Over 4,300 miles from London, in a city shored by crystal blue water and white sand beaches, over 250,000 oak barrels of rum are being traditionally aged. The city is Puerto Plata, and the rum, Brugal. True to their heritage (the company was founded in 1888), Brugal is the only rum produced, aged and bottled in the Dominican Republic – and it remains very much a family business. With an unwavering emphasis on quality, Brugal uses only locally sourced ingredients, perhaps explaining its long held position as the favourite rum of the Caribbean. The number one rum in Spain, Brugal also enjoys popularity a little closer to home.
Brugal possesses a distinct and refreshingly dry flavour, making it perfect for mixing simple yet delicious drinks. Thanks to The Great Gatsby, 1920s inspired cocktail parties are the only kind of event you want to be hosting this summer, and the Santo Libre cocktail – served in a classic highball – is certain to please.
The Recipe
Fill a highball glass with ice. If your drinks cabinet is looking a little bare, Darlington Crystal make fantastic quality versions of these glasses (£32 for two, John Lewis). Add one or two parts Brugal Aňejo Superior Rum, then top it with ice cold Sprite. Finally, finish it off with a garnish of fresh lime.
For an extra special occasion, Brugal have also launched their award winning Papá Andrés rum for sale for the first time. Enjoyed by the Brugal family for generations and voted the world’s best super-premium rum, the run is limited to just 50 bottles. For the true connoisseur, this legendary drink is now available at a price of £850.
