Rum & Chocolate tasting boutique

Cartagena can be noisy, so this tasting keeps it personal. At El Arsenal: The Rum Box, you get a focused, about two-hour rum and chocolate experience in Getsemaní, mixing production talk, pirate stories, and plenty of samples.

I especially like that the flight is built around eight premium Colombian rums, covering different ages and origins, so you can actually compare styles instead of tasting just one. I also like the pairing with artisanal Bolivar chocolate, made in-house in the same spirit as the rum.

One thing to consider: this is an alcohol-forward tasting. If you prefer low- or no-alcohol experiences, you may want to think twice, and plan to sip slowly and pace yourself during the two hours.

Quick hits before you go

• Eight Colombian rums, varied by age and origin, with production and background stories
• Bolivar chocolate made in the factory, paired alongside the rum tasting flight
• Three savory local snacks to balance the sweetness and the alcohol
• Pirate-style storytelling and laughter, which keeps the vibe relaxed, not lecture-heavy
• Small group limit of 15, which helps the host keep it interactive
• English-friendly, with the option to participate for most travelers

Where The Rum Box sets the tone in Getsemaní

The experience starts at El Arsenal: The Rum Box, address Calle Arsenal #8b-19 in Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias. This part matters, because Getsemaní is where you’ll feel the city’s energy, with plenty of sights nearby and an easy place to orient yourself before the tasting begins.

You’ll be able to handle the timing without stress since it’s near public transportation, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. That round-trip setup is great if you plan to explore afterward, grab dinner, or walk back to your hotel without reorganizing your evening.

Also, it runs in English and uses a paper ticket, which is straightforward on arrival. Bring a little patience, though, because getting everyone seated and ready takes a few minutes when the group is kept deliberately small.

Two hours of rum and pirate storytelling, not a school

This is not a class. It’s a tasting evening where you learn a lot, but the format is social, story-led, and easy to follow. Expect talk about rum production and the rum’s history, mixed with fun discussion and pirate stories that keep things light.

That “not a class” detail is a big value clue. Instead of sitting through long explanations, you’re tasting while the host makes connections between what’s in your glass and where it comes from. If you’ve ever left a tour thinking the facts were fine but the experience felt stiff, this one is designed to avoid that.

The whole thing is set for about two hours, so it’s long enough to notice differences between rums and chocolate pairings, but short enough that it won’t drain your day. It’s the kind of activity that fits well between city walks, museum time, or a beach afternoon, without turning Cartagena into a schedule contest.

Eight Colombian rums, how the flight helps you taste with confidence

The center of the experience is a tasting flight of eight premium Colombian rums, each representing different ages and origins. That variety is the main reason this works better than basic tastings where everything tastes similar.

Here’s how I’d think about the structure, because it helps you enjoy it more:

• You’re comparing rums across age. Age changes color and flavor, often adding deeper notes as the spirit matures.
• You’re comparing rums across origin. Even within one country, production choices and sourcing can lead to clear differences.
• You’re learning while you taste, so you don’t just swallow samples and move on.

You’ll hear production and history stories as the flight progresses, with the host steering the conversation. The goal is that you leave understanding what you like and why, not just collecting vague impressions.

A practical tip for the flight

Use small sips. This makes every difference easier to notice. The experience includes snacks, but rum still builds up fast if you drink quickly. If you want the chocolate pairings to feel distinct, pace your tasting from the start.

Bolivar chocolate pairings with Caribbean Colombian cocoa

The chocolate component is not an afterthought. You’ll taste an exquisite selection of chocolates made in house, using the best Colombian cocoa from the Caribbean.

Even if you know chocolate already, this pairing approach is useful because it forces you to notice contrast: cacao richness and sweetness alongside rum’s warmth and complexity. When you taste rum first and then switch to chocolate, the flavors can shift in a way that teaches your palate quickly.

Also, the brand angle here matters. Bolivar chocolate is part of the story you’re hearing, because the chocolate is made in the factory tied to the experience. That means you aren’t just trying a random candy assortment, you’re tasting something designed for pairing with the rum line.

