National Rum Day is a spirited homage to one of the world's most beloved and versatile liquors. From the sunny shores of the Caribbean to the bustling streets of Miami, rum has been a staple in bars and homes for centuries.
This blog dives into the rich history of National Rum Day, the storied legacy of Bacardi Rum, and showcases our project at the Bacardi Rum USA headquarters in Miami, Florida.
Let's raise a glass and toast to this iconic spirit!
Click here to learn more about our work with historic landmarks.
Bacardi Tower, built in 1963, on Biscayne Boulevard, Miami.
National Rum Day is a celebration dedicated to honoring the history and cultural impact of rum. The origins of this day are somewhat murky, much like the early days of rum production itself. Rum's history dates back to the 17th century, with the first distillation occurring in the Caribbean. It quickly became a popular drink among sailors, pirates, and eventually, the general public.
Today, National Rum Day provides an opportunity to explore the diverse world of rum, from light and dark varieties to spiced and flavored options. It's a day to mix up classic cocktails like the Mojito, Daiquiri, and Piña Colada, and to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.
Museo Provincial Bacardi Moreau in Santiago de Cuba, home to the Bacardí family's private collection. PHOTO: Tm’s Public Domain Pictures
Bacardi, one of the most recognizable names in the rum industry, has a storied past that dates back to 1862. Founded by Don Facundo Bacardí Massó in Santiago de Cuba, Bacardi revolutionized the rum-making process. Don Facundo's innovations included charcoal filtering and aging rum in white oak barrels, which produced a smoother, more refined spirit.
Over the years, Bacardi has grown from a small family business into a global powerhouse. The company has expanded its portfolio to include a variety of rum expressions and other spirits, continuously innovating while staying true to its roots, earning numerous awards and a loyal following worldwide.
Floor Plan of Bacardi Tower.
Nestled in Miami's lively Edgewater, the Bacardi Rum USA headquarters is an example of mid-century modern architecture. Adorned with intricate stained glass and mosaic tiles, the buildings stand as a symbol of Bacardi's rich legacy and artistic sensibility. Notably, the Bacardi buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018, further solidifying their cultural importance.
Exterior Elevation of Bacardi Annex.
Existing Conditions was chosen to provide accurate documentation for the repositioning of this architectural masterpiece due to our expertise with historic landmarks. Once the home office for Bacardi Rum USA, the building is now home to YoungArts, a non-profit organization, The Jewel Box, a museum, and the Nu Deco Ensemble. This project preserves the building’s historical significance while giving it a vibrant new role in the community.
Selected by STA Architectural Group, a Miami-based firm known for its expertise in preserving and enhancing historic structures, Existing Conditions was tasked with scanning this architectural masterpiece and providing a comprehensive Building Information Model (BIM) that captures its historical significance. This included delivering accurate floor plans and exterior elevation drawings that highlight the building's unique features.
The Existing Conditions’ Operations Team conducts a 3D laser scan on-site.
3D laser scanning offers numerous benefits, particularly for historic landmarks. These include:
Bacardi Annex, built in 1972, on Biscayne Boulevard, Miami.
Our work at the Bacardi USA headquarters not only showcases the beauty of mid-century modern architecture but also highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The documentation we provided will be used for years to come, aiding in the preservation of this historic landmark.
Bacardi Superior and Bacardi Black: A legacy of rum craftsmanship. PHOTO: sunsheng at Pixabay.
As we celebrate National Rum Day, it's the perfect time to appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of rum, particularly through the lens of Bacardi's legacy. Whether you're sipping a classic Bacardi cocktail or exploring the intricate details of their Miami headquarters, there's no better way to honor this iconic spirit.
To truly embrace the spirit of National Rum Day, try making a classic cocktail featuring Bacardi. Here’s a simple recipe to mix up a refreshing Bacardi cocktail:
Ingredients:
Instructions:
One of the most iconic elements of Bacardi is its bat logo. The bat, a symbol of good fortune, health, and family unity in Cuban culture. PHOTO: Olav Gressner at Pixabay.
National Rum Day is more than just an excuse to enjoy a delicious cocktail; it's a celebration of a spirit that has played a significant role in history and culture. Bacardi, with its rich legacy and innovative spirit, exemplifies the best of what rum has to offer.
Our project at the Bacardi Rum Company's headquarters in Miami not only highlights the architectural beauty of this landmark but also reinforces the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
Raise a glass to Bacardi and National Rum Day, and join us in celebrating the past, present, and future of this spirit!
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