Découverte de rhum et cigare cubain

If you can handle a first puff, you can learn. This 90-minute session at PARIS RHUM CLUB pairs Cuban rum with a real cigar, and teaches you the practical stuff: picking, lighting, and tasting. I especially liked how Amicar explains with clear, step-by-step guidance and brings in stories that make the flavors feel real. One catch: if cigarette smoke is a hard no for you, you should think twice.

The setting helps. You arrive in a dedicated smoking room with a warm, sophisticated atmosphere and an exotic Cuban vibe, built for slowing down. The group is small, up to 10 people, and Amicar speaks French, Spanish, and English, so you are not stuck guessing what is going on.

You get more than “try this and go.” You learn why different rums taste the way they do, and you finish by discussing what you learned around the table, with the cigar included at the end of the experience.

Key things I’d highlight before you go

• Amicar’s clear explanations make a beginner feel at ease fast
• Cigar selection and lighting rituals are taught, not assumed
• Rhum tasting from sweet to light gives you an easy flavor map
• Old rums and anecdotes connect rum types to real methods and choices
• Small group size (10 max) keeps the tone calm and personal

First stop: Amicar’s Cuban-style welcome at PARIS RHUM CLUB

Your experience starts where it should: not in a classroom, but in a proper cigar space. You are welcomed into a smoking room prepared for the session, with accessories set up for the tasting and the cigar part of the lesson. The room is decorated for the occasion, and that matters because cigars and rum are sensory. A themed setting helps you focus on smell, texture, and how flavors change as you go.

Amicar is the host, and he is the reason the session feels friendly rather than intimidating. In the feedback, people specifically praised how he is very sympathetic and how his atelier feels complete. That translates into a good vibe for you if you are new to cigars or rum. You are not being graded. You are being guided.

One more practical point: you do not need to bring anything. That removes friction, and it lets you arrive ready to learn. You also know the host lineup up front, because the experience runs in French, Spanish, and English.

Choosing a Cuban cigar, so you stop guessing

The first lesson is how to choose your cigar wisely. That sounds basic until you realize most people buy the wrong thing for their preferences, then blame the cigar instead of the choice.

Here, you get a structured introduction to selecting a fine Cuban cigar and understanding the nuances. You learn that tobacco types and cigar characteristics can shift the tasting experience in noticeable ways. The goal is not to give you a “secret code.” It is to teach you what to look for so you can make a better choice next time, even when you are standing in front of shelves.

I like this part because it makes the rest easier. Once you understand what you are aiming for, tasting becomes clearer. You are not just swallowing smoke and hoping it works. You are paying attention.

Lighting rituals: making the first minutes count

Next come the rituals of tobacco lighting, and yes, this is where beginners usually struggle. Lighting a cigar is not only about having a flame. It affects burn, draw, and the way flavors show up.

You learn how to light a cigar correctly, and you are guided through the idea of doing it the right way for a better tasting experience. The lesson covers technique, but it also covers patience, because a cigar needs time to settle. If you rush, you tend to get harsher flavors sooner and miss the softer ones.

This is also where the small group size helps. With up to 10 participants, it is easier to ask a question and get adjusted without feeling lost. And since Amicar teaches in French, Spanish, and English, you can follow along in the language you are most comfortable with.

Tasting rum from sweet to light, with real context

The rum side is not an afterthought. The session includes a glass of carefully selected rums ranging from sweet to light rums. That range is a smart way to train your palate quickly.

You are tasting old rums full of history. That phrase matters, because the experience does more than pour drinks. It explains where different rum styles come from and how distillation choices influence the final character.

You get anecdotes about Cuban rum and the different distillation methods. Then the discussion ties those methods to what you taste in the glass. In other words, you are not only learning flavor. You are learning the reason behind flavor.

For me, this is a big part of the value. A rum tasting can be fun, but without context it turns into a vague list of notes. Here, you build an understanding you can reuse later when you taste another rum at a bar or shop.

How distillation and rum types show up on your palate

Once you start tasting, the session trains your attention. You move through a guided journey where you learn the unique characteristics of different types of rum. That means you begin to recognize patterns, like how sweetness can feel different across styles or how “light” rums behave in aroma and finish.

You also hear history and process stories as you go. Those anecdotes are not random trivia. They give you a mental framework so you can connect what you experience in your glass to how rum is made.

This is the kind of lesson that sticks. After you leave, you are more likely to taste actively instead of passively. You will catch the differences you used to miss, and you will feel more confident when someone at a shop says this one is sweeter, lighter, or more intense.

The cigar and rum finish: talk it through at the table

The session ends with the cigar part really coming together. A good Cuban cigar accompanies you at the end of this beautiful story. That timing helps, because you have already learned how to choose and how to light, so you can taste with less guesswork.

Then you sit down and discuss what you learned around the table. This part is small but important. It is where you compare experiences, ask last questions, and turn “I liked that” into “I understood why.”

This also matches what people praised in the feedback. They highlighted Amicar’s passion and the fact that explanations are clear. When a host is enthusiastic and the lesson is well organized, the conversation at the end does not feel forced. It feels natural.

Price and value in Ile-de-France: $129 for 90 minutes

At $129 per person for 90 minutes, you should judge this as an experience that includes guided instruction plus tasting. You are not just paying for drinks and a cigar. You are paying for a structured lesson on cigar selection, lighting rituals, and tasting, plus guided rum tastings with context.

What makes it feel like good value is the combination:

• Small group format, up to 10 people
• Clear guidance in multiple languages
• Tasting a glass of rums across sweet to light
• Ending with a Cuban cigar
• Learning the why behind distillation methods and rum types

If you tried to replicate this on your own, you would spend money buying cigar options, figuring out lighting technique, and then sampling rum without a framework. This experience bundles all that into one focused, guided session.

That said, it is still a specialty activity. You are paying for cigars and alcohol. If you do not drink rum or you hate smoke, the “value” math changes fast.

Who should book this experience, and who should skip it

This experience is best for adults who want a guided, practical intro to Cuban rum and Cuban cigars. You do not need prior expertise. In fact, the whole point is learning the rituals and how to choose wisely, so beginners can feel comfortable.

It is also a good match if you want more than taste. You want explanations about Cuban rum history and distillation methods, with flavor tied to process.

Skip it if you are sensitive to smoke or if alcohol is not your thing. Also, it is not suitable for pregnant women and children under 18.

Should you book Découverte de rhum et cigare cubain?

Book it if you want a short, focused session where you learn real technique, not just “sample and leave.” The combination of Amicar’s friendly guidance, the practical cigar lessons, and the rum tasting range from sweet to light is a strong mix for $129 in 90 minutes.

Do not book it if smoke is a dealbreaker for you. Also, if you prefer your tastings without any structure, you might find the instruction-heavy pace less your style.

If you like learning by doing, and you want to leave with skills you can use the next time you see a cigar or taste rum, this one is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the experience?

It lasts 90 minutes.

Where does the experience take place?

It takes place in Ile-de-France, and the meeting point is a club of cigars for amateurs. The operator is PARIS RHUM CLUB.

Who hosts the tour?

The host and guide is Amicar.

What languages are available?

The experience is available in French, Spanish, and English.

What’s the group size?

It is a small group, limited to 10 participants.

Is it accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included in the experience?

You will taste a glass of carefully selected rums, including old rums, and a good Cuban cigar will accompany you at the end.

Do I need to bring anything?

No, you do not need to bring anything to do the experience.

Who is it not suitable for?

It is not suitable for pregnant women and children under 18.

Can I get a refund if plans change?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.