Puerto Viejo: Rum and Chocolate Tasting Experience｜Costa Rica

Spend an evening discovering why rum and chocolate have been enjoyed together for centuries. Hosted in an intimate small-group setting at Cacao Huasi in Puerto Viejo, this guided tasting explores two of the Caribbean's most iconic products through flavor, history, and conversation.

Begin with a brief introduction to rum, learning how it is made from sugarcane, how aging transforms its character, and the history that shaped its place throughout the Caribbean. Then, turn to chocolate, exploring cacao's origins, how chocolate develops its remarkable range of flavors, and why it has become one of the world's most fascinating foods.

With that foundation in place, the tasting begins. Over the course of an hour and a half, enjoy four carefully selected premium rums, each paired with handcrafted bean-to-bar chocolates made at Cacao Huasi. Every pairing is presented one step at a time: first the rum on its own, then the chocolate, and finally the two together.

As each combination unfolds, discover how the flavors influence one another. Notes that seemed hidden suddenly become obvious. A dry rum may reveal hints of vanilla or caramel. A bright, fruity chocolate can become deeper and richer when tasted alongside an aged spirit. Each pairing tells a different story, inviting you to slow down, compare, and explore.

Rather than simply being served drinks and chocolate, be guided through the tasting, learning how sweetness, acidity, bitterness, aroma, texture, and finish work together to create entirely new flavor experiences. No previous knowledge of rum or chocolate is needed. Whether you're an enthusiast or simply curious, the experience is designed to be relaxed, conversational, and accessible, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and share observations.

The rum and chocolate pairing takes place each evening at 5:30 PM on the upstairs deck at Cacao Huasi, overlooking the Caribbean. As the tasting unfolds, enjoy the sunset views that Cacao Huasi has become known for, making it one of Puerto Viejo's most memorable ways to end the day.

After the experience, stay for dinner in the restaurant, where the menu celebrates fresh Caribbean flavors with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.