Bacardi 8 from Bahamas?

[bluewave6]

I noticed on my bottle of Bacardi 8 that is says product of the Bahamas I guess I always assumed it was from PR like most of the other Bacardi rums with the exception of the Solera and Anjeo. So does Bacardi contract out with another distiller from the Bahamas to age and bottle this rum or is there an actual Bacardi distillery in the Bahamas that I never noticed?

[Edward Hamilton]

Bacardi has several distilleries around the world including the Bahamas, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

[justbob]

Yep, it is on the south side of Nassau.

[TheRumelier]

Bacardi are actually in the process of closing down the Nassau Distillery. What happens with Bacardi 8 then I'm not sure. Maybe they will switch production to Puerto Rico or Mexico. Bacardi 8 has become one of my favourite rums, it has a very distinct flavour from the small sherry kegs it is aged in. I hope they will keep this rum the same in the future.

[Rum Runner]

I agree that Bacardi 8 has a flavour profile that is unique to their other offerings..And one I quite like.

I admit that I did not know they are using sherry casks for aging this product. I wonder if this accounts for the "toffee" aroma and flavour I find prevelant in this rum? It certainly is a "heavy" rum compared to the rest of their line-up.

I believe Ed announced the closing of the Nassau site some time ago in "Rum News"

Whether they continue this product upon closing of the Nassau facilty remains to be seen.

[TheRumelier]

There was a Bacardi 5 knocking around for a while, I only have a miniature bottle of this though. There was talk of Prichards trying to take over the distillery as he wanted his rum to have a Caribbean feel to it! Not sure what the latest on the sale of the distillery is, if there is any at all.

[Torpnubber]

This is killing me.

I can't keep up with all of the disappearing rums.

Zaya, Cruzan Estate Diamond, now Bacardi 8.
Everytime there's a new announcement on the board, I feel the compusion to run out and get a couple of bottles before the golden spirit is no more.
It's putting a dent in the wallet, as well :(

[RumBarPhilly]

Nobody said Bacardi 8 will disappear. Zaya isnt diappearing, just relocating, and Cruzan Diamond, well... who knows...

For every rum that disappears from this world, there are 5 new rums to take its place. Not sure how long this bull market of rum will last, but lets enjoy and give cheers to all the varieties of rum that are available that werent around just 15 years ago.

[rumdog007]

RumBarPhilly I wish I could share your optimism. You are right on the money when you write of the new and great products. But, I must say that Zaya did a little bit more than relocate. I have tasted the 2 different blends/producers and they can both be called good rums. The old Zaya is Botran all the way, somewhere in between the 15 and the 23 year old Zacapas. A sweet caramel coming out of the blend. The new Zaya is Angostura through and through with vanilla poking out at you. Also, it is drier. I like them both, but prefer the old Zaya. I can say, without reservation, that the "old" Zaya is gone for good. The Cruzan 5 year is another story. I will wager anyone that it is gone for good, too. I know, I know they say it's just a hiccup in production, but consumer products rarely reappear. The good news is that there is still plenty on the shelves to enjoy. ED5 is a real gem in price and taste. Bacardi 8 has not been a stellar sales performer is what I have heard.

[RumBarPhilly]

I am glad Ive got my two remaining bottles of old Zaya, as there is now only 3 bottles left in all of PA with the nearest bottle being at a store in the Poconos (5 hrs north). Maybe I should have grabbed a few while I was down in Florida last week, it was everywhere!

The Bacardi 8, never been a big fan of. If it were to get replaced with a new blend, I could get excited.

At the bar, products frequently disappear, as distributors hone their portfolios and its caused us to lose a great deal of wonderful rums like Angostura 1919, Matusalem G.R., Beleza Pura, and Appleton 21 just to name a few. But attaining new rums like Vizcaya, El Dorado, Sgt Classick, Cockspur makes it a constant flow of rums.

While I dont know THAT much about other spirits, I find it curious that rums come and go so easily, whether through production, importing, or distribution. Never see vodkas coming and going as they please, though I wish some of them would just go.

[rumdog007]

Never see vodkas coming and going as they please, though I wish some of them would just go.

Amen on that!

[TheRumelier]

I'm hopefully attending a Bacardi conference in Mexico next month (tropical storms pending) so will try and get the skinny on the future of Bacardi 8. Sitting here drinking a large glass of it, I can't imagine they will discontinue it.(not the one in the photo!)
It grows more and more on me each time I drink it. Just aswell I get a rum allowance!!!

[Rum Runner]

I'm hopefully attending a Bacardi conference in Mexico next month (tropical storms pending) so will try and get the skinny on the future of Bacardi 8. Sitting here drinking a large glass of it, I can't imagine they will discontinue it.(not the one in the photo!)
It grows more and more on me each time I drink it. Just aswell I get rum allowance!!!

I like it's over the top butterscotch nose and flavour too. It does wonders to a nice home made pound cake...
It ain't bad with a cube of ice also.

[Carbon]

What are the differences in taste between the Bacardi 8 and the Bacardi Solera? Both are $20 a bottle here in Oregon, so I was curious what the differences are. I know what the solera process refers to, but I'm wondering if there was anyone that has tasted both of them and could give some insight.

PS: I think the Solera is from Mexico.

[Bluehammer]

What are the differences in taste between the Bacardi 8 and the Bacardi Solera? Both are $20 a bottle here in Oregon, so I was curious what the differences are. I know what the solera process refers to, but I'm wondering if there was anyone that has tasted both of them and could give some insight.

PS: I think the Solera is from Mexico.


It is my understanding that the Solera is aged 3 years and the 8 is well, 8 years. If I am mistaken please let me know and I will stand corrected. I do find that Bacardi products tend to have a distict and unique taste/flavor. A little harsh for me in the white rum, kinda dull in the Anejo, and spot on for the 8. Just my two cents.


By the way, love the site. Thanks for all the good info.

[rumdog007]

Forgive me if I seem a little harsh, but I am not too convinced that the term solera applies in the purist's sense to Bacardi's product. Yes, they may blend to a "strict" definition in accordance, but not the in the "spirit", of the solera process. The Bacardi Solera is one of their better tasting mixing rums. But, I always taste something else going on in the brew. It's a tad manipulated and flavored in my less-than-expert-opinion. The Bacardi 8, while not an 8 year rum, is a completely different story. I genuinely like it. It's future is not assured, though.

[Edward Hamilton]

Thanks rumdog, if Bacardi 8 was an 8 year old rum I am confident that it would say Aged 8 years on the label.
Since I've only ever seen that rum come from the Bahamas, and they are closing that distillery, the future of that blend is uncertain. I don't they will discontinue the label, but I expect a change in the flavor. Hopefully, I'll be wrong again.

[Michael]

...
I don't they will discontinue the label, but I expect a change in the flavor. Hopefully, I'll be wrong again.

We're not taking any chances and will pick up a few more bottles for future reference. Thanks to all for the repeated notice.

We also found Rum Runner's reference to home made pound cake intriguing and would welcome some detail. Was the Bacardi 8 included in the recipe or poured on the finished cake?

[Rum Runner]

Bacardi has the capacity to produce whatever they wish, wherever they wish.

Why they chose to produce "8" in the Bahamas and their "Solera" in Mexico remains a mystery to me. My point being is that they can reproduce the flavor profile of their "8" if they care to devote a still "run" to it. Whether they will or not remains to be seen.

Michael, My better half makes a home made pound cake to die for. While still warm from the oven..she drizzles a bit of the "8" over the top..I take a whisk to the heavy cream and froth up a cane sugar sweetened vanilla flavored "Creme Chantilly".

We love this treat as a dessert...Or almost anytime when we just want to indulge.

[Bluehammer]

if Bacardi 8 was an 8 year old rum I am confident that it would say Aged 8 years on the label.


You are right. I should have actaully looked at my bottle before responding. Thanks for keeping me in check.

[gatomalo]

if Bacardi 8 was an 8 year old rum I am confident that it would say Aged 8 years on the label.

Ed, what does the "8 aсos" refer to if it is not a statement of age?

[Dv8er]

Whether they continue this product upon closing of the Nassau facilty remains to be seen.

The Bacardi 8 Anos is still going to be in the market even if their Nassau facility is to close. Has anyone tried their "Reserva Limitada" or how about "Casa Bacardi"?