As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide some insight into why Bacardi 151 was discontinued. Bacardi 151 was a highly potent rum, containing 75.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), making it one of the strongest commercially available spirits. The name “151” actually refers to its proof, which is twice the ABV percentage.
One reason for its discontinuation is the potential danger associated with such a high alcohol content. Bacardi 151 was notorious for its flammability, earning it a reputation as a party trick or a dangerous cocktail ingredient. The high alcohol content made it highly flammable and could easily ignite when exposed to an open flame.
There have been numerous reports and lawsuits filed by individuals who suffered burns or injuries while attempting to ignite Bacardi 151. The flames produced by the rum could quickly get out of control, leading to accidents and injuries. These incidents raised concerns about the safety of the product and its potential for misuse.
The lawsuits filed by people who burned themselves while lighting Bacardi 151 likely played a significant role in the rum's discontinuation. The company may have faced legal pressure and liability for the injuries and damages caused by the flammable nature of the product. To avoid further legal complications and negative publicity, Bacardi likely made the decision to quietly discontinue Bacardi 151.
It is important to note that Bacardi 151 was not officially banned by any regulatory authorities. Instead, it was voluntarily discontinued by Bacardi due to safety concerns and legal issues. The decision to discontinue Bacardi 151 was likely a proactive measure to protect both the consumers and the company from potential harm and liability.
In my personal experience, I have witnessed the flammability of Bacardi 151 firsthand. During my time as a bartender, I have seen customers attempting to perform fire tricks or create flaming cocktails with Bacardi 151. While it can be an impressive sight, it is also incredibly dangerous and can easily lead to accidents if not handled with extreme caution.
To summarize, Bacardi 151 was discontinued due to safety concerns related to its high alcohol content and flammability. Lawsuits filed by individuals who suffered burns or injuries while using the product likely influenced Bacardi's decision. The company likely wanted to avoid legal complications and negative publicity associated with the misuse of Bacardi 151.