During the second half of the 19th century, Andrés Brugal Montaner, a Spanish national who had migrated from Sitges, Catalonia, Spain to Santiago de Cuba, decided to move to the Dominican Republic and take up permanent residence in Puerto Plata. While in Cuba, Don Andrés acquired expertise in the making of rum, and based on that experience he founded Brugal & Co. in Puerto Plata, the company produces several different kinds of rum. After introducing its dark rum into the market in 1888. It would mark the beginning of a long family tradition. Don Andrés, unknowingly, would become the forebearer of entrepreneurial leadership in Dominican society. In 1920 the company's first warehouses were built for the ageing of rum in oak barrels. By 1976, with Extraviejo, the company developed the Premium rum segment in Dominican Republic. In 1998 Brugal & Co. launched Brugal Limón, Brugal Pasión and Unico. In 2005, the company launched 5-liter steel dispensing barrels for its medium and low-tier brands. Today, the chairman George Arzeno Brugal and most of the board members are direct descendants of the founder of the company. Brugal is enjoyed neat, over ice, mixed with Coca-Cola which is commonly referred to as a "cuba libre", mixed with 7-up which is commonly referred to as a ‘santo libre’. Some people mix Brugal with fresh fruit juices. It is also usually the main ingredient in Mama Juana which is a drink that is rumored to have qualities as an aphrodisiac.
Operations
Brugal has factories in Puerto Plata where the rums are produced. The distribution and marketing offices are located in the capital city ofSanto Domingo, and there is also a regional office in Santiago de los Caballeros, the Dominican Republic's second largest city. The company creates several varieties of rum, each with a distinctive taste. Brugal has international presence in many of the Caribbean islands, the United States, Canada, India and Europe, where Spain and Italy are the largest consumers.
Edrington acquisition
On February 6, 2008, Brugal & Co. made public that The Edrington Group, a large Scottish distilling company, won control of the company by acquiring a majority shareholding. In a press release, the Brugal family assured that production will continue within the Dominican Republic and that they will remain as shareholders and have an active role in managing the company and brand. Figures published indicate that the price paid by Edrington for a holding of just over 60% was in excess of £200million.
