Seminar Agenda
10:00 - 10:30AM | Registration
Brief: Morning Registration for the 2025 NY Rum Conference. Limited capacity.
10:30AM | Differences in “Spanish Styles of Rums”
Brief: Indeed, one of the generic classifications of rum is the Spanish style. Yet, many are different regarding main ingredients, production process, and more. This seminar should clarify this “misconception.”
11:30AM | History of Australian Rums
Brief: In the last years, Australian rums have made their way once again to the Western Hemisphere. At one point, the Royal Navy used Australian rum for their daily tots. Now, thanks to many independent bottlers, Aussie rums are available. But why?
12:30PM | Jamaican rum esters (definition components and their aromatic impact)
Brief: Join members of Worthy Park Estate, Long Pond Dist., and Clarendon Dist. as they explain the definition, components, and aromatic impact Jamaican esters have on different rums.
1:30pm | Rum Expert Registration
2:00PM | The Spirit of Haiti & Providence
Brief: With over 500 small distilleries or guildives, the Haitian landscape of rum production is rich and vast. Join Herbert Barbancourt Linge (Vice President of The Spirit of Haiti and founder of Distillerie de Port-au-Prince), Daniele Biondi (Global Export Manager for LM&V) and Orlando McCray (Night Moves) for an in-depth discussion and tasting of Haiti’s terroir through its local spirits.
2:00pm | Trade Session Registration
3:00PM | The Navy Rum Blend Reimagined: Culture, Craft & Contemporary Cocktails
Brief: Join Alexandre Gabriel (Planteray Rum), Mitch Wilson (Black Tot Rum), and Kitty Bernardo (Paradise Lost, NYC) for a spirited deep dive into the world of Navy Rum at this year’s NYC Rum Fest. Moderated by Adrienne Stoner (Maison Ferrand), the panel explores how two distinct brands are championing the Navy style in their own unique ways — one honoring legacy through archival recreation, the other through perpetual blending and innovation. Discover why Navy Rum remains essential in tiki cocktails, and how it continues to inspire both makers and bartenders in today’s rum renaissance.
3:00pm Rum Enthusiastic Session Registration
4:00PM | The Art of Time
Brief: This seminar explores the fascinating world of rum aging, unveiling how time, barrels, and the
environment create the complexity and character of premium rums. Attendees will gain insights
into the science and art behind the aging process, while also discovering what makes tropical aging
unique and how it sets rums like Ron Centenario apart from others.
4:00pm | Intro to Rum - General Admission Session Registration
5:00PM | Female Leadership in the Rum Industry: Transforming from a Company's Top Management
Brief: This conference explores how women in leadership positions are transforming the rum industry from within. Through strategic leadership, they are driving a more inclusive corporate culture, fostering innovation, and leading purpose-driven brands.
6:00PM | What am I, rum or aguardiente, or all of the above?
Brief: It is said that the word “aguardiente” originated with the colonizing Spanish when they brought distillation practices to the New World and many times used this word prior to the official word “rum.” Today, aguardiente varies per country and product. Let’s hear from and learn from companies that, as of today, continue using the word aguardiente for their distilled spirit.
3:30PM | Hampden Pausa Caffè
Brief: Fancy a coffee break? Take a little pause, refuel, and catch up with rum legend Daniele Biondi of La Maison & Velier.
4:30PM & 5:30 PM | Sweets, spices, and rum from the Caribbean
Brief: Join Damiean Williams, a Barbados native and brand ambassador for West Indies Rum Distillery, as he takes you on a sensory journey filled with sweets, spices, and Caribbean rums.
