Bacardi rum is one of the big guys among the rum-producing brands. It is a flavourful and highly aromatic rum, with the typical sweetness of the spirit, combining the warmth of the burn along with the spiciness and fruitiness. 

Bacardi is definitely among the world’s top rum brands. It has had top sales for a long time now, and not only that it is one of the world’s best and most popular brands, but it is the only rum many have ever tasted. 

Bacardi rum is known for its loyal customers, as there are many rum enthusiasts drinking exclusively Bacardi rum. 

In this article, I will describe the Bacardi brand, as well as the rum varieties with prices and bottle sizes. So, stay tuned, as you may find valuable information that will help you with your rum-related decisions. 

History

Don Facundo Bacardí Massó in Santiago de Cuba founded Bacardi on February 4, 1862. He bought a small distillery and gave the rum-making process a new meaning when he created the Bacardi rum. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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He made a light-bodied yet high-viscosity beverage the world loves to this day. Little did Don Facundo know, on that particular date, that he was about to change the world. 

Like all great things in the world, the Bacardi story, too, involves a little bit of serendipity. Namely, Facundo’s wife, Doña Amalia, noticed a fruit bat colony hanging from the rafters in the room where they store the rum. She figured that the bat colony chose this place as their home because it had good energy and abundance. 

To honor this good omen from the universe, she made a suggestion to her husband to make the bad the symbol of the Bacardi rum. That’s how the Bacardi rum became known as “the bat’s rum.”

Another protector of the Bacardi distillery is El Coco, which is a palm that Don Facundo planted in front of the distillery. As El Coco grew taller and stronger, so did the Bacardi distillery. 

Although some consider this to be nothing more than just a superstition, El Coco did withstand several earthquakes and fires, bravely protecting the distillery it became a symbol for. 

After winning a gold medal at the Barcelona Expo, Bacardi gained the attention and interest of the famous, so it became the favorite of the crème de la crème no more than 20 years after its birth.

This gold medal skyrocketed Bacardi and made it into a multinational company operating in Span and the USA, setting it well on its way to glory. 

However, the American Bacardi branch was heavily shaken and damaged by the Prohibition, but nevertheless, they managed to spring back to life. In this aspect, Bacardi shares the same story as Jack Daniels, as both brands had to simply tough it out through these adverse periods. 

The end of the Prohibition catapulted the Bacardi brand once again, and they started expanding and operating more fiercely than ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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However, due to the political settings in Cuba in the 60s, all Bacardi assets got confiscated by the Government, and they were once again left with nothing.

This is also when El Coco finally died after 98 years of faithful existence in front of the distillery. 

After this series of unfortunate events, the Bacardi brand still managed to remain strong, once again aiming at world glory. Bacardi was a family business, which is why it withstood so many troubles. It was a legacy and part of who the Bacardi family was. 

Today the Bacardi brand is a 150 years old, which is more than a good reason for celebration. It has passed the test of time, and it stood strong in times of dread and misery.

To mark this fantastic milestone, which not many have had the luck to experience, the Bacardi brand released a limited edition $2000-a-bottle Bacardi rum.

Bacardi is now much more than just a rum brand. It is a charitable organization making efforts to contribute to the well-being of the planet, promote responsible drinking and reduce the planet’s pollution.

Making

The making process is the nucleus of the Bacardi brand. The manufacturing procedures had remained nearly the same as they were when Don Facundo started producing the Bacardi rum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Of course, the Bacardi brand didn’t stay oblivious to technological advancement. Still, the core of the Bacardi rum manufacturing, i.e., the care, meticulous attention, and dedication, are visible in each Bacardi drop. 

There are three main ingredients combined in the fermentation process-molasses from sugar cane, yeast, and water. The yeast consumes the sugar, turning it into alcohol, which is also known as the fermentation process. 

The fermentation lasts between twenty and thirty hours, which is much less time than what it takes for other spirits to ferment. This shorter period of fermentation time is why the Bacardi rum is so light. Had the fermentation lasted longer, the spirit would not have been so easy. 

The distilling process is the second stage of the Bacardi rum production chain. The distillation is basically allowing the alcohol to evaporate to make the spirit. However, it isn’t as simple as it sounds, as the vapor is then condensed and turned into liquid again.

The fermentation and distillation processes are the bases for the Bacardi rum production. They serve the purpose of producing the alcohol, but not the Bacardi rum.

The alcohol produced through fermentation and distillation then undergoes additional processes to become what Bacardi rum genuinely is. 

The following steps in the production process are filtration, blending, and aging. 

The revolutionary technique implemented by Don Facundo making the Bacardi so unique and so smooth is the charcoal filtration.

