The Rhum Fest 2025, held at the Parc Floral de Vincennes in Paris, has become one of the most emblematic events for enthusiasts, experts and professionals in the world of rum. The 2025 edition, which took place from April 12 to 14, attracted nearly 8,000 visitors, enthusiasts and the curious alike, as well as over 150 distilleries from 36 countries. Among them, distilleries from the French West Indies made their mark with their authenticity, the quality of their production and their ability to pass on their heritage.
Immerse yourself in the world of rum
Rhum Fest is no ordinary trade show. It’s a real immersion in the complex world of rum: its origins, its production methods, its aromas, its terroirs, its human stories. It’s also a meeting place for producers, distributors, wine merchants, journalists, restaurateurs, and enthusiasts. The event features tastings, educational conferences, masterclasses and professional meetings.
For novices, it’s an ideal opportunity to learn about the world of rum without pressure, by tasting, asking questions, and discovering the differences between an agricole rum, a molasses rum or an oak-aged rum. For connoisseurs, it’s a chance to deepen their understanding of aromatic profiles, the specificities of each region, vintages and ageing techniques.
French West Indies take center stage
Rhum Fest 2025 devoted a lot of space to the French West Indies. Martinique and Guadeloupe are world-renowned for the quality of their rhum agricole, made from pure sugarcane juice, unlike traditional molasses rum.
Martinique is the only region in the world to benefit from an AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) for rum, which guarantees production to strict specifications and a strong link with the terroir. Distilleries such as La Favorite, Neisson and Baie des Trésors were present, each defending a strong identity, artisanal methods and attachment to the land.
Stéphane Gouyer, Baie des Trésors cellar master, shares: “The AOC allows us to structure our work while highlighting the richness of our soils. It’s a real recognition of the work of our farmers and distillers.
In Guadeloupe, although there is no AOC, the rum tradition is just as strong. Distilleries such as Longueteau, Bologne and Reimonenq offer rums with highly expressive profiles. Jordan Lognos, representing the fourth generation of the Reimonenq distillery, emphasizes: “We focus on innovation while respecting our values. The Rhum Fest allows us to tell our story, let people taste our creations and respond directly to the expectations of connoisseurs.”
A space for exchange and education
One of the strong points of Rhum Fest is its educational aspect. Unlike a simple tasting room, the emphasis is on passing on knowledge. Visitors can attend workshops where they learn, for example, to distinguish between types of rum according to region, to recognize secondary aromas resulting from aging, or to understand the effects of climate on sugar cane.
Producers from the West Indies played the game to the hilt, generously sharing the subtleties of their craft. The Parisian public, whether informed or novice, was thus able to better understand what makes agricole rum so special: its complexity, balance, freshness and ageing potential.
Spirit tourism: a lever for the regions
The Rhum Fest also highlights the development of spiritourism, a form of tourism focused on the discovery of spirits through distillery tours, sensory workshops and meetings with producers.
In Martinique, spirit tourism is already well established. Rum routes have been set up, with distilleries offering guided tours, immersive experiences and direct on-site sales. This helps to promote the island’s local heritage and enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.
In Guadeloupe, the offer is gradually taking shape. Jordan Lognos explains: “We want to offer our visitors complete experiences: the tour, the tasting, but also an understanding of our history and methods.”
This development is promising for the entire industry. It creates local jobs, broadens the tourism offer and strengthens the link between the product and its region.
A future rooted in roots
By showcasing West Indies producers, Rhum Fest 2025 contributes to their international reputation. These producers don’t just produce excellent rum; they also tell a story, the story of a heritage, of know-how handed down, of an identity shaped by the land and time.
At a time when global demand for quality rum continues to grow, distilleries in the French West Indies are setting the standard. Their authenticity, rigor and commitment to quality make them role models in the sector.
