About this rum

Carta Blanca is where the Bacardi story begins. Don Facundo Bacardí Massó spent years refining his method in Santiago de Cuba before releasing this light rum in 1862, and its recipe still sets the template for white rum around the world. Two styles of rum, one heavier and one drier and lighter, are aged separately in lightly charred ex-bourbon barrels for one to two years, then filtered through charcoal to take out the colour while keeping the smoothness the oak brings. The global home of production is Casa Bacardi in Cataño, Puerto Rico.

The result is crystal clear and dry, with delicate notes of vanilla and almond, a touch of tropical fruit and a light, clean finish. It is the rum the classic Daiquiri and Mojito were built around, and the reliable workhorse for anyone stocking a home bar for a crowd. Easy to mix and easy to like.

Key facts

• The original Bacardi rum, first made in 1862 by Don Facundo Bacardí Massó in Santiago de Cuba
• Blend of heavy- and light-bodied rums aged separately in lightly charred ex-bourbon casks for 12 to 24 months
• Charcoal filtered after ageing for a clean, clear spirit
• International production at Casa Bacardi in Cataño, Puerto Rico

Tasting notes

Nose:

light citrus, vanilla and toasted almond

Palate:

clean and dry with a gentle sweetness, vanilla and a hint of tropical fruit

Finish:

short, crisp and smooth

Serve

In a classic Daiquiri (60 ml rum, 25 ml fresh lime, 15 ml sugar syrup, shaken and served straight up) or a Mojito with fresh mint, lime and soda.

Food pairing

Pairs well with Chinese-Bengali chilli fish or crisp fish fingers, and with ceviche or Cuban-style grilled pork.