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Bacardi Superior
About Bacardi Superior
My partner and I recently had a craving for mojitos and daiquiris, so it was definitely time for us to pick up a new bottle of rum. Since white rum is ideal for cocktails due to its lack of color and lighter flavor profile, I thought it would be a good opportunity to purchase one of the most affordable and widely available options: Bacardi Superior White Rum.
While Bacardi is currently produced in various locations around the world, it was initially established in 1862 by Don Facundo Bacardi Masso in Santiago De Cuba. The iconic bat logo was created around this time after Don’s wife noticed a colony of fruit bats living in the rafters of the distillery. The brand continued to grow throughout the next century until the Cuban Revolution lead to the Bacardi family’s exile. Fortunately for the company, they had already begun expanding rum production into other countries, such as Mexico, Spain, and the United States, and then later added more offices and distilleries in Bermuda and Puerto Rico.
Bottle Specs
❖ Spirit: White Rum
❖ Distillery: Made in Puerto Rico
❖ ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
❖ Low Price
Tasting Notes
❖ Nose:Vanilla, Fruit, Ethanol
❖ Taste: Vanilla, Cream
❖ Finish: Long, fruit, vanilla
Cocktail
Summer Watermelon Cooler
1 1/2 White Rum
3/4 oz Watermelon Juice
2 oz Grapefruit Soda
❖ Add all ingredients to at tall glass filled with ice
❖ Stir to combine and garish with a lime wedge
While I initially intended to use Bacardi Superior in mojitos and daiquiris, I was also excited to try out some some new and refreshing cocktails. I had a few different ingredients in mind, but quickly changed my plans when I came across this recipe for a Summer Watermelon Cooler from Bacardi. My only previous experience with watermelon in cocktails was limited to flavored vodka, so I was excited to use actual watermelon juice. I also don’t think I’ve ever seen the watermelon and grapefruit combination, so I was especially interested to see how all these flavors would balance.
So, I think there might be a reason watermelon and grapefruit aren’t often used together. I found that the grapefruit soda overpowered the other ingredients, and gave the overall cocktail a harsh, bitter flavor. I was still able to taste a bit of the ethanol, vanilla, and fruit notes from Bacardi, but not too much watermelon until the finish. But, the little I tasted of the rum and watermelon worked pretty well, so I left this experience feeling inspired to create my own recipe with these ingredients in the future.
Bottom Line
RATING: 2/5
Bacardi Superior White Rum is a decent white rum that is best enjoyed as a mixer. It has a lackluster aroma, and a subdued overall taste. In fact, the taste reminded me more of vodkas, such as Identity, that have a hint of vanilla and cream, along with ethanol. It wasn’t until the fruity notes appeared on the finish that I remembered Bacardi is actually a rum. This flavor lingers somewhat in subsequent sips, but I don’t think I’ll drink it neat again.
However, this isn’t really what I’m looking for when I buy a white rum anyway, and Bacardi Superior works much better as a mixing spirit. The lack of flavor helps it blend well with other ingredients, and the expected rum notes generally come through in most cocktails. While I wasn’t too impressed with the Summer Watermelon Cooler recipe, other standard rum cocktails I’ve made with Bacardi have been much more balanced. The affordable price of Bacardi Superior makes it a more appealing white rum option that I feel comfortable recommending.
As always, drink responsibly.
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