DRINK CULTURE
Bacardi Fêtes 150 Years in the Spirits Business
Bacardi is celebrating its 150th anniversary with
widespread birthday parties, new concepts and a special, limited-edition blend of rum. The company has declared that 2012 will be its
most innovative year since 1862, when it fi rst created Bacardi rum. The festivities will include parties, special promotions—featuring 100 years of advertising, a $2,000 limited-edition decanter of rare rum, exclusive travel and commemorative gift offers—and more to help consumers and operators share in the company's festivities. The fi rst 150th
birthday party was held in Germany in
January, followed by Canada and many other parts of the world in February. The consumer promotions kicked off at www.facebook.com/bacardi, which has more than two million fans. To commemorate the occasion, eight Maestros de
Ron—all Bacardi family members—have collaborated to create a limited-edition rum, Ron Bacardi de Maestros de Ron, Vintage, MMXII. A blend of rums aged for at least 20 years in oak barrels and fi nished in 60-year-old Cognac barrels in a crystal decanter and retails for $2,000. Only 400 decanters are available for purchase.
Fiery Pepper Helping Fire Fighters
As part of Southern
Comfort's Fiery Pepper product launch, the company asked its Facebook fans to post a story about a fi refi ghter in their life who deserved recognition. Southern Comfort later made a donation of $25,000 to the National Fallen Firefi ghters Foundation in the name of all the fi refi ghters mentioned on the page. Th e NFFF's mission is to
honor and remember America's fallen fi re heroes and provide resources to assist their survivors. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the organization can visit www.fi rehero.org.
CORRECTIONS: In the January/February 2012 issue of Cheers, Kathy Casey's company was incorrectly identifi ed. She is the owner and president of Kathy Casey Food Studios and Liquid Kitchen, an international agency specializing in food, beverage and restaurant/hospi- tality concept consulting. We apologize for any confusion.
8 | MARCH 2012 New York Drinks
New York A new program to raise awareness
about the quality of New York wines was recently launched by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. Th e series of tastings and events called "New York Drinks New York," includes cellar visits to the Hudson Valley Region, Finger Lakes and Long Island, as well as the New York City market that 38 wineries participate in and a dedicated website, www.nydrinksny.com. Th e event is slated to have wrapped up on March 12th with a tasting of New York wines at the Astor Center in Manhattan.
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Bacardi Oakheat and Cola being made at the Toronto birthday party (above). The Ron Bacardi de Maestros de Ron, Vintage, MMXII (right).
