BACARDI Toasts to a Festive Season with New Global Gift Packs Designed to Enjoy the Best of the Holidays

Hamilton, Bermuda, November 12, 2012—Bacardi Limited, the largest privately-held spirits company, lights up this year’s holiday season with new brand expressions and ultimate party ideas perfected through its 150-year history. BACARDÍ rum, the spirit that started it all, has been at the center of festivities since 1862 when Don Facundo Bacardí Massó revolutionized the spirits world by creating rum as we know it today. Chairman of Bacardi Limited and great-great grandson of the Bacardi founder, Facundo L. Bacardi: “I am very proud of my family’s history of helping our consumers create and celebrate events that become truly memorable in the same way our family hosted parties in our home in Cuba where every guest always felt special.”

“Consumers around the world rely on Bacardi for premium gift giving because they identify with our heritage and value our authenticity. They know from experience they’re giving the best,” said Ed Shirley, President and CEO of family-owned Bacardi Limited. “Since the very beginning, our products have made memorable gifts that consumers are happy to receive and proud to give.”

Premium Holiday Gift Packs

This season is particularly special for Bacardi as it coincides with the yearlong celebration of its 150th anniversary. For generations, Bacardi has designed gift packs that capture the excitement of the season. Consumers trust distinguished presentations to leave lasting impressions.

U.S.: BACARDÍ, the spirit that started it all, releases a limited-edition heritage pack recreating one of the earliest BACARDÍ Superior bottle designs and labels. Priced for all to enjoy at $19.99, the replica bottle is featured in the 150th anniversary advertising campaign and contains a specialty, hand-blended rum smooth enough to drink on the rocks. Be on the lookout for the TV spot as the 150th celebration continues.

Canada: Consumers can gift or collect custom designed BACARDÍ 150th anniversary graphic tins. Each, uniquely decorated with a selection of vibrant historical advertising imagery or iconic BACARDÍ bat logos, holds a bottle of BACARDÍ Superior rum. Tin is gift with purchase of BACARDÍ 750-ml, while supplies last.

U.S.: Scotch whisky lovers can enjoy DEWAR’S Blended Scotch whisky along with a functional bag, designed by menswear fashion house Freemans Sporting Club®, with a custom flask to accompany a bottle of DEWAR’S 18 Years Old—a smooth and creamy blend, double barrel aged and matured in vintage oak casks. 

U.K.: GREY GOOSE, the world’s best tasting vodka, offers a luxurious gift box which includes a bottle of GREY GOOSE, two crystal flute glasses and the recipe for making the perfect GREY GOOSE Le Fizz, the ultimate cocktail for a festive celebration at home. 

Brazil: Premium vodka connoisseurs will have two GREY GOOSE Special Christmas Packs to choose from featuring GREY GOOSE Original vodka with two martini cocktail glasses or two signature mixers. 

France: MARTINI offers a limited-edition collector’s pack to create the sensational MARTINI Royale cocktail. Mix 50/50 parts MARTINI Bianco with MARTINI Prosecco to enjoy in a signature glass—two of which are included. 

Russia and Eastern Europe: Gift givers can express themselves with a customizable MARTINI Asti seasonal package which includes a specialty marker to write on the bottle—decorated with three designs of stars, snowflakes and trees that illuminate when the lights go out. 

China and select Global Travel Retail: DEWAR'S offers The Master Blender’s Sensorial Experience Limited Edition Nosing & Tasting Kit, featuring three bottles of DEWAR'S White Label, DEWAR'S 12 Years Old and DEWAR'S 18 Years Old Blended Scotch whiskies. Gift recipients are guided through a QR code for an in-depth whisky appreciation tasting at http://www.dewars.com/taste. A special DEWAR'S White Label gift box and glass pack also features a QR code at www.dewars.com/white to offer an interactive taste experience, including ways to enjoy and cocktail recipes. 

Global Travel Retail: BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin lights up with ground-breaking packaging that features an illustration from the brand’s “Infused with Imagination” theme. Illuminates in stages to create a ‘cascade’ effect inspiring one’s imagination. 

Home Holiday Entertaining Tips

“People always ask me what the secret is behind great cocktails, gifts, parties and bars. It’s really simple: focus on the experience and only serve the best,” added Mr. Bacardi. “Our premium brands—from BACARDÍ, to GREY GOOSE, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, MARTINI, DEWAR’S, CAZADORES and more—do just that. They give you endless possibilities to ‘wow’ your guests. Over the years, I’ve stood by a few go-to tips that make any party memorable.”

As the ultimate party host and bartender, Facundo Bacardi shares his favorite holiday entertaining advice to help you serve the best cocktails this season:

Plan Ahead: Prepare cocktails in advance so they are easy to serve when your guests arrive. This leaves more time to enjoy and make great memories.Fresh Ingredients: Use seasonal ingredients to ensure the best quality and flavors.Use Good Ice: Cocktail insiders know ice made with great tasting water makes a big difference. For perfectly balanced cocktails, use one-inch cubes because they melt more slowly, keeping the drink intense for longer.Captivate the Senses: Enjoying premium spirits is all about the experience. Think about how your cocktail looks, its aroma, and the glass which holds it all together. A little garnish, like a lemon zest or cranberry, is a great way to tie your vision together.Quality Spirits: Have a variety of premium spirits available. Home bars should be stocked to satisfy the palates of all guests. The Bacardi family of great-tasting brands covers a wide range of bar calls— rum, vodka, gin, tequila, whisky, cognac, vermouth, liqueurs and sparkling wines.Signature Cocktail: Match the mood of the party or the hosts’ personality with a unique offering. For a coconut flavor with a hint of cinnamon, try the BACARDÍ Coquito, a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink.Food Pairings: Complement food with cocktails to bring out the unique flavors.Enjoy Responsibly: Always offer water, soft drinks and food to guests to prolong the good times. Encourage people to take a cab or use a designated driver.

For great-tasting holiday recipes visit bacardi.com, greygoose.com, dewars.com, martini.com, or bombaysapphire.com. And, to learn more about Bacardi and its 150-year heritage of starting great parties, visit www.BacardiLimited.com/150.