“If you can’t get to paradise, I’ll bring it to you,” promised Donn Beach. This summer, at Bari’s Luau Tiki Bar, that promise took shape. Casa Eminente chose the venue of Davide Mitacchione — rum connoisseur and visionary host — for a seasonal residency that turned the bar into an immersive homage to Cuban rum. For the entire summer, the pared-back warmth of paladares inspired the design, while cocktails arrived with illustrated tarot cards, alongside guided tastings and a journey into the soul of Eminente.
Distilled in Cuba’s Villa Clara province under Maestro Ronero César Martí, Eminente became the narrative thread of the experience, explored through three expressions: Ámbar Claro, Reserva, and Gran Reserva.
The Four Signature Cocktails of the Eminente Tasting Experience
Behind the counter, four original cocktails told their story, each paired with a symbolic card echoing its flavour profile. “Spirito National”, tied to the tarot of Isla del Cocodrilo, mixed Ámbar Claro with lime, falernum, pineapple syrup, and pimento bitters. “Jungle Tai”, with its forest illustration, brought together Ámbar Claro, Reserva, mezcal, Cuban coffee bitters, lime juice, and a homemade tiki blend.
Nui, inspired by a rising sun, combined Ámbar Claro infused with olives, acid solution, and orange bitters. Adelante, depicted as a flame between two faces, blended Reserva with brut sparkling wine, lime, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and basil.
A Journey Through the Spirit of Cuba
To complete the experience, the Eminente Tasting at Luau Tiki Bar offered a vertical flight of all three rums, inviting guests to trace the contrasts between aguardientes and light rum, to see the hand of ageing, and to recognise the signature of each blend. The journey closed with a retail corner, where bottles came with technical notes for those who wished to take the story home. And for those who couldn’t reach paradise? This summer, Eminente brought it straight to Puglia.
The article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers. Order your copy here
Images courtesy Eminente Rum
In partnership with Moët Hennessy
