Two icons of Colombia, in one tasting. In Laureles, Medellín, this 2-hour session inside the Cacao House (Colombian Cacao Experience) turns rum and chocolate into a guided, hands-on experience.

I like that you get a structured lineup: 10 Colombian rums matched with different artisanal chocolates, flavors, and textures. I also like the energy of the hosts, especially Dion, who keeps the explanations clear and the pairings fun instead of stiff.

One thing to plan for: there’s sugar and alcohol, so eat first and pace yourself. If you’re sensitive to either, treat it like a tasting evening, not a casual drink stop.

Key things to know before you go

• 10 rum tastings, paired with chocolate: each pour is matched to a specific flavor and texture moment
• Multiple areas inside the Cacao House: you’re not just seated; you move around the space
• An ancestral cacao shot: a cacao-forward start that many people call the highlight
• Chocolate exfoliation for your hands: a hands-on touch (yes, it gets a little messy)
• Small group size: capped at 20 travelers, so questions stay easy

A Cacao House evening in Laureles: where you’ll start

This experience meets in Laureles (near Estadio), at the Colombian Cacao Experience: Cra. 80B #35A-28. It’s a smart neighborhood base in Medellín, with plenty of options for dinner or dessert before and after you go. You’ll also find it fairly easy to reach because it’s described as being near public transportation, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Inside, the “Cacao House” concept matters. This isn’t a loud bar vibe where you’re handed a drink and left to figure it out. It’s built around cacao and rum as crafts, so the space supports the sensory side of the tasting—smell, texture, and how flavors change as you move through the rounds.

If you’re deciding where to place this on your Medellín schedule, I’d aim for the evening when you want something different from the usual city stops. One review nailed this feeling: it’s a great way to spend a night in Medellín without spending the whole night traveling.

The tasting format: how rum and chocolate get paired

The core idea is simple: you taste rum, then you taste chocolate meant to change how the rum lands on your palate. You’ll sample 10 Colombian rums, and each one comes with its own chocolate pairing—different types, flavors, and textures.

Here’s why that pairing approach is actually useful for your experience. If you’ve ever taken a sip of alcohol and thought, okay, that’s strong, the chocolate gives you a different angle. Sweetness can soften edge, fats and cocoa solids can round flavors, and textures can shift how your tongue reads heat and sweetness.

The reviews highlight that the pairings feel intentional rather than random. One person described it as strategic for how their taste buds reacted to the alcohol. That’s a big deal. It means you’re not just collecting sips—you’re learning a pattern, even if you don’t call it learning.

You’ll also get to enjoy the pairing process in an interactive way. People describe the experience as “hands-on” and organized, with lots of information in a way that doesn’t feel like a lecture. That balance is what makes it work for both food people and casual drink fans.

The first big moment: the ancestral cacao shot

Before the rum rounds hit full speed, you’ll enjoy an ancestral cacao shot. This is one of those moments that sets expectations. It reminds you that cacao in Colombia isn’t only about chocolate desserts. It’s also about tradition, method, and taste.

More than once, reviewers said this cacao shot was their favorite. That’s a helpful clue for you: if you love cocoa flavors that are deeper and more “straight cacao” than candy bars, this part will likely hit hardest. It also gives you a baseline for the later tastings, since you’re tasting rum through a cacao lens from the start.

If you’re worried about the shot being too intense, keep in mind it’s part of a guided flow. You’re not expected to power through solo; the experience is designed to build from cacao into rum and chocolate combinations.

Rum round by round: what you’ll taste and why it matters

The main event is tasting 10 Colombian rums, each paired with artisanal chocolate. This is where the tour turns from food-and-drink fun into something you’ll remember later, because the pairings give you a “map” of flavor.

Some highlights you might pick up in conversation include favorites like Hechicera and Parce 6. Seeing those names called out by people is a clue that the lineup includes rums with their own character, not generic brands.

So what does the “10 rums” mean for you in real life?

• You’ll get a wider range than a typical tasting flight at a bar
• You’ll taste how chocolate changes your perception of sweetness, burn, and aroma
• You’ll likely end up understanding why rum and cacao were paired in the first place

One review specifically praised the pairings and mentioned the sense of mastery behind them, with training connected to Michelin standards. Even if you don’t care about credentials, you’ll feel the result: the pairings are thought out, not thrown together.

Practical tip: eat beforehand. Several reviews mention the sweetness and alcohol. If you skip food, the tasting can feel sharper than it should. A light snack earlier in the day makes the experience more fun and less “why is everything so strong.”

Exploring the Cacao House: more than just a tasting room

A lot of tasting experiences keep you seated. This one adds movement: you explore multiple areas within the Cacao House as part of the tour. That matters because cacao is not just a flavor; it’s part of a craft environment.

