Rum and cigars in Paris, in 90 minutes.

This experience pairs Cuban rum with a small-group cigar session in a warm, exotic-smelling smoking room, and it stays practical from start to finish. With Amicar, you learn how to choose a cigar, how to light it correctly, and how to taste so you actually notice the differences. One consideration: it’s a smoking-focused experience, so if you hate cigar smoke or hate the idea of tasting in a smoking room, this may not be for you.

Two things I’d put at the top: Amicar’s explanations feel clear and complete, and the rum side is guided with enough context (history and distillation methods) that your tasting becomes more than just drinking. The overall vibe is sophisticated without being stiff, and the end-of-session table talk ties what you learned together.

Key things you’ll do (and why it matters)

• Pick your cigar like you mean it: you’ll learn what to look for before you light anything.
• Master the lighting ritual: you’re guided on how to light a cigar correctly.
• Taste with a purpose: you’ll compare flavors across cigar varieties and rum styles.
• Drink old rums with context: you’ll hear stories about Cuban rum and how it’s made.
• Keep it intimate: the group is limited to 10, so you’re not shouting your questions across a crowd.

First stop: the Paris cigar club atmosphere

You’ll start at the Paris Rhum Club cigar setting in Ile-de-France, inside a smoking room made for this exact experience. The mood is warm, and the décor leans into that Cuban feel, so you’re not just taking a class—you’re stepping into the environment where these rituals actually happen.

Right away, you’ll meet Amicar, who hosts the session. He welcomes you into the room with the idea that you’ll learn by doing: choosing, lighting, tasting. Even the way the setup is described suggests there are dedicated accessories for the experience, not a random table with a few samples.

This matters because it changes the pace. Instead of passively watching someone else handle everything, you’re guided to make the key decisions yourself—starting with the cigar.

What happens in the first lesson: choosing a Cuban cigar

The session is built around a simple logic: if you pick the right cigar, everything after gets easier. Amicar introduces you to how to choose a cigar wisely, and you learn that cigars aren’t interchangeable.

You’ll get a framework for understanding the differences in tobacco and how those differences show up in flavor. The goal is that you leave able to recognize what you’re reaching for next time, whether it’s a smoother style or something with more bite.

This is also where the group size helps. With a maximum of 10 participants, you’re more likely to ask small questions in the moment—like why one choice feels better suited to your taste than another—without the host feeling rushed.

The lighting rituals: how to light a cigar correctly

Then comes the part most people skip at home: the lighting ritual. You’ll learn how to light a cigar correctly, with guidance so you understand what you’re doing and why it matters.

Good lighting isn’t just about avoiding bad smoke. It affects burn, draw, and how flavors develop as you taste. If you’ve ever lit a cigar and ended up with harshness or uneven smoking, this section gives you the tools to avoid that.

And yes, you’ll actually practice the technique in the context of tasting. That combo—lighting plus flavor attention—is what makes the lesson stick.

Taste training: noticing nuances in cigars and tobacco

Once the cigar is lit, the session shifts into a tasting journey. You’ll be shown how to fully appreciate the subtle variations in flavor as you taste, with explanations tied to the nuances of each tobacco variety.

I like how this part is framed: it’s not just taste notes for show. You’re taught to look for differences rather than chase a single idea of what a cigar should taste like. That’s how you go from tasting to learning.

It also sets you up for the rum segment, because rum is handled in a similar way: not just sip, but compare and connect flavors to method and style.

Cuban rum tasting: old rums, sweet to light styles

After you’ve built confidence with cigar tasting, the rum portion takes center stage. You’ll receive a glass of carefully selected rums, ranging from sweet to light rums, so you can experience a range rather than one single style.

Amicar also shares stories about the history of Cuban rum and different distillation methods. You’ll hear how rum characteristics connect back to how it’s produced. That kind of context helps your palate work in real time. Instead of wondering why your glass tastes different, you start thinking in terms of method and style.

The included tasting is described as old rums full of history, which is a nice reminder that this isn’t purely a party pour. The point is appreciation. You taste, you compare, and you learn what to listen for when sweetness, weight, or lightness changes from one rum to the next.

