Bacardi Gold is a type of rum that is popular all over the world. It has a rich history, dating back to the mid-1800s. Bacardi is known for its smooth flavor, which comes from a blend of rums that have been aged in oak barrels. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history and making of Bacardi Gold rum.
Introduction
Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses or sugarcane juice. Bacardi Gold is a type of rum that is distilled and aged in oak barrels. The result is a smooth, golden-colored rum that is perfect for sipping on its own or mixing into a cocktail.
History of Bacardi
Bacardi was founded in Santiago de Cuba in 1862 by Don Facundo Bacardí Massó. At the time, rum was not considered a refined drink, and it was usually sold in bulk. Don Facundo saw an opportunity to change that by refining the rum-making process and producing a high-quality rum that could be enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails.
Don Facundo experimented with different methods of distillation and aging until he came up with the perfect recipe. He used a unique strain of yeast, which he cultivated himself, and a special distillation process that removed impurities from the rum. He also aged the rum in oak barrels, which gave it a smooth, mellow flavor.
Bacardi quickly became popular in Cuba and began to expand to other countries. In the early 1900s, Bacardi opened a distillery in Puerto Rico, which is still in operation today.
The Making of Bacardi Gold Rum
Bacardi Gold is made from a blend of rums that are aged in oak barrels. The process of making Bacardi Gold can be broken down into three main stages: distillation, aging, and blending.
Distillation
The first step in making Bacardi Gold is to distill the fermented sugarcane byproducts. Bacardi uses a unique strain of yeast that was cultivated by Don Facundo himself. This yeast produces a clean and neutral flavor profile, which allows the flavors of the sugarcane to shine through.
After the sugarcane byproducts are fermented, they are distilled using a continuous column still. This method of distillation allows for a high level of control over the final product, resulting in a consistent and high-quality rum.
Aging
After distillation, the rum is aged in oak barrels. Bacardi uses a blend of American white oak and Spanish oak barrels. The American oak barrels give the rum its signature vanilla and caramel notes, while the Spanish oak barrels add a subtle spiciness.
The rum is aged for a minimum of one year, but some batches are aged for up to three years. During the aging process, the rum absorbs flavors from the oak barrels, which gives it its smooth, mellow flavor.
Blending
Once the rum has been aged, it is blended to create the final product. Bacardi Gold is a blend of rums that are aged for different periods of time. This allows for a complex and layered flavor profile.
The blending process is carefully controlled to ensure consistency from batch to batch. The result is a smooth and balanced rum that can be enjoyed on its own or in a cocktail.
Tasting Notes
Bacardi Gold has a smooth, mellow flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. It has a medium-bodied texture and a slightly sweet finish. The rum is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but it also makes a great base for cocktails.
Pairing Suggestions
Bacardi Gold pairs well with a variety of flavors. It goes well with citrus fruits, such as lime and grapefruit, as well as tropical fruits, such as pineapple and mango. It also pairs well with spicy or savory flavors, such as ginger and cinnamon.
Cocktails to Make with Bacardi Gold
Bacardi Gold is a versatile rum that can be used in a variety of cocktails. Here are a few cocktails to try:
- Bacardi Gold and Cola: Mix Bacardi Gold with cola and garnish with a lime wedge.
- Rum Sour: Mix Bacardi Gold, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with a cherry.
- Rum Punch: Mix Bacardi Gold, orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine in a pitcher with ice. Serve in glasses and garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry.
Bacardi Gold Vs. Other Rums
Bacardi Gold is a unique rum that has its own distinct flavor profile. It is different from other types of rum, such as white rum or dark rum, which have their own unique characteristics.
White rum is a clear, light-bodied rum that is often used in cocktails. It has a clean, crisp flavor with a slight sweetness.
Dark rum, on the other hand, is a full-bodied rum that is aged for a longer period of time than Bacardi Gold. It has a rich, complex flavor with notes of caramel, molasses, and spice.
Bacardi Gold is a medium-bodied rum that is aged for a shorter period of time than dark rum. It has a smooth, mellow flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
Bacardi Gold and Mixology
Bacardi Gold is a popular rum among mixologists. Its smooth, mellow flavor and versatility make it a great base for cocktails. It can be used in a variety of cocktails, from classic daiquiris to modern tiki drinks.
Bacardi Gold is also a great rum for experimenting with new cocktail recipes. Its complex flavor profile allows for a wide range of flavor combinations.
The Future of Bacardi Gold
Bacardi Gold has a rich history and a loyal following. As the rum market continues to grow, Bacardi Gold is poised to remain a popular choice among rum lovers. The company is committed to producing high-quality rum using the same methods that Don Facundo Bacardí Massó used over 150 years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Bacardi Gold?
Bacardi Gold is a type of rum that is distilled and aged in oak barrels. It has a smooth, mellow flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
- What is the history of Bacardi Gold?
Bacardi Gold was founded in Santiago de Cuba in 1862 by Don Facundo Bacardí Massó. He refined the rum-making process and produced a high-quality rum that could be enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails.
- How is Bacardi Gold made?
Bacardi Gold is made from a blend of rums that are aged in oak barrels. The process of making Bacardi Gold involves distillation, aging, and blending.
- What are some cocktails to make with Bacardi Gold?
Bacardi Gold can be used in a variety of cocktails, such as Bacardi Gold and Cola, Rum Sour, and Rum Punch.
- What is the difference between Bacardi Gold and other rums?
Bacardi Gold is a medium-bodied rum that is aged for a shorter period of time than dark rum. It has a smooth, mellow flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. White rum is a clear, light-bodied rum that is often used in cocktails, while dark rum is a full-bodied rum that is aged for a longer period of time than Bacardi Gold.
Conclusion
Bacardi Gold is a unique rum with a rich history and a loyal following. Its smooth, mellow flavor and versatility make it a great choice for sipping on its own or mixing into a cocktail. The process of making Bacardi Gold involves distillation, aging, and blending, resulting in a complex and balanced flavor profile. As the rum market continues to grow, Bacardi Gold is poised to remain a popular choice among rum lovers.
