What does Bacardi Rum Have to do with Ernest Hemingway?
What does Bacardi Rum Have to do with Ernest Hemingway?
Ernest Hemingway is an iconic literary figure who wrote many novels and short stories to great critical acclaim. Rivaling his love for words could be his affection for Bacardi rum.
Ernest Hemingway in Cuba
Ernest Hemingway traveled the world, writing books, meeting women (he was married four times) and drinking alcohol. But Cuba was one location he always returned to, especially during the winter months. He lived in or near Havana, sometimes with his wife of the moment, sometimes alone. Hemingway proved to be quite prolific while in Cuba, writing seven books including, For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Garden of Eden, Across the River and Into the Trees, and The Old Man and the Sea. He also spent considerable time at various bars, favoring La Bodeguita del Medio, which is often referred to today as La BdelM. It was at these watering holes where Hemingway drank the Mojito and the Daiquiri, the latter invented by American mining engineers working in Daiquiri, Cuba. Hemingway usually drank these cocktails with Bacardi Rum and helped to make them famous. He makes several references to Bacardi in his novels, proving his fondness for the Cuban rum.
Bacardi Tangerine and Diet Coke Cocktail
Bacardi Rum in Cuba
Bacardi Rum’s tumultuous history in Cuba is well documented. In1862 the Bacardi Brothers opened the Bacardi Rum distillery. The success of their business grew to such a degree that it was necessary to build distilleries in different parts of the country to meet a global demand. Their rum empire continued to grow until Fidel Castro took power, and began nationalizing companies like Bacardi, and putting an end to all capitalism. This changed everything.
Hemingway and Bacardi Move Out
In 1960 Castro nationalized Bacardi’s assets, prompting the steady two-year departure of the Bacardi family from Cuba. They moved their main headquarters to Puerto Rico where they had previously established a distillery in 1936, and resumed business after some quick reorganization. Their “home” had been taken away, but certainly not their will to become a global and well-respected brand. About the same time that Bacardi was adjusting to an unanticipated move, Hemingway relocated to Ketchum, Idaho, with rapidly deteriorating health. He had suffered many car accidents over the years and continued to drink heavily, despite doctors’ warnings.
In July 2, 1961, Hemingway shot himself in the head with his favorite shotgun.
Hemingway’s writing remained his biggest focus until the very end of his life. His connection to Bacardi rum and the Cuban lifestyle had a huge influence on his work, making the bars he frequented in Havana popular tourist stops today.
Bacardi Punch Cocktail
