The Dangers and Misconceptions of Bacardi 151 Rum: A Personal Account

Recently, a friend and I embarked on a drunken adventure with a bottle of Bacardi 151 rum, which led to somewhat unexpected consequences. This 75.5 alcohol by volume (ABV) spirit is notorious for its flammability, a characteristic that is both fascinating and concerning. Bacardi eventually discontinued its production, not because of any inherent danger in the rum itself but due to a litany of lawsuits stemming from clumsy individuals attempting to showcase its flammability in potentially hazardous ways.

Personal Experience: A Drunken Night in Twickenham

Back in my mid-20s, when I lived in a flat in Twickenham with four other people, a bottle of Bacardi 151 made its way home from a trip to Houston. I was then in a particularly down mood, and it was that fateful night that I decided to bring down some of that rum. I tossed the cap into the garden and set about drinking it neat, a decision that led to an adventure I can barely recall. I remember filling a tumbler half full of the liquid—a feat that required a considerable amount of bravery. The resulting state, coupled with my impaired memory, led to me falling out of bed at a time when I was supposed to be at work for a US company. I scrambled into some clothes, rode my bike the two to three miles to Isleworth, and spent the afternoon attempting mindlessly to log into a computer terminal.

My boss, who checked on me several times throughout the day out of concern, found me alive but unproductive. That night, I reflected on the events and realized the urgency of not attempting to down shots of such high ABV alcohol. Drunk, I suggested that a fraction of that quantity might be harmful, emphasizing the importance of common sense in such matters.

Understanding Bacardi 151: Why It's Not for Shots

Bacardi 151, along with other similar spirits, is now primarily marketed for use in cocktails rather than as a shot. The high ABV (75.5% as in the case of Bacardi 151) makes it exceedingly dangerous to consume neat, as it would instantly ignite. Today, products like this are used to boost the alcohol content in mixed drinks, particularly in tropical “tiki” cocktails. It's crucial to follow the intended use to prevent accidents and health risks.

However, the question remains: is it dangerous to consume Bacardi 151 in any capacity? The answer is complex. It depends on several factors, including individual tolerance to alcohol, any existing allergies, and the quantity consumed. While Bacardi 151 is not recommended as a shot due to its extreme potency, it is still used in cocktails to complement flavors and balance sweetness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bacardi 151, with its 75.5% ABV, should never be consumed as a shot. Its dangers were realized by me and my flatmates 25 years ago, and the product is now used primarily for enhancing mixed drinks. If you're inclined to experiment with such a powerful spirit, ensure you do so with caution and within the context of its intended use.