Ron del Barrilito Opens its Visitor Center to Showcase its History to the World
The history and tradition that has characterized Ron del Barrilito for the past 139 years can now be known and experienced by the world, thanks to the opening of its Visitor Center. Edmundo B. Fernández, Inc., today made available to the public these meticulously designed tourist facilities, joined by a large group of businessmen, government officials and connoisseurs of the rum industry in Puerto Rico.
Edmundo B. Fernández, Inc. President José R. Colón Díaz said,
“The opening of the Visitor Center is an unequivocal expression of the commitment we made to preserve the history of Hacienda Santa Ana in Bayamón and the legacy of quality and dedication behind Ron del Barrilito. This Visitor Center is unique in its class because it is built on the same grounds that Ron del Barrilito was first produced in 1880. We have cared for every detail and spared no effort to preserve the history and the architectural essence of the old structure to showcase it to the world with great pride. As part of these efforts we used reclaimed wood from the original structure to cover the interior of the Center in order to transport visitors to a true and unique experience.”
Ron del Barrilito’s Master Blender Luis Planas, added,
“the new Visitor Center is a monument to the artisanal tradition of the oldest rum in Puerto Rico. Tradition that has survived almost intact, transferring from generation to generation, the deepest secrets of its original recipe and its elaboration process, which was first crafted by Don Pedro Fernández and perfected by Mother Nature through the aging process, which is much more than what it takes to age traditional rum. I feel great satisfaction in ensuring that the visitor will have a very intimate encounter with the product and will be able to understand why we have been recognized as the world’s finest sipping rum”
The Visitor Center will offer guided tours where participants will learn about the history of the Fernandez family, learn about the process of artisanal elaboration that is still in use today, they will be able to taste the offerings of Ron del Barrilito as well as prepare their favorite cocktails using, of course, Ron del Barrilito. The facilities also feature a cozy shop where specialty products can be purchased only at Hacienda Santa Ana.
“This Visitor Center will allow new generations to know how we craft Puerto Rico’s oldest rum, with the same formula, dedication and commitment of quality as in the XIX Century. And as a member of the fourth generation of the Fernandez family, it is an indescribable emotion to open and show the world the intimate history, work and legacy of my family originated here at Hacienda Santa Ana,”
said Mónica Fernández.
Hacienda Santa Ana was originally a sugar plantation founded in the late 1700s by the Fernández family in the area of Bayamón, and the production of rum began in the early 1800s.
Mayor of Bayamón Ramón Luis Rivera highlighted the contribution of the company to the economic and social development of the city of Bayamón.
“Hacienda Santa Ana, where Ron del Barrilito is produced, became the economic development engine of Bayamón in the 19th century, and with this re-launch and innovation, it once again becomes an economic pillar with great historical and tourism value. As a municipality, we have been alongside the private sector, in the search for new alternatives that result in the creation of new jobs and economic movement and this project, which has great historical value, is proof of that. Today we thank the great family of Ron del Barrilito for taking this important initiative,”
said the mayor of Bayamón.
This investment in the Visitor Center, close to two million dollars, joins other important initiatives that have been carried out during the past 12 months, among which is the launching of Ron del Barrilito Cinco Estrellas (a collector’s edition five-star rum, up to 35 years-aged), Hacienda Santa Ana Rum (its first rum in the overproof segment at 138º degrees proof), and the new gift packaging of Barrilito Tres Estrellas three-star rum.
The Center’s operating hours will be weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and guided tours start at 10:00 a.m., with the last one at 4:00 p.m. For more information or to book a tour visit our website: www.rondelbarrilito.com, write to our email address: info@rondelbarrilito.com or call 787-785-3490. Socialize with us on Facebook and Instagram @rondelbarrilitopr.
Hacienda Santa Ana: Established in 1787 in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, by the Fernández Family. In its beginnings, it was a sugarcane plantation, and as many family-owned sugarcane plantations, they produced their own rum for personal consumption.
Edmundo B. Fernández, Inc. is the parent company responsible for the production, bottling, and distribution of Ron del Barrilito. The family patriarch, Mr. Pedro B. Fernández, infused the Ron del Barrilito brand and its quality with the French influence he himself learned and acquired while studying engineering in France during the 19 th century. From its beginning, Ron del Barrilito has been located in one of the main sugar estates in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
Ron del Barrilito is a premium-quality rum, awarded and recognized by experts as one of the best rums in the world. This rum is handcrafted since 1880 using its original recipe. It has four products: Ron del Barrilito Two Stars, which is aged for three to five years; Ron del Barrilito Three Stars, aged for six to ten years; Ron del Barrilito Five Stars, 35 years-aged limited collector’s edition; and Ron Hacienda Santa Ana our first foray into the cask strength /over proof segment, at 138° proof.
For more information: www.RondelBarrilito.com
Source: Press Release
