In pursuit of making dreams a reality, BACARDÍ was founded on February 4th, 1862 by Don Facundo Bacardi Massó in Santiago de Cuba. Today, the BACARDÍ name is most commonly associated with their smooth, light-bodied rum spirit. Going back to the beginning of the story in 1862, Don Facundo Bacardi Massó purchased a small distillery, where he would revolutionize the rum-making process to deliver us the rum we know and love today. On the BACARDÍ label, you’ll notice a bat in the middle of the red circle. In the rafters of the distillery, Facundo’s wife, Dona Amalia, noticed a colony of fruit bats hanging. Bats are symbols of good health, family unity, and good fortune to the Spanish and Cuban Taíno Indians. In honor of what the bat symbolizes, it was the symbol of BACARDÍ. It would not be long before locals are asking for the rum of the bat. The distillery would go on to survive a fire, five earthquakes, and countless hurricanes. In 1888, BACARDÍ rum started growing in popularity and reputation quickly. By 1910, it was Cuba’s first multi-national company with operations in Barcelona, Spain, and New York City soon to follow. When prohibition went into effect, the company preserved and saw it through to the other side. By 1979, the BACARDÍ brand was recognized worldwide with sales near 16 million 9-liter cases, making it the world’s number one selling premium spirit brand.The BACARDÍ brand continues to evolve with society and the world with a focus on sustainability and celebrating the moments that matter one drink at a time.