than a textbook lesson, so keep it casual and ask questions if something surprises you.

Also, it ends back at the meeting point, so you can plan your evening without a complicated transit puzzle.

Should you book this Cartagena rum and chocolate tasting?

I would book it if you want a compact, guided, flavor-based experience that mixes eight Colombian rums, Bolivar chocolate, and local savory bites in under two hours. The best part is that it is not just sampling for sampling’s sake. You get explanations, pairing talk, and a host with energy, like Alejandra or Wes, based on recent guest feedback.

Skip it if you are hungry for a full dinner plan or if alcohol tastings are not your thing. In that case, you will probably feel shortchanged once the time is over.

If you are deciding, here is the easiest rule: if you would enjoy comparing multiple rums and watching how chocolate changes what you taste, this is a very good use of time in Cartagena.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

The tour starts at El Arsenal: The Rum Box 24, Calle Arsenal #8b-19, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia.

How long is the private rum and chocolate tasting?

It lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.).

Is this experience private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

How many rums will I taste?

You will taste eight premium Colombian rums of different ages and origins.

What sweet items are included?

You get artisanal Bolivar chocolate made in their factory, plus chocolate and truffles included in the tasting.

Are breakfast or lunch or dinner included?

No. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner are not included.

Is it a class where you learn to make rum?

No. It is described as not a class. You will learn through stories, production and history discussion, and tasting.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available, and you must cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the meeting area near public transportation, and are service animals allowed?

Yes. The meeting point is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed.