Rum and chocolate with pirate energy. In Cartagena, this private tasting pairs eight Colombian rums with Bolivar chocolate made in house, plus three local savory bites. You’ll get the production and history story behind the rum while laughing and trading opinions on flavor.

What I like most is the pairing approach. You’re not just tasting alcohol and stopping there—you’re sampling rum, chocolate, and small bites together so you can actually notice how sweetness, oak, and cacao work as a team. If your guide is Alejandra, you’ll likely get that upbeat, easygoing energy, and English that’s simple to follow, plus tailored recommendations based on what you like.

One thing to consider: this is not a long formal class, and it doesn’t include dinner. You’re looking at about 1h45, then you head back to the start—so come with a plan for food after.

Key things to know before you go

• Eight rum samples across different ages and origins, so you can compare styles.
• Bolivar chocolate and truffles made in house, paired alongside the pours.
• Local savory bites (three) to balance the sweet-and-spirited side.
• Private group setting where the pace can match your tastes and questions.
• Guides like Alejandra or Wes who keep things fun and easy to understand.

Why this Cartagena rum-and-chocolate tasting feels different

Cartagena has a lot of rum stops. This one stands apart because it’s built like a flavor walkthrough, not a quick pour-and-go. You’ll spend close to two hours moving through the story of the rum and the chocolate, with plenty of jokes and conversation along the way.

I also like that it’s an active tasting rhythm. You’re sampling rum, chocolate, and savory bites in sequence, so the experience keeps your senses busy instead of turning into just another alcohol tasting.

And yes, the pirate stories are part of the package. If you want Cartagena to feel like Cartagena—warm, playful, and slightly theatrical—this fits the mood.

Entering The Rum Box in Getsemaní (and what to do first)

Your tour begins at El Arsenal: The Rum Box 24 in Getsemaní, on Calle Arsenal #8b-19. It’s in a lively part of town, and the location is also near public transportation, which helps if you’re planning around heat or short walking distances.

Once you’re inside, the experience settles you into the right headspace fast. You’ll be tasting premium aged Colombian rum and Bolivar chocolate while learning about production and history—so it’s smart to arrive ready to pay attention to small differences, not just overall taste.

Practical tip: pace yourself from the start. With multiple pours in one sitting, the sweet spot is to sip slowly, smell the aromas when you can, and let the pairing finish the story.

The 1h45 tasting flow: eight Colombian rums you can compare

The heart of the experience is the eight premium Colombian rums. They come from different ages and origins, which is exactly what you want if you like comparing flavors instead of drinking the same style repeatedly.

Here’s what that means for you as a taster:

• You’ll likely notice how aging affects the rum’s softness and aroma.
• You’ll get to compare more than just sweetness, including how the finish feels after each sip.
• You can build preferences quickly because you’re tasting a range, not one or two bottles.

And the guide won’t treat it like a lecture. It’s more like a conversation with pirate-flavored storytelling. You’ll hear about production and the rum’s background, but you’ll also get time to react—ask questions, share what you’re noticing, and get help picking what to try next.

If you tend to like sweeter pours, the guide can steer you. If you prefer smoother or more spirit-forward flavors, you’ll get recommendations that match your direction. In short: you don’t have to guess your way through the sampling.

Bolivar chocolate and truffles: the pairing that actually teaches your palate

Then comes the chocolate. You’ll taste artisanal Bolivar chocolate made in house, along with truffles and selections paired to the rums. The cacao comes from the Colombian Caribbean area, and the goal is simple: help you notice how chocolate and rum interact.

This is where the experience becomes more than drinking. Cacao adds texture and depth—often with notes that can amplify fruitiness, soften sharper edges, or balance oak tones. When the pairing is done well, you can taste new angles in the rum that you wouldn’t catch on a plain sip.

I especially like that the chocolate is treated as its own star. You’re not dealing with generic sweets; you’re tasting chocolate and truffles specifically offered with the rum flight, which makes the tasting feel intentional instead of random.

A good way to approach this part: take one bite of chocolate, then go back to the rum. You’ll often pick up shifts in aroma and sweetness that feel like a mini reset for your palate.

