Brugal & Co

Brugal & Co., C. por A., was founded in 1888 by Andrés Brugal Montaner in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Montaner, originally from Sitges, Spain, gained expertise in rum production while in Cuba before establishing his own company. The business has remained deeply rooted in the Brugal family, with fourth and fifth-generation descendants continuing to serve as Maestros Roneros, or master blenders. In 2008, The Edrington Group Limited, a Scottish distiller, acquired a majority stake in Brugal & Co., though the family continues to operate the company.

Brugal & Co. is renowned for producing a diverse range of rums. The production process begins with continuous column distillation at their distillery in San Pedro de Macorís, utilizing molasses sourced from the Dominican Republic. A key aspect of their approach is the extensive aging of their rums, primarily in American white oak barrels, many of which are ex-bourbon casks. Some of their premium expressions undergo a distinctive double-aging process, which includes a finishing period in Oloroso or Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.

What makes Brugal rums distinctive is their characteristic dry, clean, and oak-led style, a hallmark of Dominican rum. Every drop of Brugal rum is cask-aged, a practice that draws parallels to the maturation of single malt whiskies. The brand's bottles are also recognizable by their iconic netting, a tradition that began in 1940. Brugal has achieved significant recognition, becoming the market leader for rum in the Dominican Republic and expanding its presence internationally.

Among Brugal's notable expressions are Añejo, Extra Viejo, and the highly acclaimed 1888 Doblemente Añejo, which is celebrated for its double-aging in American and Spanish oak casks. Other significant releases include XV Reserva Exclusiva and the ultra-premium Papa Andrés, which was first made available to the public in 2013 and received the World's Best Super Premium Rum award. In 2021, Brugal 1888 was awarded a Gold Medal, and Brugal was named Dominican Republic Rum Distillery of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition.