VIP Tickets Rum Stroll 2025 – Downtown Alameda at Dragon Rouge Bistro Alameda – Alameda, CA

VIP Rum Tasting Experience – Friday, September 26, 2025 (5:00-6:00pm)

Please visit our Rum Stroll 2025 page for general admission event tickets.

Select this VIP experience before the main stroll, from 5-6pm at Dragon Rouge. Enjoy a one of a kind tasting and presentation by rum enthusiast, Edward Hamilton. More than thirty years ago, Edward Hamilton began visiting Caribbean rum distilleries while sailing the islands in pursuit of his favorite spirit. After authoring several books, the Ministry of Rum website and writing for magazines including Drinks, Yachting and others, he has appeared on the Today Show and CBS Sunday Morning. In 2023, he founded Caribbean Spirits Inc to bring the best of the islands to the US and rum lovers around the world. Also, a local favorite, Michael Thanos from Forbidden Island, will be discussing their unique rum blend and offering a rum and cocktail tasting.

This $75 ticket will include the VIP experience, a collectible tasting glass, premium rum tastings at unique downtown locations, bites at some host locations prepared by local chefs, and a commemorative guide. Tickets are limited. The price will increase to $85 on Septmber 22nd, if not sold out.

After the VIP session join the Rum Stroll (6:00-9:00pm) and walk around downtown Alameda and sample rums from these craft distillers:

• Barber Lee (Petaluma)
• Forbidden Island (single barrels by Balcones (TX) and Copalli (Belize))
• KōHana Distillers (Oahu)
• Mosswood Spirits (Berkeley)
• Palm Republic (Caribbean)
• Pekut and Carwick Independent Bottlers (Berkeley)
• Porchjam Distilling (New Orleans)
• Striped Lion Distilling (New Jersey)
• Tanduay Rum (Philippines)
• Wright & Brown Distilling Co. (Oakland)

More added soon!

Learn more about the distillers and our fantastic hosts: www.AlamedaStrolls.com

A few more details:

VIP Check-in & Program: Check-in at Dragon Rouge starts at 4:45pm, programming begins at 5:00pm.

Rum Stroll: 6:00-9:00pm – choose your own route for visiting the downtown tasting locations.

Explore Downtown Alameda: Come early to browse the local shops or stay late to sit back and relax at a downtown restaurant or bar.

Bottle Sales: Found a new favorite? Select rums will be available for purchase at CRAFT Beer & Wine — Alameda’s premium bottle shop specializing in European wines, barrel-aged beers, and spirits.

ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST BE 21 AND OVER WITH VALID ID.

Still have a question? Participating Bay Area distilleries and downtown businesses are updated on the official event page, along with answers to frequently asked questions. Learn more: www.AlamedaStrolls.com

This is a fundraiser event. Your ticket purchase helps keep Downtown Alameda clean, green, and safe for all to enjoy. Additionally, we’re pleased to partner with the Alameda Education Foundation – Supporting Student Success as part of our 2nd Annual Rum Stroll. $1 from every ticket sold will go to support their vital work and support in our community.

Note: Participating businesses and rum companies are subject to change. Event is rain or shine.

Photos are from previous VIP Rum Stroll! Come join the fun!

Share your photos using hashtags #AlamedaStrolls and #DowntownAlameda