Three savory bites: the flavor reset you’ll appreciate

Alcohol and chocolate both lean sweet and aromatic. That’s why the three typical savory snacks matter. They give you a break between rounds so you’re not tasting only sugar and spirit for the whole session.

You won’t find these snacks described in detail here, but the idea is clear: local cuisine bites typical to the region. For your experience, they serve two roles:

• They steady your palate between tastings.
• They keep the tour grounded in food culture, not just desserts.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to snack as you taste, these savory bites are a big plus. If you’re more of a dessert person, they still help you keep your enjoyment high without getting overwhelmed.

Guides, pacing, and the fun factor (Alejandra and Wes are a clue)

The reviews give a strong signal: the guide can make or break this type of tour. Here, guides like Alejandra and Wes are highlighted for energy and for keeping things clear in English.

What that translates to on your end:

• You’ll get explanations in plain language, tied to what you’re tasting in the moment.
• The host can learn what you like and recommend accordingly.
• The vibe stays playful—laughter, discussion, pirate stories—so the time doesn’t feel stiff.

It’s also helpful that the experience is private. With your own group, you’re less likely to feel rushed or trapped in someone else’s schedule. You can ask follow-ups, slow down when something surprises you, and keep the pacing comfortable.

Price and value: what $103 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At $103 per person for about 1h45, you’re paying for a guided, tasting-heavy experience with real inclusions: eight rums, Bolivar chocolate and truffles, plus three savory bites.

So is it worth it? I think it’s a solid value if you’re trying to do two things at once:

1) taste multiple Colombian rums in one sitting, and

2) pair them with chocolate you can actually taste as chocolate, not just a sweet add-on.

If you only want one rum, or you’re not interested in chocolate pairings, the price starts to feel steeper. But if you enjoy comparing flavors and learning what pairing does, this format makes the money feel more “spent,” less “paid.”

One more note: there’s no breakfast or dinner included. If you’re hungry, plan to eat before or after so the tasting remains enjoyable rather than urgent.

Where you’ll end up: back to the start, ready to continue your night

At the end, the experience returns you to the meeting point in Getsemaní. That matters more than it sounds. You won’t be stranded across town after drinking tastings, and you can keep exploring with a smoother plan for what’s next.

Also, since this is near public transportation, you can make a clean jump to dinner plans without complicated logistics.

Who should book this rum and chocolate tasting

This is a good fit if you:

• want a fun, flavor-focused Cartagena activity that stays social but not chaotic
• like tasting flights and comparing different ages/origins
• care about food pairings, not just alcohol
• prefer a private group experience where questions are welcome

You might skip it if:

• you want a long, structured class format (this is described as an enjoyable tasting experience, not a class)
• you’re looking for a full meal included in the price
• you’re very sensitive to alcohol and might struggle with multiple pours

Should you book this Cartagena private rum and chocolate tasting?

If you want a memorable Cartagena evening that combines eight rum samples with Bolivar chocolate and truffles, this is an easy yes. The best part isn’t just the ingredients—it’s the way the tasting is guided with stories, discussion, and pairing that helps you notice what you’re tasting.

Book it if you like structured flavors with a relaxed vibe. Skip it only if you’re expecting a full dinner experience or a long formal course.

If you can, grab your spot ahead of time. The average booking window is about 54 days, which usually means weekends and popular time slots go first.

FAQ

How long is the private rum and chocolate tasting?

It lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes.

What’s included in the tasting?

You’ll get alcoholic beverages that include 8 premium Colombian rums, plus chocolate and truffles, along with three typical savory bites from local gastronomy.

Is this a class?

No. It’s described as an opportunity to enjoy drinks while learning along the way, not a class.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at El Arsenal: The Rum Box 24, Calle Arsenal #8b-19, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia, and it ends back at the meeting point.

Is it a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private activity, so only your group will participate.

Will I need to bring anything?

The experience includes tastings and savory bites, but breakfast or dinner is not included, so you may want to plan food around it.

Is there a cancellation option if my plans change?

Yes. There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you won’t get a refund.

Is it easy to reach?

It’s near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.