This added space also supports the “sensory journey” idea. You’re more likely to notice smells, chocolate texture differences, and the feel of how the host guides the rounds. It keeps energy up across the full 2 hours, instead of turning into a single long table session.

And because the group is capped at 20 travelers, it stays manageable. Smaller groups are easier for asking questions and getting the kind of explanation that helps you enjoy the pairings, not just consume them.

The chocolate exfoliation: the playful hands-on payoff

One of the more unusual parts is chocolate exfoliation. Yes, you soften your hands with chocolate exfoliation, which sounds odd until you remember what chocolate-based exfoliants do: they’re meant to gently scrub while leaving skin feeling soft.

Reviewers mentioned this as part of the fun and highlighted the experience’s “super WOW” factor. If you like experiences that feel different from the usual museum ticket or walking tour, this is that kind of moment.

Practical angle: plan for a slightly messy, hands-on activity. If you care about your skincare routine, you may want to have a simple plan for after—like a quick wash and moisturizer once you’re back out.

This is also where you get a real sense of the tour’s identity. It’s a cacao-focused experience, not just rum and chocolate tasting as a sideline.

How long is it, and what’s the pace like?

The duration is about 2 hours. That’s a sweet spot. Long enough to do 10 tastings and still include the cacao shot and exfoliation. Short enough that you don’t feel stuck at the same place forever.

Because it’s guided and structured, it also has a friendly pace. People describe the organization and communication as strong. And if Dion is your host, expect a lively, conversational flow—one review calls him fun and knowledgeable, with a great atmosphere.

If you’re stacking plans for that night, I’d leave space after the tour. You’ll likely want a relaxed dinner nearby or at least some time to decompress before hopping to another activity.

Price and value: is $56.55 actually a good deal?

At $56.55 per person for about 2 hours, the value comes from what you get, not just the fact that you’re paying for drinks.

Here’s the breakdown of value logic based on what’s included:

• 10 rum tastings (not just one or two pours)
• Multiple artisanal chocolate pairings across the tasting rounds
• An ancestral cacao shot
• Chocolate exfoliation for your hands
• A guided setup in a small group setting (max 20) with space to move around

So you’re paying for a guided tasting format that includes ingredients and instruction, not only alcohol. That’s why multiple reviews call out good price/quality and recommend it as a must-do when you’re in Medellín.

If your travel style is food-first and you enjoy learning how flavors interact, this pricing makes sense. If you only want one cocktail and you’re not into pairing, you might find it a bit more “experience” than “drink stop.” But for many people, the pairing strategy is exactly the point.

Who this is best for (and who might not love it)

This works well for:

• Couples looking for a fun, sensory date night
• Friends who like trying different flavors together
• Curious travelers who want a guided explanation without it feeling formal

One review also mentions this as a nice thing to do with the family. So if your group includes kids, just note the alcohol element and use your judgment. The description frames it for couples and groups of friends, so check your comfort level with the tasting focus.

It’s also ideal for people staying in or near Laureles because it’s easy to add to a night out and then continue exploring the city.

Booking timing: when to lock in your spot

The experience is listed as typically booked about 41 days in advance. That’s a sign you shouldn’t wait until the last minute, especially if you’re traveling during a busy period or you’re aiming for a specific evening slot.

Also, with a maximum of 20 travelers, slots can fill. If this is high on your list, booking sooner is the easiest way to avoid “maybe it’ll work out” stress.

Should you book the Medellín rum and chocolate experience?

If you want an activity that feels different from the usual city sightseeing, this is a strong pick. You’re getting 10 rum tastings paired with chocolate, plus a cacao shot and a memorable hands-on moment with chocolate exfoliation. The small group size also makes it easier to enjoy the explanations and ask questions.

Book it if you:

• like pairing flavors and want a guided format
• want a fun evening plan in Laureles that’s easy to fit into your day
• are okay with tasting alcohol and sugar (and you’ll eat beforehand)

Skip it or reconsider if you:

• prefer alcohol-free activities
• have a low tolerance for sweet drinks or strong tastes
• want a purely casual, no-structure experience

If your ideal Medellín night includes both craft and flavor, I’d say this one earns its reputation.

FAQ

What’s included in the Medellín rum and chocolate experience?

You’ll taste 10 Colombian rums that are paired with artisanal chocolates, and you’ll also enjoy an ancestral cacao shot and a chocolate exfoliation for your hands. The tour also includes exploring multiple areas within the Cacao House.

How long does the experience last?

It lasts about 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $56.55 per person.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Colombian Cacao Experience, Cra. 80B #35A-28, Laureles – Estadio, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How big are the groups?

There is a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.

How do I get confirmation and is it easy to reach?

You’ll receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the experience is described as near public transportation. Service animals are allowed.

You Might Also Enjoy

Private Crystalline Canyoning Experience from GuatapeEssential Fruit ExperienceATV 4×4 with Food & Transportation from MedellinThe cultural side of the City Center