It has been a year since the launch of Brugal 1888: Gastronomic Rum, a collaboration where fluid gastronomy meets high cuisine. The project aims to blend the nuances of Brugal 1888 with top culinary experiences through a unique and exclusive gastronomic route.
Rota returns to Alicante for a second edition this year, visiting 15 venues that will host the initiative until February 2023. In each spot, guests can savor gastronomic offerings inspired by and paired with Brugal 1888.
Chef Maria José San Román, renowned for earning two Repsol Suns, guides the Alicante route. She unveiled the plan at her Monastrell restaurant on Thursday, November 24. Based on the double aging of Brugal 1888, San Román crafted two dishes for this event, a starter and a main course: a lobster and beetroot velvet built around Brugal 1888 and a saffron rice with eggplant, quail, and oloroso wine from Terramón. Both dishes are available at the starting venue of the route, while the movement along the route continues.
The kitchens at Maria José San Román’s five restaurants Monastrell, La Cubierta, La Encubierta, La Vaquería, La Taberna del Gorumet and 3BK center on product respect, provenance, texture and taste. Sherry flavors are a constant presence, reflecting how the Brugal 1888 aging inspired a very organic pairing. For the rice dish, San Román used an Oloroso wine to echo the spirit that inspired the menu.
Chef Maria José San Román leads this initiative from Monastrell.
“I chose rice because it represents the Mediterranean diet, a cuisine that historically includes sherry in its early recipes. The alliance with Brugal 1888 lets me reinterpret that foundation, honoring the wisdom and traditions of those who came before. You must know and cultivate the roots. Gastronomy is like an old tree that has been planted and needs care,” explains the chef.
The venues hosting this year’s Brugal 1888: Gastronomic Rum route alongside Monastrell are Moments Bar, Path, World, Three Monkeys, Villa Antonia, Santa Luzia Mansion, Oz Gastroclub, Pelican, Barrazero Bistro, Xarxa, Mauro, Snobby Restaurant, and Y 26 Lounge Bar.
Brugal 1888: Why Gourmet Rum?
Brugal 1888 offers a demanding flavor profile thanks to its distinctive double aging. First, the liquid rests in old bourbon American oak, then it matures again in oloroso sherry barrels, creating a palate of nuanced aromas. The dark amber color signals a refined maturation, carrying spicy notes of chocolate, coffee, cinnamon, and dried fruit on the nose. The aroma is strong yet light in the mouth, with subtle caramel, wood, and licorice hints. The finish is long, smooth, and pleasant through the last drop.
Diversity and depth shades Brugal 1888 when it is paired with the best regional cuisine. The aim is to craft unforgettable experiences where gourmet cocktails meet gourmet flavors around the table, says Paloma Puerto, Brand Manager for Brugal 1888.
Each venue will present a tasting menu paired with Brugal 1888.
A Gastronomy Route with Four Famous Chefs
From now until February 2023, Brugal 1888: Gastronomic Rum will travel across the national region, focusing on Alicante, Madrid, Bilbao and Marbella. Four cities are connected to four leading chefs in this second edition: Maria José San Román, Rafa Záfra, Fernando Canales and Dani García.
These four chefs, each with three Michelin stars and up to 14 Repsol Suns, bring a bold gastronomic vision that ties closely to the cities where they work. Each interpretation of Brugal 1888 brings the spirit of the liquid closer to the flavors these chefs grew up with.
The quartet, like San Román, created two dishes that can be enjoyed at their restaurants. In total, more than 60 catering establishments will offer Brugal 1888 paired gastronomic experiences through February 2023.
People seeking to enjoy the Brugal 1888: Gastronomic Rum experience can find more detailed information about participating venues on Brugal Spain’s social channels.