Panama grows sugar cane and cacao, and it distils and makes both into things worth lingering over. A rum and cacao tasting in Casco Viejo is a compact, sociable way to sample them together. Seated in a bar or tasting room in the old quarter, you sip a flight of rums chosen to show the range of styles, from lighter, cleaner spirits to richer, barrel-aged ones, alongside pieces of chocolate made in Panama, and a host explains the pairings as you go. The idea behind the pairing is simple. Rum comes from cane, and chocolate from the seeds of a tropical tree, and both carry flavours that echo each other: caramel, dried fruit, vanilla, coffee and spice. A dark, slightly bitter piece of chocolate can calm the sweetness of a rum, while a rich, aged spirit can draw out the fruit and roasted notes in the chocolate. Tasting them together makes those links obvious in a way that no explanation can.
The old quarter is a good setting. Casco Viejo has many small bars and restaurants in restored colonial buildings, and a tasting here fits easily into an evening, either as an aperitif before dinner or as a slow, early-evening start to a night out. The session is relaxed rather than formal, with time for questions about how rum is aged, how chocolate is made from the bean, and what makes a good pairing.
Along the way you usually learn something about local history, such as the role of sugar and cacao in the region's economy and how both have shaped what people drink and eat in Panama today. Hosts often tailor the tasting to the group, so tell them if you prefer sweeter or drier spirits, or if anyone in the party does not drink alcohol, in which case ask whether a non-alcoholic option is possible. If you enjoy the experience, some venues sell bottles and bars of chocolate to take home.
Practical advice
Eat something beforehand so that you are not tasting on an empty stomach, drink water between the rums, and take your time. Tasting sessions are for adults, and the minimum age follows local law. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will probably want to walk the old town streets afterwards, and book ahead for weekend evenings, which fill up quickly. Combine it with a walking tour earlier in the day, a rooftop sunset or dinner at one of the restaurants nearby for an easy evening in the district.
What to expect
The experience
A small, hosted tasting of Panamanian rums paired with locally made chocolate in Casco Viejo.
Best time
Late afternoon or early evening, ideally before dinner.
How long
About an hour and a half.
Tips
Eat beforehand, sip water between tastes, and tell the host about preferences and dietary needs.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and friends who want a fun, flavourful evening in the old town.
- Families
- An adult activity; not suitable for children.
- Couples
- A romantic, unhurried start to an evening in the historic quarter.
- Pair with
- A Casco Viejo walking tour, a rooftop sunset or dinner nearby.
- Time needed
- An early evening.
Good questions
Is the tasting only for adults?+
Yes, because it includes alcohol, and the minimum age follows local law.
Do I need to know about rum?+
No. The host explains each pairing and what to notice.
Is the chocolate made in Panama?+
The pairing focuses on locally made chocolate. Ask the host about the producers.
Can I buy bottles afterwards?+
Many venues sell bottles and chocolate, so check at the end of the session.
Is it easy to combine with other plans?+
Yes. It sits well alongside a walking tour or dinner in Casco Viejo.
