🥃 Bacardi 151

Bacardi 151 is an overproof rum from the Bacardi brand, made for the US and Canadian markets. The name comes from its strength of 151 proof, or 75.5% ABV, which is twice that of ordinary rum. Production stopped in 2016, so this is a discontinued brand, not a current product.

History. The Bacardi company was founded on 4 February 1862 by Don Facundo Bacardí Massó in Santiago de Cuba. Its assets in Cuba were confiscated by the government in 1960. As early as the 1930s the company had opened production outside Cuba, including in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Today Cataño, Puerto Rico, is home to the world's largest premium rum distillery. According to reference sources, Bacardi 151 was produced from at least 1963.

Why it was withdrawn. In the company's own words, the main reason was flammability. A metal flame arrestor had already been built into the bottle cap, but after an incident Bacardi decided in 2016 to end production, citing consumer safety. Our sources give no other official explanation.

How it was used. Because of its 151 proof, bartenders added the rum in a few drops or as a thin layer to tropical cocktails that needed a strong component. We do not suggest experiments with setting it alight: the vapors of such a spirit ignite easily, and this is dangerous. The company recommends substitutes from its own range, for example Ocho and Gran Reserva Diez.

Why this matters to you. Old bottles of Bacardi 151 hold collector interest, but the contents do not become safer with time. Under the US standard, rum must be distilled below 95% ABV and bottled at no less than 40% ABV; 75.5% ABV is far above that minimum. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.