Bacardi to Share Its Distinctive History at Tales of the Cocktail
Bacardi from the 1890's to the 1940's. Bacardi sponsors the Long Legacy of Cuban Rum and Birth of Daiquiri seminars at Tales of the Cocktail 2009 in New Orleans
MIAMI – June 23, 2009 – Enjoy a sip of the past at this year’s Tales of the Cocktail® where BACARDI®, creator of the world’s first light-bodied rum, will share its history and heritage at seminars and events that pay homage to the golden age of rum and showcase the classic cocktails that made BACARDI famous.
The Long Legacy of Cuban Rum seminar, sponsored by BACARDI, will offer a unique opportunity to delve into the history of rum in Cuba. Moderated by rum expert Paul Artrip, the seminar will feature insight from panelists including Bacardi historian Pepin Argamasilla and talented mixologist Jonathan Pogash. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to taste the legendary BACARDI rums and cocktails that made Cuba synonymous with rum during prohibition, while exploring the fascinating stories that lay beneath them. The seminar will take place on Friday, July 10 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Birth of the Daiquiri, a special event celebrating the origins of this special taste of the tropics, will take guests back to turn of the century Cuba to re-discover the Daiquiri and popular variations of this famous cocktail. Held Friday, July 10, 8:00 p.m. to midnight, Birth of the Daiquiri will leave guests understanding why the BACARDI Hand-Shaken Daiquiri is a modern classic experiencing a renaissance among mixologists and bartenders today. There will also be a mixology competition presented by the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society to find the best BACARDI Hand-Shaken Daiquiri with the winner receiving a trip to the BACARDI Distillery in Puerto Rico.
“We’re very excited about this opportunity to work with BACARDI at this year’s Tales of the Cocktail, said Paul G. Tuennerman, Executive Director of the New Orleans Culinary & Cultural Preservation Society. “The cultural exchange aspect of the trip we’ll offer to the BACARDI distillery in Puerto Rico aligns well with our mission and reinforces the global element of Tales of the Cocktail.”
After experiencing the Birth of the Daiquiri event, guests can look forward to celebrating National Daiquiri Day on July 19, a whole day devoted to this famous drink that originated with BACARDI in 1898 shortly after the Spanish-American War in the small mining town of Daiquiri, Cuba when American engineer by the name of Jennings Stockton Cox of the Juraga Iron Company was sent to the town of Daiquiri to begin developing the iron-ore mines.
Soon after his arrival in Cuba, Mr. Cox searched for a way to cool himself in the intense tropical sun. One day in 1898, Mr. Cox picked a lime from a nearby tree and squeezed the juice into a glass. He then added a teaspoon of sugar to mask the sour lime taste and added a jigger of and BACARDI® Carta Blanca (now known as BACARDI® Superior) along with crushed ice to chill the liquid. Originally named the “Ron Bacardi a la Daiquiri,” the cocktail was an immediate hit and the new cocktail’s fame spread quickly. It became especially popular at Ernest Hemingway’s favorite cocktail lounge, La Floridita, when American thrill-seekers streamed to Cuba during Prohibition. In fact, Ernest Hemingway said of his drink preferences, “My Mojitos at La Boquedita and my Daiquiris at El Floridita.”
Since everything that was once old will be new again, the authentic BACARDI Hand-Shaken Daiquiri is a modern-day classic with staying power. BACARDI will showcase this at Tales of the Cocktail and attendees will have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the origins of rum, the cocktails that made Cuba famous, and the story of BACARDI, a brand with a history as rich and unique as its taste.
About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.
Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import, sales and marketing arm of one of the world’s leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDI® rum, the world’s number-one selling rum; GREY GOOSE® vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, the fastest-growing premium gin in the spirits industry; CAZADORES® blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in the world; MARTINI & ROSSI® vermouth, the world-leader in vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands.
About Tales of the Cocktail
Tales of the Cocktail is an internationally acclaimed festival of cocktails, cuisine and culture held annually in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event brings together the best and brightest of the cocktail community—award-winning mixologists, authors, bartenders, chefs and designers—for a five-day celebration of the history and artistry of making drinks. Each year offers a spirited series of dinners, demos, tastings, competitions, seminars, book signings, tours and parties all perfectly paired with some of the best cocktails ever made.
About the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society
The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society is a non-profit organization committed to preserving the unique culture of dining and drinking in New Orleans and the storied bars and restaurants that have contributed to the city’s world-wide culinary acclaim. This organization supports members of the hospitality industry through education and the production of events like Tales of the Cocktail, and most recently, Trails of the Cocktail, a scholarship program for emerging talent in the cocktail industry.
Every summer spirits from around the world descend on America’s most soulful city. This summer will be no different as Tales of the Cocktail returns. Join us for a spirited schedule of cocktails, cuisine and culture that will stir even the most idle of souls.
For more information on Tales of the Cocktail, visit the website at www.TalesoftheCocktail.com or call 504-948-0511. TICKETS ON SALE NOW.
Cortney Silverman, Senior Account Executive
Corbin & Associates, LTD.
212/246-3586 / Cortney@corbinpr.com
Joe Gerbino, Manager, Corporate Communications & Public Relations
BACARDI U.S.A., INC.
305/573-8600 ext. 1421 / jgerbino@bacardi.com
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©2009 BACARDI, THE BAT DEVICE ARE REGISTERED
TRADEMARKS OF BACARDI & COMPANY LIMITED. BACARDI U.S.A., INC., MIAMI, FL. RUM- 40% ALC. BY VOL.
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