Smoky rooms, sweet rum, and good instruction. In the cigar club set up for this 90-minute session, Amicar welcomes you to a warm, Cuban-themed smoking room, then walks you through the nuts and bolts of cigar lighting and tasting. I like that the pacing is relaxed, not rushed, and the group stays small, up to 10 people. One consideration: this is adults only, no children under 18, and it is not suitable for pregnant women.

You will also taste Cuban rum, with glasses selected from sweet to light, plus an explanation of rum distillation methods and the stories behind the bottles, so you are not just drinking. I especially liked the practical way Amicar helps you choose your cigar wisely at the start, so your first puff actually makes sense. If you have zero interest in tobacco or you prefer non-smoking activities, this may feel like more smoke than you want.

Key moments that make this session worth it

• A small-group workshop (max 10 people) focused on real technique, not a loud show
• Cigar lighting rituals explained step by step, so you can taste instead of guess
• How to choose your cigar wisely, with attention to tobacco nuances you can actually notice
• Cuban rum tastings from sweet to light, with straight talk about distillation methods
• Tasting + discussion at the table, where the learning lands in plain words

Welcome to a Cuban-style smoking room in Ile-de-France

This experience is set in a dedicated cigar club space that feels built for the occasion. When you arrive, you are greeted by Amicar in a smoking room decorated for a Cuban vibe, with accessories ready for the workshop. It is not about rushing to a product, it is about slowing down and learning how to experience cigars and rum in the same rhythm.

I like how the atmosphere stays “warm and sophisticated,” not stuffy. It makes it easier to ask questions, and that matters because cigar technique is one of those things where small changes change the whole flavor.

Also, the time slot is tight and clear: 90 minutes. That is long enough to teach you the basics and get you through a tasting, but short enough that it does not drag. You finish with something tangible you can reuse later, whether that is how to light a cigar correctly or how to describe what you taste in your own words.

Meeting Amicar: the guide behind the rum and cigar pairing

Amicar runs the session in a way that feels personal. In past feedback, he comes across as very friendly, and his atelier is described as complete, with explanations that stay clear. That is a big deal for this kind of experience, because cigar jargon can get confusing fast.

Here, the goal is practical understanding. You learn how to choose, light, and taste a fine Cuban cigar, then you connect that with a guided tasting of rum. If you have ever bought cigars, tried to light one, and wondered why it tasted harsher or flatter than you expected, this workshop gives you the missing link.

The host or greeter supports French, Spanish, and English. So if you are comfortable in one of those languages, you are not stuck watching someone else understand while you nod.

Choosing your cigar wisely, before you ever light it

The session starts with the part most people skip: choosing. You will be introduced to the art of selecting a Cuban cigar, and you will learn about the nuances of different tobacco varieties. The point is not to memorize labels. The point is to understand what to look for and how the tobacco choices affect the smoke you experience.

Amicar guides you through that selection so you are not stuck with a cigar that does not match how you like to taste. That is where the “value” shows up. A lot of cigar purchases happen after a sales pitch, not after real instruction. Here, you get a short education first, so your choice has logic.

And because you are in a small group, you are more likely to get direct guidance rather than generic tips. With a max of 10 participants, you can ask questions without feeling like you are interrupting a class of 30.

The lighting rituals: where taste actually changes

Then comes the key moment: lighting a cigar correctly. The workshop teaches the rituals of tobacco lighting, with guidance on what you should do and why it matters for the flavor. This is the stage where beginners usually lose confidence.

If you have ever had a cigar that feels too sharp, too uneven, or just not enjoyable, lighting is often the culprit. Correct technique changes how the cigar burns, which changes the balance of smoke and flavor you notice. You are learning to control the experience, not just watch it happen.

Amicar also shows you how to appreciate subtle variations as you taste. That means you are not only holding a cigar, you are learning how to pay attention. You get a guided tasting approach where you can notice how the smoke shifts from first moments to later puffs.

The workshop also sets you up with the right accessories for the session. That helps you avoid the classic beginner problem: having gear at home that does not match the cigar you picked, or not knowing what tools matter for handling and lighting.

Cuban rum tasting, from sweet to light, with stories that make sense

The rum part is not an afterthought. You get a taste journey led by Amicar, with glasses of carefully selected rums ranging from sweet to light. You also hear anecdotes about the history of Cuban rum and the different distillation methods used to shape flavor.

What I like here is the connection between explanation and taste. You are not just being told that one rum is complex. You are learning the production logic, then applying it while you sip. Distillation methods, after all, influence how the spirit carries aromas and how it lands on your palate.

