Our exclusive emphasis on quality began in Santiago de Cuba where on February 4, 1862, Don Facundo Bacardi Masso purchased a small distillery and revolutionized rum making. After careful and systematic experimentation with a variety of ingredients, aging, and blends, Don Facundo created a new, smooth, light-bodied spirit - Bacardi rum - what the world now knows as premium light rum. It was this creation by Bacardi that revolutionized the spirits world, enabling the creation of an entire cocktail category and culture that remains vibrant today with its legendary creation of the first mixable rum.