It was a cause for celebration last night as we hit Archeo in the Distillery District for the 150-year anniversary of one of Canada`s young professionals’ favourite rum, Bacardi Limited. The evening marked the Toronto edition of Bacardi`s global series of birthday parties. Germany kicked it off a few days prior, hosting the first party on January 28th, and the United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East will soon follow.
We were instantly transported to times past – way back to the roaring 20s, in fact – the moment we walked through the doors. Much to our delight, the ladies were handed fascinators and the men fedoras by an assortment of authentic looking flapper girls who greeted us immediately upon entry. Shortly after, we were stoked to get our hands on a Cuban cigar from a bubbly cigarette girl, a much appreciated gift for our cigar-loving counterparts.
A cozy corner at the front of the historic space featured a cigar roller as well as an assortment of nostalgic pictures and Bacardi paraphernalia that reflected the brand’s rich history. Elsewhere, vintage Bacardi advertisements peppered the walls and inspired conversation among the crowd of dapper-looking men and fashionable 1920s-esque women.
We learned of Bacardi’s history as told by Toronto veteran actor John Evans, who taught the crowd a thing or two about this cocktail hour staple. Later, we enjoyed both a perfectly muddled Bacardi Mojito as well as a Bacardi Hand-shaken Daiquiri. Other drink options included The Cuba Libre or the Bacardi and Cola Sour; or, of course, the Bacardi on its own. The event also featured a very special limited edition Bacardi rum – Ron BACARDÍ de Maestros de Ron, Vintage, MMXII – to commemorate Bacardi’s 150 years of rum-making. Truly limited, lucky Bacardi lovers can grab one of these 400 coveted decanters at select international airports and premium retail establishments around the world.
Though we couldn’t stay (work duties called), we hear the party continued well into the evening as the crowd danced the night away to the live jazz band.
Cheers to a very happy 150th birthday, Bacardi! We were honoured to be a part of the celebration.