This is another aspect that Bacardi and Jack Daniels have in common, probably due to the fact that they have developed nearly in the same period. 

The rum is being filtered with charcoal that is not only charcoal but attentively selected charcoal by discriminating the selection process of the wood that is burned to obtain it.

Don Facundo used aromatic wood for the charcoal that will aromatize the rum through the filtration process. 

That same practice is still used in the charcoal filtration process of the Bacardi rum. It goes through multiple filtrations until the taste isn’t up to the Brand’s high standards. 

The next step after the charcoal filtration is the aging process. The Bacardi rum ages in old whiskey barrels exposed to the sun. It is a known fact that the barrels are not just containers but one of the main flavor-giving ingredients. 

While most spirits age hidden from the sun, the Bacardi rum stays in sun-exposed barrels aging and changing. It is often compared with a live person that develops character with age. And this is a statement very close to the truth. 

During the aging process, the Bacardi rum gathers all the wisdom from the whiskey barrels thus developing the flavor, aroma, color, and smoothness of the oak. 

This creates a combination of complex flavors such as vanilla, oak, caramel, smoke, spices, tobacco, and chocolate, with by white nut flavors mixed with almond, coconut, and toasted nuts with fruity pineapple, banana, and marzipan.

The last step of the Bacardi rum-making process is blending. Even though it is the final and it probably seems like the most straightforward step, it is the cherry on top of the Bacardi cake.

Everything before will be in vain if the bending goes awry. Each Bacardi rum bottle is a blend from different barrels, brought to perfection with utmost attention to detail.

During the blending process, each blend passes through a “polishing filter” to additionally perfect the already impeccable spirit. 

Taste and Varieties 

Bacardi is a very flavorful and aromatic rum. It is very versatile, with an endless number of flavors in a single sip. It is a top-shelf rum that is light, pure, edgy, and abundant with flavors and aromas. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The most noticeable notes are vanilla, almonds, toasted nuts, and citrus fruits. However, there are highly noticeable flavors of caramel, rye toast, honey, and smokiness.

The Bacardi rum is a combination of the playfulness of the rum spirit and the wisdom and seriousness of the whiskey. 

Each Bacardi sip starts with the aromas of vanilla and caramel. It then gets very lively mid-palate with notes of citrus fruit, sweetness, and smokiness while still carrying on the initial caramel and vanilla flavors. 

In the end, the Bacardi rum finishes smoothly, but the finish is dry and somewhat short and abrupt. It leaves a pleasant burn and an intense aftertaste. 

Over the years, as Bacardi spread worldwide, it created more than 200 labels in its portfolio. It is probably the richest rum brand in flavors and types. What once started as a white rum brand, it is now the label of countless bottles globally. 

Generally, the Bacardi rums are divided into several categories fitted for different occasions, audiences, and of course, different pockets. There is the “Bacardi superior” category covering. 

Bacardi Gold, Bacardi Black, Bacardi Spiced, Bacardi Reserva Ocho, Bacardi Añejo Cuatro, Bacardi Grand Reserva Diez, Bacardi Reserva Limitada, Bacardi Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron, Bacardi Solera, Bacardi Añejo, Bacardi Heritage, and Bacardi OAKHEART. 

These rums are from the main Bacardi portfolio, and even though they are all original and unique, they resemble one another. They are all vanilla and caramel flavored, with hints of citrus fruit and the recognizable Bacardi lightness. 

Nevertheless, they do encompass different making techniques and differently aged rums. 

The second category is the “Flavoured rum,” which covers the fruity Bacardi varieties. This is the most seductive Bacardi category, as all the rums in it have natural, expressive, and very appealing fruit flavors.

Bacardi Limón, Bacardi Pineapple, Bacardi Dragon Berry, Bacardi Mango, Bacardi Coconut, Bacardi Raspberry, Bacardi Lime, and Bacardi Ginger fall under this category. 

The “Ready to drink” category includes Bacardi ready-made mixes. While you can additionally mix the rums from the categories mentioned above, the ones from this are already mixed and ready to serve as they are.

These are the fun Bacardi rums, and often they are cheaper than those in the previous categories. 

Here you have Bacardi & Cranberry, Oakheart & Cola, Bacardi and Lemonade, Bacardi and Orange, Bacardi Cola Zero, Bacardi Ginger & Lemonade, Bacardi Originals Cuba Libre, Bacardi Originals Mojito RTD, Bacardi Premix Cola (BTL), Bacardi Premix Cola (CAN), Bacardi Razz and Up, Bacardi Razz Mojito RTD, Bacardi +Fizz, Bacardi Lime & Soda, Bacardi Rum Punch, Bacardi Limón and lemonade, and Bacardi Red Dragon. 

