From cane to glass

Discover rum's Caribbean story, from 1600s sugar plantations and Royal Navy grog to how molasses and cane juice become rum.

Know your styles and labels

White, gold, dark, aged, spiced and overproof: learn what each style tastes like and what a rum label is really telling you.

Taste, mix and enjoy

Use a simple four-step tasting method, then shake up a Daiquiri, a Mojito and a classic Caribbean rum punch.

About the course

Certified Rum Pirate™ is the first step on the Academy of Wine & Spirits rum pathway, designed for anyone who loves rum and wants to understand it better. In eight short lessons you will learn rum's history, how it is made, its main styles, how to read a label, how to taste and how to mix three classics. It takes about 90 minutes, at your own pace, online. Pass the 15-question final quiz with 70% or more and you will receive your Certified Rum Pirate™ certificate by email, ready to share on LinkedIn. Ready for more? Continue to Certified Rum Explorer™.

Your instructor: Christian Esser

Christian Esser is the founder of the Academy of Wine & Spirits in the Cayman Islands and the creator of the Rum Ambassador brand. For more than a decade he has trained hospitality professionals and enthusiasts in wine, spirits and service. In 2026 the Academy was named Best Luxury Beverage Education Provider and won the Hospitality Training Excellence Award (Caribbean & USA) at the LUXlife Hospitality Awards. His goal is simple: to make learning about drinks clear, practical and fun.

What you will learn

9 Chapters · 9 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome aboard

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      Where rum comes from

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      How rum is made

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      Rum styles

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      How to read a label

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      The four-step tasting

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      Daiquiri, Mojito and Rum Punch

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      Enjoy responsibly

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      Final Quiz

Ready to set sail?

90 minutes online, eight short lessons, a final quiz and your Certified Rum Pirate™ certificate. Liquid. Lively. Fun.

$29.00

Enroll now