Two pleasures, one focused 90 minutes. The experience pairs Cuban rum tasting with hands-on guidance for choosing and lighting a cigar, in a cigar club-style setting run by Amicar. You get taught how to pay attention to tobacco and flavor, not just how to enjoy the smoke.

I especially like the way Amicar explains the craft. The rituals of lighting are practical, and the cigar tasting part makes you think about how each tobacco variety behaves.

One thing to consider: this is a smoking-room experience, so it is not suitable for pregnant women, and you should be comfortable with cigar smoke etiquette in an indoor setting.

Key points to know before you go

• Small group (up to 10) keeps the session personal and question-friendly.
• Amicar’s guidance covers cigar choice, lighting technique, and how to taste.
• Old Cuban rum tastings range from sweeter styles to lighter ones.
• You’ll learn the distillation methods and rum history behind what you’re drinking.
• The session ends with a good Cuban cigar to match the lessons you just practiced.

A Cuban-style smoking room in Île-de-France

This workshop happens inside a cigar club environment built for amateurs and aficionados alike. When you arrive, you’re brought into a smoking room decorated for the occasion, with an unmistakably Cuban mood that keeps things warm and relaxed rather than formal.

The value here is how the setting supports the learning. A cigar and a spirit are sensory things. You want a space where people expect you to slow down, ask questions, and pay attention to aroma, texture, and flavor—this kind of room helps.

And yes, it’s very much a guided experience. You’re not wandering through an exhibit. You’re sitting down with the host and moving through tasting and technique step by step.

Meet Amicar and set the session tone

The host is Amicar, and the tone of the evening is part of the appeal. From the way the experience is described and how people talk about it, Amicar runs it with real passion and clear explanations—so even if you’re new to cigars or rum, you’re not left guessing.

You’ll be welcomed into the smoking room and introduced to the accessories used for the session. That matters because it turns a vague idea (I want to try a cigar) into something structured (you’ll learn what to do, and why).

The session is also designed to finish with a real discussion around the table. That’s a good sign if you like conversation that stays on topic: what you tasted, what you noticed, what you’ll try differently next time.

Choosing and lighting a Cuban cigar the right way

The core craft lesson is the cigar side: choosing, lighting, and tasting. You’ll be guided through how to pick your cigar wisely, and how to light it correctly, with attention to method instead of rushing.

Here’s what this type of instruction gives you as a beginner. Most people either light too aggressively or don’t consider the cigar’s behavior. A guided lighting ritual helps you avoid the common mistakes that lead to harsh flavor and uneven burn.

You’ll also learn about the nuances in the tobacco—how different varieties can shift the aroma and taste as you go. It’s not just tasting for the sake of taste. It’s tasting to recognize what the tobacco is doing.

Your taste journey: rum history, distillation methods, and practical flavor reading

Once you’re comfortable with the cigar basics, the session turns to rum. You’ll get a glass of carefully selected rums, including old rums and styles that move from sweeter profiles toward lighter ones.

What I like about this sequence is that it trains your palate. If you start with one style and then move through a range, you can actually notice the differences rather than just ranking them randomly.

Amicar shares anecdotes about Cuban rum, including history and distillation methods. Even if you don’t geek out on spirits, these explanations give you a useful mental map: distillation choices help shape flavor, and that flavor shows up in what you taste in the glass.

Think of it like this: the cigar lesson teaches you to observe burn and tobacco character. The rum lesson teaches you to observe sweetness, weight, aroma, and how each style changes as you take your time.

The pairing logic: how cigars and rum meet at the table

This experience is built around the union of two complex pleasures. You’re not just trying cigar and rum as separate activities. The structure encourages you to connect them.

So when you taste the rum and then revisit the cigar part of the experience, you start noticing how a smoke session can change your perception of sweetness, spice, and warmth in the spirit. That’s the point: your taste buds aren’t isolated. They respond to what’s around them.

The best part is the end-of-session chat. After the lessons and tastings, you can discuss what you learned around the table. This is where the session becomes more than a class. You compare observations, ask follow-ups, and get a clearer idea of what you enjoy and why.

Price and what $129 buys you (and why it can be worth it)

At $129 per person for 90 minutes, you’re paying for more than a drink and a cigar. You’re paying for guided instruction, tasting time, and the “host attention” that’s hard to recreate on your own—especially if you’re new.

Here’s what’s included:

• A tasting glass of old rums
• A good Cuban cigar to accompany the end of the session
• Accessories for the experience (so you don’t need to bring anything)
• A small-group format limited to 10 participants

That combination matters. If you tried to do this alone in Paris, you’d likely spend more time figuring out what to buy, who to ask, and what to order—then you’d still miss the structured learning on lighting and tasting.

Also, the 90-minute length is a sweet spot. It’s long enough to teach real technique and taste thoughtfully, but short enough that it doesn’t turn into an all-evening commitment.

Who should book this rum and cigar experience

This is a strong fit if you’re:

• Curious about Cuban cigars but don’t want to guess your way through choosing and lighting
• A rum fan who likes learning what’s behind flavor, not only drinking for effect
• Someone who enjoys a small-group, hosted tasting with conversation built in

It’s also ideal for gifting. One of the strongest signals from the experience feedback is that people buy it for special occasions, mainly because it feels like a themed activity with real instruction—not a vague night out.

A quick note on suitability: it is not designed for children under 18, and it is not suitable for pregnant women.

Practical notes so you get the most out of 90 minutes

This experience is offered in French, Spanish, and English, so you can comfortably follow the explanations. The host can switch the session to your language, which keeps the learning flowing rather than becoming a translation exercise.

Because the group is small, you’ll likely have room to ask questions about cigar choice and rum tasting as you go. That’s where you get the most value—when you’re not just observing, but clarifying what you’re noticing.

Finally, keep expectations realistic: this isn’t about becoming a master cigar roller. It’s about building confidence with lighting rituals, learning how to taste with intention, and leaving with a better sense of what you personally like.

Should you book this experience?

If you want a guided Paris experience that teaches you how to enjoy cigars and rum with better technique, I’d book it. The pairing, the small group, and Amicar’s clear, passionate approach make it feel practical rather than showy.

Skip it only if you already know you don’t want to be in a smoking-room setting. Otherwise, it’s a smart way to spend 90 minutes learning something you can actually use next time you choose a cigar or pour a glass of rum.

FAQ

How long is the experience?

It lasts 90 minutes.

What is the group size?

It is limited to 10 participants.

Who hosts the workshop?

The host is Amicar, and the provider is Paris Rhum Club.

What languages are offered?

French, Spanish, and English.

What is included in the price?

You get a glass of carefully selected old rums, and a good Cuban cigar accompanies the end of the experience. You don’t need to bring anything.

What is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at Paris Rhum Club, described as a cigar club for amateurs and discerning aficionados.

Is this experience suitable for children or pregnant women?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women or children under 18.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

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