These are essentially fruity, and soda Bacardi mixes. They aren’t specific types of cocktails and are considered marvelous Bacardi rum refreshments. 

Similar to the “Ready to drink” is the “Ready to serve” category. This category covers Bacardi rum cocktails with their proper names.

These are not Bacardi rum mixers but ready-made cocktails. You don’t need to mix them with anything, as they already contain everything they are supposed to. 

Here you have the Bacardi Mojito, Bacardi Zombie, Bacardi Hurricane, Bacardi Island Tea, Bacardi Rum Punch, and Bacardi Bahama Mama.

These are exotic fruity cocktails fitted for a summer afternoon refreshment at home, winter longing for the summer days, or a party. 

All Bacardi varieties do not only offer you a delicious and high-quality rum, but they give you a fully-rounded experience. The Bacardi experience only Bacardi can deliver. 

Prices And Bottle Sizes

The table below is just a reference of the Bacardi rum prices. Depending on where you are, the prices may vary. Also, since Bacardi contains over 200 labels, it is impossible to gather all of them in a single place, as many of the labels are subtypes of other main Bacardi rum categories. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Therefore, the table is of informative nature, with the average prices of the more prominent Bacardi rums.

As shown in the table, the Bacardi rums are not as expensive as you might think, given the reputation of the Brand. This is due to the marketing and selling policy of the Bacardi company. They tend to sell large quantities of Bacardi rum, which is why they are so versatile. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Bacardi is one of the most versatile rum brands and spirit brands in general. While many other spirits have around 20 spirit expressions, Bacardi has over 200 labels, reaching to countless consumers. Therefore, their selling point is to familiarize as many people as they can with their products, making friends and fans all over the world. 

There are some varieties that are on the steeper end, price-wise, but they are made with older rum, such as the reposado and anejo rum types. 

How Much Is A 750 Ml Bottle Of Bacardi?

Since Bacardi is a very versatile rum brand, it is only natural that the prices will vary too. Not only is it versatile in terms of the flavors it offers, but also the types of rum used for each variety. So, it is impossible to give a single price for a 750 ml. bottle of Bacardi without stating an entire range of prices affecting different Bacardi varieties. 

Generally speaking, the Bacardi rum prices vary from $11-$12 to over a $100. The older the rum used for the particular variety is, the higher the price for that Bacardi variety. 

What Size Is A Fifth Of Bacardi?

The standard Bacardi size is 750 ml. This site is also known as a fifth because it is one-fifth of a gallon. Other common sizes of alcohol bottles, in general, include 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml, 375 ml, 1 L, and 1.75 L.

How Big Is A Bottle Of Bacardi?

Since Bacardi is very versatile in every possible sense, it is only logical that it comes in many shapes and sizes too. Even though the standard Bacardi bottle size is 750 ml, it also comes in other bottle sizes such as 1.75L, 200ml, 1L, 375ml, 50ml, 100ml, 50ml, as well as 355ml cans. 

How Much Does Bacardi Cost?

Bacardi costs between $11 and over $100, depending on the Bacardi variety you are getting. 

Is Bacardi Alcohol Good?

Bacardi alcohol has been present on the world scene for 150 years. The Brand has seen many rainy and sunny days, and still, it has prevailed even in the most tried of times. 

If it weren’t for the quality of the Bacardi rum, it wouldn’t have lasted as long as it does. Therefore, Bacardi alcohol is not only good but a premium category beverage. 

Is Bacardi A Rum Or Whiskey?

Bacardi is a rum brand. However, it is easily confused with whiskey as the rum is left to age in whiskey barrels. 

Is Bacardi Wine Or Liquor?

Bacardi is neither wine nor liquor; it is a type of rum. It is often confused with wine, flavor-wise, as there are varieties that age in brandy barrels and have expressive grape notes. Also, the sweetness reminds of liquor, so it is easy to mix them up.

Other Competitors

Bacardi is a firmly established rum brand, but it does have fierce competition. Since it plays in the big leagues, the competition is merciless. Among Bacardi’s competitors are Beam Suntory, Remy Cointreau, Suntory, Pernod Ricard, Diageo, and Brown-Forman. 

Resources: 

1. https://craft.co/bacardi/competitors
2. https://www.liquor.com/bacardi-superior-white-rum-review-5218873#:~:text=Bacard%C3%AD%20isn’t%20just%20the,%2C%20inoffensive%2C%20relatively%20benign%20spirit.
3. https://www.bakersplus.com/p/malibu-original-carribean-rum-with-coconut-liqueur/0008954044932#:~:text=Malibu%20Original%20is%20the%20best,develop%20its%20complex%2C%20sweet%20flavor.