THE SPIRIT OF BACARDI

WARREN ELLIS+MICHAEL ALLRED
Bacardi has commissioned British writer Warren Ellis and American artist Michael Allred to create this graphic novel that tells the stories behind the brand and its origins in Cuba. The book focuses on Emilio Bacardi, son of founder Don Facundo Bacardí Masso, and his work for Cuban independence in the late 18OOs. Emilio Bacardí was repeatedly imprisoned and exiled for his belief in an independent Cuba, but he persevered, eventually becoming the first freely elected Mayor of Santiago de Cuba. The graphic novel also touches upon early challenges the Bacardí family faced and overcame – including an earthquake that destroyed their city and a fire that ravaged their distillery. The book ends with the creation of the original Cuba Libre cocktail in 19OO. Drops of Bacardí Gold rum were added to the inks Allred used for his illustrations. Available to download at bacardi.com. A film about the book featuring Ellis and Allred is also available on Youtube.