Daiquiri Article 1916
This is from THE SOUTH AMERICAN, November 1916, pg. 24:
"Who Discovered "Bacardi," the Famous Cuban Drink "Nobody," Says D. S. De Jongh Who Dispels a Popular Illusion and Doubtless Starts a Violent Controversy.
By John Vavasour Noel
"To those who know their Cuba, either by living in that wonderful land
of plenty and magnificent climate, or they that once did breathe its air
under the spell of the tropics and the fitful shade of the palm tree, the
magic word 'Bacardi' has a daily or reminiscent meaning. It is not merely
rum or 'ron,' but 'Bacardi.' It is spoken almost affectionately, a thing
apart, in another class from the ordinary distillation of the sugar cane."
"Thus," said D. S. DeJongh, in his New York office, to a representative of THE SOUTH AMERICAN, who wandered in asking for enlightenment on the many tales of discovery by bibulous explorers of the famous Cuban drink.
"Santiago de Cuba," he continued, "was its cradle, and since 1862 it has sent out increasing quantities of specially prepared rum under the old pot-still process, to the entire satisfaction of the Cubans, and later to those 'who knew.' The Spanish-American war popularized it to the Army and Navy, as well as to the newspaper men and all visitors to Cuba. They soon found that 'Bacardi' left no bad taste; that it was a good mixer and that with the addition of lime-juice it made a wonderful high-ball or a delectable 'Daiquiri,' of which more later.
"The fame of 'Bacardi' soon spread, and returning sailors and soldiers carried home many jugs or bottles and also shipped it in barrels. With it, tradition syas, the sale of limes (there are no sour lemons in Cuba) increased, and the demand for this citrus fruit was also stimulated by the devotees of the 'Daiquiri.'
"Once home," went on the interviewee, "they found it difficult to secure 'Bacardi,' as the demand for it in Cuba was so great that the firm of Bacardi & Company were unable, much to their regret, to supply the requirements of American patrons.
"Consequently, interest in it died out, and the friends of 'Daiquiri' in America were obliged to turn toward gin rickies, in which limes, already made popular for use in 'Daiquiris,' are utilized.
"Since 1908, however, the sale of 'Bacardi' has assumed remarkable proportions and is now obtainable everywhere. Its old friends have returned to it and have told others about Cuba's national drink. With this reviving interest, due to a systematic distribution, have come wonderful tales of those who were the original discoverers of the drink. Some are weird yarns of over-imaginative minds, and other stories told in good faith. A book about them would make interesting reading, but the truth is that Facundo Bacardi founded the business in the year 1862. Upon his death in 1888, he left it to his two sons, Emilio and Facundo, and a partner, Enrique Schueg. The business was well established and carefully organized at the time Santiago fell. In proof of this is the photograph taken in Havana nearly twenty years ago, showing an advertising poster of 'Bacardi Ron' (_ron_ being Spanish for rum).
"A discoverer's favorite story is that while wandering around Santiago the intrepid explorer discovered a cave or cellar where wonderful 'ron' was served, under primitive conditions and the shadow of huge casks--a century-old product. Of course the hoary old Spaniard knew nothing of the potent charm or value of that exquisite drink, and they bought for trifling sums huge jugs which were the envy of their mates. Finally, they were told the great secret and shown the path to the mysterious cave. The owner was humbly grateful to the Americans and in time by refilling his casks with newer rum did a wonderful business and established the foundation for the present great industry which turns out over ten thousand barrels per month.
"Another story," smilingly continued Mr. DeJongh, "is that the hoary old Spaniard, collarless and besandaled, supposed to be the original Bacardi, had no special name for his rum, and the 'Boys' christened it on the spot at the first sampling by his patronymic. It is a pity to spoil a good story but the Bacardi family has for generations taken a leading part in Santiago society, and Don Facundo was a most cultured man.
"Now, the Daiquiri, well beloved in the Navy, before Daniels upset the rum cart, has a story of its own. To begin with, it is made of Bacardi, lime juice and a little sugar, shaken up or stirred and served with cracked ice--really an old-fashioned cocktail.
"Three mining men, of international reputation, identified with the famous mines of Daiquiri, at the extreme easterly end of Cuba, not far distant from Santiago, were imbibing an old-fashioned decoction at the Casa Grande, the Delmonico of that locale. One of the partners of Bacardi joined them, and instead of spirits from Scotland asked for the product of Cuba, which aroused the curiosity of the others and led to a trial of the beverage, which was immediately pronounced excellent. Then and there it was most felicitously baptized 'Daiquiri,' from which place its fame and name has radiated in all directions." (...)
