On Saturday, June 25th from 6pm – 11pm, Rum Runners will take place at Memminger Auditorium in the heart of downtown Charleston. This event invites cocktail & food lovers alike to enjoy exploring the spirits and flavors of the West Indies with 10 chefs and 30 rum distilleries serving up delicious pairings. The fun doesn’t stop with cocktails & food as patrons will be treated to Caribbean inspired music and games. Proceeds from the event benefit the Cancer Survivor Programs of Dragon Boat Charleston.

The event will feature cocktails from dozens of rum distilleries from across the globe including Pusser’s, Mount Gay, Bacardi, Plantation, Papa’s Pilar, Zacapa, Naked Turtle, Captain Morgan, Kraken, Rum Haven, Sailor Jerry, Flor de Cana, Don Q, Appleton, Baron Samedi, Ron Anejo Pampero, Myers’s, and more. The event will also showcase the emerging local rum industry with Firefly Sea Island Rum, Red Harbor Rum, Daufuskie Island Rum, Muddy River and Striped Pig. Additionally, the taste of the West Indies will inspire Charleston’s top chefs who present Caribbean and exotic flavors. Participating restaurants include Cane Rhum Bar, Victor Social Club, Charleston Caribbean Creole, The Americano, The Cocktail Club, Cherrywood, Southerly at Southern Season, Pacha Mama, and Caribbean Delight. Chefs will select a favorite rum to create one-of-a-kind pairings with their dishes that will excite foodies & cocktail lovers alike.

“This is a great chance to try innovative new rum cocktails you’ve never experienced before and see how the local rums compare to the world’s oldest brands,” said Rum Runners producer & creator Rebecca Gosnell .

There are two ticket options for Rum Runners, both of which are all-inclusive providing guests with unlimited sampling from all participating distilleries & restaurants. The VIP Preview ticket is $95 and allows guests advance entry into the event from 6pm – 7:30pm. A limited number of tickets are available during this time affording guests a more exclusive chance to interact with distilleries & chefs before the doors open for general admission guests. General admission tickets are $75 each and doors open for this ticket at 7:30pm. All guests must be 21+ with valid ID.

For more information about the inaugural Rum Runners and to purchase tickets, visit www.RumRunnersCharleston.com.