By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Eleven years after its inception, Miami’s best rum festival is heading back to its roots.

This year’s Miami Rum Festival will return to Coral Gables, with two days of tasting of rums from around the globe — along with seminars by industry leaders and cocktail demonstrations.

“Rum is a spirit that brings people together,” said Robert Burr, festival organizer and producer of Robs Rum Guide and the Rum Minute YouTube channel. “Our mission is to help our friends learn about rum, learn how to taste rum, understand rum and shine a light on the very best rums in the world. We are experiencing a rum renaissance of epic proportions, with so many fine rums coming to market. This is a chance to learn, and better appreciate, the fascinating spirit of rum.”

This year’s festival will take place May 17 and 18 at the historic Coral Gables Woman’s Club.

The festival has grown into South Florida’s premier rum event, with rum producers, collectors, enthusiasts and neophytes making the journey.

It’s a natural fit, given that Miami is the number one local rum market worldwide, with Florida the top U.S. market for rum overall.

The festival will begin for trade members and VIPs at 2PM on Friday, with the festival opening to the general public at 4PM.

The following day will see VIP admission at 2PM and then open to the general public at 4PM.

For more, visit the Miami Rum Festival.

— CJ