Field Trip: Tasting Bacardi at Casa Bacardí
Casa Bacardí credit TZervaki
Casa Bacardi is said to be the largest rum distillery in the world that produces more than 100,000 liters of rum per day. If you are in San Juan, in Puerto Rico for fun or business, a visit at Casa Bacardí is almost an obligation. In a state-of-the-art facility, visitors to the distillery can witness the art of rum-making firsthand, learn about Bacardi’s heritage, and sample a variety of their exquisite rums based on the experience tour you select.
When you arrive at the Pavilion, get your ticket for the tour but save the free cocktail drink as an after-tour treat. The trolley will wait for you and when the entire group is there, you are on your way to learn about the history of this popular brand.
The trolley takes visitors around the world-famous Bacardi distillery. You get off at the entrance of the Casa where you enter the visitor’s center. Start by taking a photo in front of the emblematic brand’s logo, and then you proceed to watch an informational movie about the brand’s history.
Historic Facts about Bacardí
Bacardi bottles
Bacardi was originally founded by Don Facundo Bacardí Massó on February 4, 1862, in Santiago, de Cuba when he started experimenting with the distillation of rum. After fermenting the sugar cane molasses, he distilled the spirit using methods he invented and became the pioneer in charcoal filtration, which resulted in a cleaner and more delicate rum. The company established a distillery in Mexico as well, and after prohibition in Miami; then in Puerto Rico in 1936. The facility was christened by the Puerto Rico’s governor as the “Cathedral of Rum” in 1958. Today Casa Bacardi is the only location in the world where you can buy the Special Reserve Rum.
Rum Production
The making of the Rum begins with the selection of the finest sugarcane molasses from all over the world, then an addition of water and Bacardí’s proprietary yeast strain, La Levadura Bacardi, which is allowed to ferment. When finished the resulting liquid is distilled in column stills, allowing for precise control over flavor and quality. Charcoal filtration follows to remove unwanted components from the rum to make it smoother and cleaner. The finished rums are aged in charred oak barrels. Finally, the master blenders blend the aged rums to create Bacardi’s signature flavors, maintaining consistency and excellence.
Did you know? The fermentation takes between twenty and thirty hours and compared to most spirits this is very fast – resulting in a lighter tasting spirit.
Bacardi logo credit TZervaki
The Bacardí logo
Don Facundo’s wife Amalia noticed a colony of fruit bats hanging in the warehouse when they first started the distillery. Instantly knew that this would be the perfect logo. In Spain culture, the bat is considered to be the symbol of good health, fortune, and family unity. Don Facundo employed the bat as the logo for his rum that became a symbol of Bacardi’s legacy.
Since then, the Bacardi bat has been one of the most famous logos on the market.
What you get to taste on the tour
Bacardi cuatro and superior credit TZervaki
This rum is colorless. The reason being is that has been filtered for a better quality of a drink. This rum is aged for 1 to 2 years. A New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC) 2023 Gold winner. Suggested cocktail: Daiquiri or Mojito
Aged in oak barrels, delivers a richer flavor profile. This is the Bacardi used in Cuba Libre and is aged for 2 to 3 years.
Aged for 4 years. Also known as the enhancer. Suggested cocktail: Piña Colada
The sipping Rums
Aged for 10 years, it is the Rum to sip on its own on the rocks. You can also drizzle a little on your barbecue meats, cuts, ribs, patties and more. A 2023 NYISC Double Gold winner. Suggested cocktail: Old Cuban
Perfect to be enjoyed on its own, this Rum is aged for 10 to 12 years. It makes the ideal Rum for a nice cigar. Additionally, you can drizzle coffee on it. A 2023 NYISC Silver winner.
Casa BACARDÍ Gran Reserva Limitada (Special Reserve Hand Bottled)
barrel credit TZervaki
This rare Rum is aged 16 years. According to Bacardi’s website it is “the rarest and most luxurious expression from the House of BACARDÍ”. It is the blend of exceptionally old barrel aged rum that are blended with younger rums to produce a balanced yet rich and flavorful spirit.
Each bottle carries the signature of Bacardi’s Maximo Maestro de Ron BACARDI (master blender) and lists the blended batch’s ID, as well as its bottling date and unique bottle number in the limited production. It is only available at the Casa Bacardí. A 2023 NYICS Silver winner.
Did you know? During the aging process, Bacardi loses 10 per cent alcohol per year because of the evaporation due to the hot Caribbean climate. After 8 years of aging, there is less than half of the rum left, the rest having evaporated, given to the “angels as their share”.
After the tasting, you have plenty of time at the Gift Shop to stroll, take photos and buy your favorite souvenirs.
Once the trolley takes you back to the Pavilion, celebrate with your free cocktail. Exchange your token at the bartender and choose your favorite and enjoy!
Popular Cocktails with Bacardi
Old Cuban cocktail at Casa Bacardi credit TZervaki
Cuba Libre was created in Havana, Cuba to celebrate the end of the Spanish-American War in 1900 and the Cuban independence. The Bacardi company claims that the Cuba Libre was made with Bacardi Gold, Coca Cola, and lime, but it is unknown what the first rum used was. Although there are various legends on the Cuba Libre’s origins, Cuba Libre is one of Bacardi’s classic cocktails and claimed to be the most ordered cocktail in the world.
In addition, its name evolved throughout the years. You can order it as Rum & Coke or as a Bacardi Cola.
Mojito: the iconic drink that originated in Cuba, combines Bacardi Superior with fresh lime juice, mint leaves, soda water, and soda
Piña Colada: Puerto Rico’s ubiquitous cocktail, is made with Bacardi Cuatro, pineapple juice and coconut cream – the perfect cocktail for the beach!
Daiquiri: made with Bacardi Superior, lime juice, and simple syrup, is simple and elegant
Information for your visit
Casa Bacardi is in Cataño, San Juan, 20 minutes from Old San Juan. It’s easily accessible by car, bus, taxi, or rideshare. You can also get the ferry from the Old San Juan port.
Experience tours
All tours include a free welcome drink that you can get before or after your tour. You are given a token that you exchange for the cocktail of your choice at the Pavilion’s bar. All tours stop at the Gift Shop.
The legacy tour, $30: Movie at the Bacardi Visitor Center & Taste of the Casa BACARDÍ Special Reserve at the Havana bar
The Rum tasting tour, $75: Bacardi Family Museum visit, guided Rum Tasting & Chocolate Pairing
Mixology tour, $75: Bacardi Family Museum visit & Mixology Class ingredients for Mojito and Shaken Piña Colada
Founder’s experience tour, $200: Tropical Aging Warehouse Visit & Curated Rum Tasting with Local Pairings
For updated tours, times and prices check the Casa Bacardi tickets site.