The story of Don Facundo Bacardí: the modern rum!
Don Facundo Bacardí Massó: the inventor of modern rum
Don Facundo Bacardí Massó is a name that has left its mark on the world of spirits. As the founder of the Bacardí rum brand, he not only developed a unique rum, but also revolutionised the entire rum production process. His life is the story of a man who turned rum into a high-quality, socially acceptable drink - a tradition that lives on to this day.
From Sitges in Spain to Cuba: the beginnings
Born in 1814 in Sitges, a small coastal town in Catalonia, Don Facundo Bacardí Massó emigrated to Cuba at a young age. Cuba was a centre of sugar production at the time, and Bacardí took advantage of this economic momentum to settle in Santiago. In the 1850s, he began to work with Rum and pursued the goal of refining the traditional, often harsh and intense rum flavour.
The birth of modern rum
In 1862, Don Facundo achieved his breakthrough: he acquired a distillery in Santiago de Cuba and founded Bacardí & Compañía. He used a completely new technique - carbon filtration. This method removed impurities from the rum and produced a smooth, clear flavour that made Bacardí rum unique. Together with a special yeast, which he imported from Catalonia and which remains a secret to this day, he created a white rum that was different from the traditional "aguardiente". The modern rum was born.
The bat symbol and international success
Another element that made Bacardí famous worldwide was the bat logo. In Spanish culture, the bat symbolises happiness and unity. Don Facundo chose it as the trademark for his bottles, and the logo is still a recognisable feature of the Bacardí brand today.
The rum quickly gained popularity and was appreciated in bars and social circles. Bacardí was not just a drink - it became a symbol of the Cuban lifestyle. Classic cocktails such as the Daiquirí and the Cuba Libre became famous with Bacardí rum and are now among the most popular cocktails in the world.
A legacy for eternity
In his later years, Don Facundo handed over the business to his family, who developed Bacardí into a global brand. He died on 9 February 1886, but his life's work lives on. Today, Bacardí rum is a globally recognised brand and stands for tradition and quality.
Summary:
The story of Don Facundo Bacardí Massó shows how a man with passion and an inventive spirit revolutionised rum. His legacy, the soft, modern rum, is still appreciated worldwide today and is the centrepiece of the Bacardí brand.
If you want to be part of the journey around Don Facundo Bacardí Massó, then take a look at one of our Rum Tastings over!