The session includes an old rum tasting, described as full of history. That matters because it gives contrast. Newer bottles can be fun, but older rum styles often come with deeper notes and a different kind of smoothness. If you have only had rum mixed in cocktails, this is a chance to experience it on its own terms.

The pacing is also friendly. Since the group is small, you can move from one rum to the next without feeling like you are racing through a checklist.

Pairing cigars and rum: what you should pay attention to

This experience is built around the perfect union between two complex pleasures: rum and cigars. The practical takeaway is not “pair X with Y.” It is training your senses to notice patterns.

As you go, focus on these kinds of cues:

• How the cigar’s smoke feels early versus later
• Whether the rum seems to bring out sweetness, spice, or dryness
• How the flavors change when you switch from sip to smoke, then back

Amicar guides you through the tasting journey, sharing anecdotes about how rum is made and what differences matter. That turns pairing into something you can learn to do, not just something you hope happens.

And because you learn the cigar technique first, your pairing experience is more consistent. Better lighting and better tasting attention means you are not blaming the rum for a cigar problem you created at the start.

Discussion at the table: turning technique into something you can repeat

At the end, you can discuss what you learned around the table. This part sounds simple, but it is where the session becomes personal. You can ask follow-up questions about choosing a cigar, how to light it, and what to look for when tasting rum.

This is also where the “small group” format helps again. In a group of 10, you can actually compare notes. You might realize you interpreted a flavor a certain way, and someone else noticed a different cue. Those small differences help you build your own tasting language.

It is a satisfying finish, especially if you came in curious but unsure. By the time you leave, you are not just carrying a memory. You are carrying a method.

Included and what you should plan for

Based on how the workshop is described, here is what you can expect to be included:

• A guided experience covering cigar choice, lighting rituals, and tasting
• A rum tasting journey, including old rums with history and glasses of selected rums from sweet to light
• A good Cuban cigar that accompanies you at the end of the session
• You do not need to bring anything for the experience

So you can travel lighter. Still, plan for the reality of a cigar-focused workshop. Even if you are only there to learn, this is a smoking experience in a smoking room.

Also, languages matter. French, Spanish, and English are offered, but your comfort level will affect how much you absorb. If you want the full value, pick the language you can follow fastest.

Price and value: is $129 worth 90 minutes?

At $129 per person for 90 minutes, you are paying for three things that add up quickly when you try to learn them on your own: instruction, a controlled tasting environment, and included cigar and rum.

Here is the value logic I see:

• Instruction: You are taught how to choose, light, and taste, not just handed a cigar and wished luck.
• Tastings included: You taste carefully selected Cuban rums, including old rum, and you get guidance tied to distillation methods.
• Small group format: With up to 10 participants, your questions are more likely to get answered in a useful way.
• Real pairing practice: The cigar technique supports a better rum tasting experience, so it is not two separate activities.

If you are already a confident cigar smoker who knows lighting and tasting well, the value may feel more about tasting than learning. If you are a beginner, this format is often where you get the biggest payoff, because it prevents common mistakes and turns your first cigar into a real learning moment.

Who should book this Cuban rum and cigar discovery

This is a good fit if:

• You want a guided introduction to both Cuban rum and Cuban cigar tasting
• You care about technique, especially lighting and tasting attention
• You prefer a small group experience where you can ask questions

It is not suitable for:

• Children under 18
• Pregnant women

That adult-only detail is not a “fine print” item. It changes the whole vibe. If you are traveling with kids, you will need separate plans. If you are pregnant, skip this one.

Since the host can work in French, Spanish, and English, this also suits mixed-language couples and friends, as long as everyone can follow along in one of the offered languages.

Should you book this experience?

If you want a practical, calm workshop that teaches you how to choose and light a Cuban cigar, then pair it with rum using real guidance, I think you should book. The small-group limit, the included cigar, and the rum tasting with explanations tied to distillation methods all point to solid value for the time.

I would skip it only if smoking itself is a deal breaker for you, or if you want a purely non-tobacco tasting session. Otherwise, this is the kind of experience where you leave with skills, not just souvenirs.

FAQ

How long is the Découverte de rhum et cigare cubain experience?

It lasts 90 minutes.

Where do I meet for the activity?

You meet at a cigar club for amateurs and discerning aficionados who love the tradition of enjoying Cuban cigars.

What languages are offered during the tour?

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

How big is the group?

The group is small, limited to 10 participants.

Do I need to bring anything?

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

What is included for tasting?

You taste carefully selected Cuban rums (including old rums), and a good Cuban cigar accompanies you at the end.

Is it suitable for children or pregnant women?

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

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

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