Why this pairing makes sense

Rum varies by age and origin, and chocolate varies by cacao intensity and preparation. Pairing them side by side helps you learn how sweetness, bitterness, and aroma interact. It turns chocolate from a snack into part of the tasting language.

Three savory local snacks that keep the whole thing balanced

Along with rum and chocolate, you’ll enjoy three savory snacks typical of local cuisine. I love snacks like this in tastings because they stop the experience from becoming purely sweet or purely boozy.

They also make the pacing easier. If you’re sampling eight rums and switching between chocolate and rum, those savory bites help your palate reset and keep you comfortable through the full two hours.

The snacks are included, which is another value point. It means the $103 price isn’t just paying for drinks and chocolate, it’s also paying for the supporting food that makes the tasting enjoyable rather than rushed.

Group size, language, and why the vibe stays friendly

The group is capped at 15 travelers. That limit is a quiet but important detail. Smaller groups tend to feel less like a conveyor belt and more like an actual evening with a host who can keep an eye on the mood.

English is offered, so you won’t be guessing through gestures and broken phrases. That matters in a storytelling format like this, where explanations connect to what you’re tasting.

The tone is playful, with pirate stories and lots of laughter. The host’s energy is a key part of why this experience lands well. When the host knows the subject and can keep the mood upbeat, you learn without realizing you’re learning.

Price and value: what you get for $103 in Cartagena

At $103 per person, this isn’t a budget snack-and-sip stop. But the value is pretty clear if you look at what’s included.

You’re paying for:

• Eight premium Colombian rums (a full flight, not two samples)
• A selection of Bolivar chocolate made in house
• Three savory local snacks
• About two hours of guided storytelling and tasting flow
• A small group size and English language support

Also, the average booking timing is about 20 days in advance, which signals demand. That can be good for you because it usually means the experience runs often enough to stay polished, and the company has a steady stream of feedback to keep improving.

Not included to note up front

Private transportation is not included. If you’re staying far from Getsemaní or prefer not to walk much after, plan on your own ride. That’s the main potential cost surprise if you’re comparing it to tours that include pickup.

What your timing should look like in a Cartagena day

Because the tasting is about two hours and ends right back where it started, it’s easy to place in your schedule. I like using it as either:

• an early evening activity, before dinner and nightlife, or
• a break in the middle of sightseeing, after you’ve walked around enough to feel hungry and thirsty.

If you’re building a day around neighborhood exploring, Getsemaní is a natural anchor. You can pair the tasting with walking through nearby streets afterward, then eat somewhere that looks lively and convenient.

One more thought: book it with enough buffer that you’re not rushing out the door at the end. The tasting format works best when you stay relaxed, because the host’s pace and the comparisons between rums matter.

Who should book this rum and chocolate tasting

This is a great match if you:

• want a guided tasting in Cartagena that doesn’t feel like a formal class
• like the idea of comparing multiple aged rums rather than one or two pours
• want real pairing time with Bolivar chocolate
• enjoy a host-led, story-driven vibe with humor and pirate talk
• prefer smaller groups where you can ask questions and stay engaged

It may not be your best choice if:

• you avoid alcohol or want a strictly non-alcoholic experience
• you’re only looking for a quick souvenir-style tasting with minimal structure
• you don’t want to spend two hours indoors or at a fixed location

Should you book The Rum Box rum and chocolate tasting?

My answer: yes, if you’re the type of traveler who likes to taste with intention. You get a well-structured tasting flight of eight Colombian rums, meaningful pairing with in-house Bolivar chocolate, plus local savory snacks, all in about two hours with a host who keeps the mood light.

I’d book it sooner rather than later, because it’s commonly reserved around 20 days in advance, and with a max of 15, prime time slots can disappear.

If you’re going, go in with the mindset of comparison, not speed. Sip slowly, taste the differences, and let the pirate stories do their job, which is to make the experience feel like an evening, not a checklist.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

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

How long is the rum and chocolate tasting?

The experience lasts about 2 hours.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What is included, and what is not included?

Snacks are included. Private transportation is not included.

How many rums and what kind of chocolate are included?

You taste eight premium Colombian rums of different ages and origins, and you also taste a selection of artisanal Bolivar chocolate made in their factory.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.