The Limited Art Collection is a Fusion of Two Unique Crafts Symbolizing Shared Passions, the Unwavering Bond of Familial Legacy, Latin Culture and Giving Back to Local Communities..
Home to more than 130 years of Dominican rum mastery, Brugal today unveils a limited-edition, luxury collection of bespoke Brugal 1888 bottles designed by celebrated Miami artist, Alexander Mijares. Using 11 of the iconic bottles as a canvas, Mijares drew parallels between his own life and the legendary rum house's storied history by depicting similar Latin heritage, shared love of family, the pursuit of passion, and the diverse, dynamic vibrancy of Miami culture. Unveiled in time for Miami Art Week, eight of the pieces will be available to the public after December 1 with one purchasable via auction, and proceeds will benefit a local South Florida charity.
The themes of family and legacy, as well as the thirst to explore and take inspiration from travel, resonated deeply with Mijares during a firsthand visit to Brugal's home in the Dominican Republic. Here, the family welcomed him with unmatched hospitality and toured him across the Dominican Republic, immersing him in their history. From this trip, Mijares was inspired by the various chapters of the family's 134-year story to create 11 works that detail the beauty behind the process of rum making, how the heart of the Brugal family is poured into every drop of rum they produce, the magic of the island of the Dominican Republic, and more.
Brugal was founded in 1888 by Don Andrés Brugal, who sailed from his natal Spain in pursuit of a dream to create a world-leading rum. He first landed in Cuba where he learned the art of rum making, before settling in Dominican Republic to start his company with his family. They first cultivated the land and sugar cane and then began to distill rum, harnessing the warmth of the tropical sun to imbue their spirit with complexity and flavor, before finally mastering the nuanced art of cask selection. Once the liquid was perfected, Don Andrés traveled across the island and later the world to share his exceptional Dominican rum. Each successive generation of Maestros continued in this pursuit while also imparting their own contributions. Since its founding, Brugal's liquid has maintained consistency in excellence and quality with expertise passed down through 5 generations of family Maestros Roneros, while the company has expanded to also prioritize local philanthropy in an effort to progress their beloved island home.
Mijares' one-of-a-kind works will be unveiled at the Perez Art Museum's Annual Art Basel Celebration on December 1, and eight bottles from the collection will be made available for public purchase afterward. One piece "Brugal Passion, Heart in a Glass" will be auctioned, with proceeds benefitting Special Compass, a South Florida-based organization that helps those with disabilities follow their passions and navigate life through education, sports, and housing, and achieve their dreams independently through inclusion. "Brugal Passion, Heart in a Glass" describes the never-ending pursuit of passion, a common goal shared by Brugal, Mijares and Special Compass. This is the only piece in the collection that features an original, hand-shaped sculpture designed to hold the custom bottle.
This is Brugal's second collection as part of a larger artist series. In 2021, Brugal unveiled 18 bottles encased in Huichol art designed by internationally recognized Mexican artist Cesar Menchaca. Additional global Artist Collections are anticipated through 2023.
For more information on Brugal and the Artist Collaboration Series, please visit https://www.brugal-rum.com.
