Monday, March 30, 2009

Bacardi building, Havana

8 comments:

leftside said...

Bacardi's move out of Miami headquarters puts iconic building in danger.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to Bacardi for its court win over the regime!

Castro brothers meet rule of law!

leftside said...

Bacardi rum sucks. The real Havana Club (despite what a US judge says, based on an interpretation of the embargo law) is a far superior product. Their 8 anos best rum I've ever had...

Anonymous said...

ever had the 15 year old, incredible. and so many other cuban rums are exceptional -- my favorite right now is santiago. the only one i can't touch is Guayabita (sp) del Pinar. had it two times, both times passed out.Some don't consider it a rum at all, others do. me, its just evil.

leftside said...

Have not tried the 15 year old. Does anyone know where someone in the States can order it online??

Tom Gjelten's new book, Bacardi and the Long Fight For Cuba is a great read BTW.

Anonymous said...

lots of places to order on line but no one will ship to states. hope with the travel restriction efforts Americans will be able to go and buy it themselves. haven't read Gjelten's book, my impression was it was right sided? I may be mistaken.

leftside said...

Gjelten tries mostly to steer clear of politics. He clearly understands the reasons for the Revolution but also sides with the Bacardi's owners and managers at almost every turn - including when they were organizing bombing runs over Cuba. I enjoyed it mostly for the rich detail of life in Santiago and the rum business.

Anonymous said...

thanks, i've got so much reading material on the go i may pass on that.
fyi -- have you read any of Louis Perez Jr works? Two absolutely outstanding efforts.
Cuba in the American Imagination gives a clear historical perspective on how America viewed Cuba from the early 19th century, and how the media and politicians portrayed Cuba and its people (most always negatively) justifying the US intervention in war of independence and its control afterwards. Anyone who wants to understand the historical context of past, present and current US-Cuban relations should read this. and i wish the 'experts' would read it to as it is so clear on the insecurity and nationalistic feelings so deep rooted in the govt and supporters. Never does this ever come up when the experts, who for the majority i have little respect for, spew their views on cuba.
the other book by Perez is Cuba Between Reform and Revolution. Great history of cuba up to 2003, very balanced, both the good and bad, and so many shades of grey. another must read for anyone who wants to truly understand present day Cuban-American relationship and what's needed for normal relations. Again, so balanced and nuanced with tremendous research and expertise. I wish the experts would read that as well.