Every place you go, your hometown liquor store or a bar in another country, the name Bacardi always tends to stand out. It gives you the feeling of familiarity, and excitement, and promises quality in every product they have to offer, be it rum, Breezer, or any other liquor.
Bacardi holds the power over the alcohol industry, not just in terms of the most selling products, but also as a statement of value and pride. By 2024, Bacardi has acquired multiple brands and labels under its name and effectively makes sales across 170 countries worldwide.
The Bacardi Legacy
No, this is not some tacky advertisement for the brand, but a way to tell you that Bacardi has come a long way. In 2012, the company celebrated its 150th anniversary by presenting to the world a $2000 limited edition premium blend rum designed by their most skilled makers. It just shows the spectacular growth Bacardi has undergone since it first came into existence in 1862.
But it wasn’t always like that. It wasn’t so easy. The family-owned business has survived multiple calamities and disruptions, but the foundation never faltered. It’s now home to more than 200 brands under its label if you also consider the mixers. And it continues to thrive, lively as ever.
Don’t be fooled by the deceiving label. Though it brands itself as a Puerto Rican rum, the legacy started in Cuba when a young man immigrated to the small island from Spain. Let’s explore, shall we?
History And All Its Glory
The Dream And The Iconic Symbol – 1862
The timeline begins in 1862 when Don Facundo Bacardí Massó bought a small distillery in Santiago de Cuba on February 4th. He had previously worked in a distillery before he and his brother decided to start their own venture. Before the big purchase, Facundo experimented on how to tame rum, which formulated the flavors the rum now possesses.
Back then, rum was a cheap drink, made with molasses that were usually thrown out. The market for rum wasn’t well established, but Facundo took a leap of faith in himself.
Doña Amalia, Facundo’s wife, came across these fruit bats and realized that they would be the right symbol for the logo because they reflect good health, good fortune, and family unity in Spain.
Rising From Disaster – 1920
After expanding their market into the United States, the Prohibition era tore down all that Bacardi had to offer. Though destined to fail in the USA, the team found a way to turn the scenario around. The company promoted Cuba as an escape from dry land, a way to invite enthusiasts to enjoy Bacardi rum elsewhere.
The Law Of Bacardi – 1936
This was a breakthrough point for Bacardi when the Supreme Court confirmed, “A Bacardi cocktail must be made with Bacardi Rum.” So if you ordered yourself a Bacardi Pina Colada, the law dictated that it was only to be made with Bacardi rum.
Also Read: How To Drink Rum Like A Pro
Disaster Strikes Again – 1960
Bacardi gets close to its 100th anniversary, but the prophecy of El Coco (explained later) finds its way into a historic event. On October 14th, the revolutionary government forces conquer and seize all Bacardi assets illegally without compensation.
It also prompted most of the Bacardi family members to leave Cuba, but since the trademark and yeast strain had already been moved out of Cuba, the family still had ground to stand on. This helped them continue operations in the various countries they had already established.
The Global Market – 1979
After hitting a massive sales goal of 16 million 9-liter cases, it made Bacardi the world’s number-one-selling spirit brand, dethroning Smirnoff in the process.
The Best Spirit Launch – 1995
BACARDÍ Limón made a debut in the market, which made a great impression all around.
Toasting To 150 years – 2012
Bacardi celebrates its 150th anniversary with millions of people joining the birthday celebrations, with parties attended by many customers and celebrities around the world. The $2000 limited edition bottle of BACARDÍ rum was introduced at this time.
Phew, that took some time. Now that you know what went into making this brand what it is, it’s going to be difficult to look at the bat symbol without thinking about its glory days.
The El Coco Calling
In 1862, Facundo Bacardi Moreau planted a coconut palm at the front of the distillery. This palm depicted the nature of what the brand aspired to be. Having survived earthquakes, distillery fires, and even hurricanes, it proved to be the symbol of strength and resilience. El Coco, a fitting name for the palm, promoted the saying, “THE BACARDI COMPANY WILL SURVIVE IN CUBA SO LONG AS THE COCONUT PALM LIVES…” which held true throughout its history.
