Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba

by Tom Gjelten

Audiobook

Published August 8, 2017

Reviews

[Connor Awrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing story of a family and business that scrapped its way through every possible obstacle to become one of the biggest family-run companies in the world. The focus is always on Bacardi but it takes you through Cuban history, colonialism, revolution, business and politics. Emilio Bacardi’s life could/should be made into a movie.

Bittersweet in the way that the company has become yet another corporate giant - flexing its money and power to influence laws to its advantage.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Facundo Bacardí Massó immigrated from Spain to Cuba in 1830. Upon arrival, he began attempting to cultivate a tame and flavorful type of rum. He started with sugar cane from the island, experimented with charcoal filtration and other distillation methods, and aging in white oak barrels. The family ran into some issues, such as Facundo's son being arrested twice during the Cuban War of Independence. During the war, the family struggled to keep the business alive, ultimately moving the business primarily to Miami, Florida. There are many remaining historical buildings relating to the family and the history of the Bacardi Rum brand in both Cuba and the United States.

I do not drink often and rum is not my choice of drink, but I have tried Bacardi Rum before. I did find it to be flavorful. I do drink Grey Goose, which Bacardi has purchased. They have purchased several other brands as well and have a decent holding. I bought this book because it contained content about conflict in Cuba, but found it to be a really interesting read about this company. I am not mad at this book.

[Jill Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read! I learned so much about Cuba and the Bacardi family…