And since it happens right after your cigar session, the pairing feels intentional. Smoke and spirit each influence perception, so you learn faster than you would with a random tasting flight.

How the whole session hangs together (the real value)

What makes this experience worth your time is the structure. You don’t just get two separate tastings. You get a step-by-step flow:

1) choose a cigar

2) learn how to light it correctly

3) taste and recognize tobacco nuance

4) taste multiple rums with context

5) talk through what you learned

That sequence matters because it keeps you focused. You’re always building a new layer of understanding, instead of bouncing between unrelated facts.

Also, the “warm and sophisticated” atmosphere isn’t fluff. It helps you stay relaxed enough to learn. If you feel rushed or judged, tasting classes get awkward fast. Here, the vibe is presented as inviting, and the reviews back up that the host is friendly and the workshop is complete.

Who this is best for (and who should pass)

This is ideal for adults who want more than a quick drink-and-smoke stop. If you’re curious about Cuban cigars and want to learn the rituals—how to choose and how to light—this fits. It’s also a good option if you love rum and want historical and production context without turning it into a lecture.

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, and children under 18 can’t join. More practically: if cigar smoke bothers you, or you want a strictly non-smoking experience, you should look elsewhere.

One more fit check: it’s a small group, so it’s better if you’re comfortable asking questions and learning by interaction. If you only want to observe silently for 90 minutes, you might find the discussion around the table a bit more involved than you expect.

Price and value: is $129 per person reasonable?

At $129 per person for 90 minutes, the value depends on what you want.

If you only want one cigar and one drink, you could spend less elsewhere. But this session is built around instruction: cigar selection guidance, lighting technique, guided tasting of multiple rum styles, plus the host’s stories about Cuban rum and distillation methods.

Also, the included items are not vague: you’ll taste selected rums (from sweet to light), and a good Cuban cigar accompanies you at the end. When a session includes both the teaching and the tasting pieces, the price often makes more sense than paying separately for a cigar, rum, and a standalone guide.

In short: it’s a good value when you care about learning the “why” behind the flavors. If you just want to sample and leave, it’s easier to feel like it costs more than it should.

What you’ll remember after: the practical skills

The best souvenirs here aren’t bottles. They’re habits.

You’ll likely remember:

• how to approach choosing a cigar with some logic
• what correct lighting aims to achieve
• how to taste so you notice tobacco nuance
• how rum style can connect back to distillation and production
• the small set of insights you can bring to your next cigar-and-rum moment

And according to the strong feedback around Amicar, the explanations feel clear, and the workshop covers a lot without leaving you lost. That matches the way the experience is described: complete, guided, and focused on real ritual steps.

Should you book the Cuban rum and cigar discovery?

Book it if you want a guided, friendly lesson on Cuban cigars and Cuban rum in a small group, and you’re genuinely interested in learning the rituals of choosing, lighting, and tasting. The price is easier to justify because you’re not just consuming—you’re being taught, and you end with both rum and a cigar.

Skip it if cigar smoke is a dealbreaker for you, or if you want a non-smoking, purely observational experience. Also, note the age and pregnancy restrictions.

If you’re the type who likes learning by doing—and you’ll enjoy a guided tasting with discussion—this is a solid pick in Paris for a memorable 90 minutes.

FAQ

How long is the experience?

It lasts 90 minutes.

How big is the group?

The group is small, limited to 10 participants.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter speaks French, Spanish, and English.

What is included in the tasting?

You’ll taste selected Cuban rums (from sweet to light styles) and you’ll have a Cuban cigar included at the end of the experience.

Do I need to bring anything?

No. You do not need to bring anything to your experience.

Who is it not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women and children under 18.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Paris Rhum Club cigar club setting for amateurs and aficionados.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Are there cancellation and pay-later options?

Yes. You can reserve now and pay later, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Disneyland® Paris 2/3/4-Day TicketLe Marais: Pastry and Chocolate Food TourParis: Private Photoshoot Outside the Louvre MuseumParis: Discover Paris 2CV