On embarking on its 98th year, the prophecy of El Coco came true. The beloved palm tree withered and died, while an anguishing news hit. The Bacardi brand had its operations put to a stop due to government forces seizing all assets, causing a setback. The family business still rose from this, making its way back by continuing operations in the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, and The Bahamas.
Also Read: Why Old Monk Remains India’s Favorite Rum
The Descendents Of Bacardi
Remember how we casually just mentioned that Bacardi owns more than 200 products and brands under its wings? And how you probably just blew past it, not thinking much at the moment? Let us get your attention back here because you’ll be shocked to know all that they have made and acquired over the years.
Bacardi started their journey with their signature rums, which then expanded to multiple styles and flavors. They then dabbled into the world of flavored liquors with Breezers. Come, let’s explore.
Starting with the main products:
- Bacardi White Rum
- Bacardi Dark Rum
- Bacardi Spiced Rum
- Bacardi Gold Rum
- Bacardi Superior
- Bacardi 8
- Bacardi Gran Reserva
- Bacardi 151
- Bacardi Gold
- Bacardi Apple
- Bacardi Lemon
- Bacardi Carta Blanca
- Bacardi Mojito
- Bacardi Breezers
Moving on to some of the brands they have acquired over time:
- Beer: Hatuey
- Blended Scotch whisky: Dewar’s, William Lawson’s
- Cognac: Baron Otard
- Gin: Bombay Sapphire, Bosford Rose
- Liqueur: Martini Spirito, St-Germain
- Rum: Bacardí, Facundo, Estate
- Sparkling wine: Martini Alta Langa, Martini Asti, Martini Prosecco, Martini Rosé
- Single malt Scotch whisky: Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Deveron, Royal Brackla
- Tequila: Camino Real, Cazadores
- Vermouth: Martini, Noilly Prat
- Vodka: Eristoff, Grey Goose, Ultimat Vodka, 42 Below
The Old Rum And The Hemingway – The Connection
Did you know that Earnest Hemingway has mentioned the Bacardi brand in many of his stories, including To Have and Have Not, For Whom the Bell Tolls, and The Old Man And The Sea? That’s right, the Bacardi brand was famous. So, when Hemingway won the Nobel Prize for Literature, Compañía Ron Bacardi S.A. threw a party.
Here’s a small snippet from his story Islands In The Stream,”…this frozen daiquirí, so well beaten as it is, looks like the sea where the wave falls away from the bow of a ship when she is doing thirty knots.”
Also Read: What is Sambuca?
Summing Up
So now when you will be sipping on a Cuba Libre or attempting to make the perfect Bacardi Daiquiri, the taste of rum will be different. This time it will be filled with identity, depth, and a whole lot of history. So toast to the following years of the Bacardi legacy, we can’t wait to see what exclusive rum they release on their 200th birthday!
FAQs
What Kind Of Alcohol Is Bacardi?
Though the brand has many labels, Bacardi started off with light-bodied rum that has since then become its identity.
Is Bacardi A Wine Or Whiskey?
Bacardi started with rum and eventually Breezer. The brand now manufactures multiple styles and flavors of rum. Bacardi has also acquired many wine and whiskey brands. Some of the popular ones are Dewar’s, William Lawson’s, Martini Prosecco, and Martini Rosé.
How Much Is A 750ml Bottle Of Bacardi In India?
The Bacardi Carta Blanca 750 ml bottle costs INR 1560, while the Bacardi Limon Citrus 750 ml bottle costs INR 1610. Most rum variants remain within the range of INR 1500-1700.
Is Bacardi A Good Rum?
Bacardi rum is the most popular and reliable rum. The light-bodied rum is perfect for mixing and is fairly affordable to the major crowd.
Is Bacardi A Strong Drink?
Bacardi rum usually ranges from 40-45% ABV, which makes it a strong drink. On the other hand, Bacardi Breezer is a light drink. Fun note, the now discontinued Bacardi 151 contained 75.5% ABV, making it one of the strongest liquors out there.
