Bacardí has announced Astrophel “Troy” Arquiza as the new Global Master Blender for Bacardí rum (the “Maestro de Ron”).
Originally from the Philippines, Troy has spent more than two decades with family-owned Bacardi, honing his craft as a rum blender and training for many years under industry legend José “Joe” Gomez, who is retiring after 41-years with Bacardi and who Troy now succeeds in the prestigious role.
With the title of Maestro de Ron, Troy will continue the legacy of his predecessors, following the same exacting standards set forth in Santiago de Cuba almost 160 years ago when Don Facundo Bacardí Massó created Bacardí Carta Blanca, the first mixable rum.
“Troy has everything it takes to be a truly amazing Master Blender – an eye for quality, deep knowledge and love of the rum-making process, respect for the past and a vision for the future,” commented Jean-Marc Lambert, Senior Vice President, Global Operations for Bacardi. “It’s an exciting and historic moment as he becomes the Maestro de Ron for Bacardí.”
Based at the largest premium rum distillery in the world, Casa Bacardí, in Cataño, Puerto Rico, Troy will head up a team of rum blenders with responsibility for protecting the integrity and quality of every drop of Bacardí rum enjoyed around the world.
He will also oversee the distillation and aging of Bacardí rum, help develop new innovations that continue to lead the dynamic rum category and share his passion and skills to nurture a future generation of Master Blenders.
“It is truly an honor and privilege to become the Global Master Blender for Bacardí rum,” said Troy Arquiza. “Rum making is an art as much as it is a science, and it is a dream come true to be able to spend every day practicing that art as we create Bacardí rum under the Caribbean sun. I have the world’s best job!”
In his new role, Troy joins a prestigious family of Master Blenders and Master Distillers including Stephanie Macleod, Dewar’s Blended Scotch whisky; Anne Brock, Bombay Sapphire gin; David Rodriquez, Patrón tequila; Beppe Musso, Martini vermouth; and François Thibault, Grey Goose vodka, whose expertise help craft the iconic drinks in the Bacardi portfolio.
For more information, head over to Bacardi’s official website.
