What You Will Learn: Rum History, Culture, Production & Tasting Skills

Explore the full production lifecycle of rum and cane spirits—sugar-cane cultivation, distillation, aging, bottling and marketing.

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2. Discover how terroir, climate and raw materials shape flavour profiles, blending styles and regional identity.

3. Taste and evaluate white, dark, aged and spiced rums, plus lesser-known cane spirits such as cachaça and rhum agricole.

4. Master mixology fundamentals for rum-based cocktails and learn how to pair rum with food and culture.

5. Strengthen your professional vocabulary and service skills in rum and sugar-cane spirits contexts.

6. Build connections with hospitality, beverage retail, tourism and event-planning sectors.

Course Modules: Rum History, Production, Tasting Techniques & Industry Knowledge

Duration: 10 weeks
Format: Weekly synchronous online sessions (Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m. ET)
Next Cohort Starts: September 14, 2026

Module 1: Rum and Sugar Cane Spirits, A Global Perspective

Module 2: Tasting Techniques and Flavor Profiling

Module 3: Sugar Cane History Part 1: World Focus

Module 4: Sugar Cane History Part 2: American Focus

Module 5: Types of Rum and Cane Spirits

Module 6: Rum & Sugar Cane Spirits Production Process

Module 7: Production Process / Optional Virago Distillery Visit

Module 8: Rum Brands and Marketing

Module 9: Mixology with Rum and the Sugar Cane Spirit

Module 10: Terminology, Resources, and Trivia

Who Should Enroll: Hospitality Professionals, Rum Enthusiasts & Industry Entrepreneurs

About the Instructor: Master Rummelier® Greg Hill, Rum Expert & Educator

Frequently Asked Questions: Rum Course Content, Requirements & Certification

• What does this course cover?
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• Do I need prior spirits experience?  No, both beginners and professionals are welcome.  
• Are any in-person visits required?  No.  There is an optional distillery visit, which is broadcast live.
• What equipment or materials will I need?  List of recommended rum samples, tasting glass, notebook.
• What certifcation will I receive?  Digital certificate and Level 1 Rummelier®

What Students Say: Rum Course Reviews & Student Testimonials

From the Classroom to Real-World

What starts in the classroom often leads to real-world connections.

This course expanded my knowledge and expertise on all things rum. As an artisan distiller with a focus on rum, this sparked new ideas and passions in the world of this amazing spirit. Such an awesome opportunity! Brett, Jeffersonville, IN

The course -- and Greg, the instructor -- did a terrific job walking us through the history of rum, exploring some of the lore and misconceptions, and exposing us to a number of rum categories. As a whisky snob it was terrific to see the depth and breadth of the rum world! Oh great, another rabbit hole for me to descend! :-) Walden, College Grove, TN

I found the entire class to be fantastic.  The instructor was first rate, not only in his knowledge but also his personality, the other students were great and the class only served to deepen my understanding of rum.  I look forward to my continued journey into Rum.  Ryan, Tulsa, OK

If you have ever enjoyed rum, if you campaign for the further understanding of and fight misconceptions around the spirit this course is a must do. As someone who works fully within the rum industry I urge more people to seek to better understand and appreciate rum.  Jackson, Montreal, Canada

This course was engaging, lively, fun, and loaded with information. The instructor is knowledgeable and conveys his passion for the material very, very effectively. What I learned would've taken me several months to gather on my own and has inspired be much beyond what I expected. Very well done indeed! Phil, Montreal, Canada

As a current marketer in the rum industry, not only did this course increase my knowledge of the different types of processes and variants of sugar cane spirits, but provided a deeper understanding of the history that was ingrained in almost all aspects of colonization across the world.  John, Richmond, VA

Anyone in hospitality should take this course!  You will learn more about rum and not just consider it a drink from the tropics.  Impress your friends and co-workers with what you have learned! Chad, Swarthmore, PA

I had been following rum for almost thirty years.  The course and the instructor filled in the blanks and made it a fun learning experience.  I wish it would have lasted longer.  Bruce, Key West, FL

This course exposed me to a more in-depth education of sugar cane varietals, the distillation process and how it might vary depending upon the desired outcome, and, a multitude of sugar cane spirits, not just rum. I especially enjoyed the rum recommendations! Katrina, Orlando, Florida

I was waiting for this course for a year and finally I had a chance to join it. I loved the course materials and everything about rum and sugar cane spirits. It really deepened my understanding of rum. If you want to learn about rum, this course is the best choice! Arda, İstanbul, Türkiye

Really enjoyed learning the in-depth topics of this most appreciated spirit. Has inspired me to continue to deepen and grow my knowledge further. Kudos to the facilitators.  Kevin, Ontario, Canada