Name: Brugal 1888 / Orsoni Venezia 1888 Collection
Brand: Brugal Rum
Availability: InStock

PRESENTING

Brugal 1888 /
Orsoni Venezia 1888

Brugal 1888 is proud to launch our latest masterpiece – a special collaboration that brings together the time-honoured artistry of two legendary brands: Brugal and Orsoni Venezia 1888. Discover a stunning collection of artworks by renowned mosaicists showcasing centuries of tradition and mastery.

One-of-a-Kind Art Inspired by a One-of-a-Kind Rum

Both founded in 1888, Brugal and Orsoni have carefully crafted 18 one-of-a kind pieces of art. Each piece celebrates our 135 years of shared legacies, using our stories as inspiration and our 1888 bottle as a canvas. From our family beginnings with bold and like-minded Founders to the mastery and the unique craftsmanship shared between rum making and mosaic art, this collection heroes two lasting legacies with a passion for bringing out the best and giving back to our communities.

Two Timeless Brands with Shared Values

Hidden deep within the heart of Venice stands Orsoni, the city's last historic furnace and one of the most respected and prestigious mosaic studios in the world. For five generations master mosaicists have been using the same ancient recipes to handcraft coloured smalti and 24K gold leaf mosaics. Today, Orsoni’s designs grace some of the most iconic architectural and artistic projects all over the world, and some of the most prestigious haute couture brands of our time.

From crucible to cask, discover the story behind each bottle and immerse yourself in the rich 135-year history and craftsmanship of both Brugal and Orsoni.

I. BRAVE BEGINNINGS

'Brave Beginnings' is a visual anthology that captures the early chapters of Orsoni and Brugal, brought to life through four meticulously crafted Brugal 1888 bottles, adorned with stunning Venetian mosaics. Each bottle showcases pivotal moments that defined the beginnings of these two timeless brands. The stunning life-like mosaics transport you back to 1888, when founders Don Andrés Brugal and Angelo Orsoni embarked on their journeys, shaping the course of their families' histories for generations to come. The pieces highlight their shared values of excellence, innovation, and hard work, which have become the driving forces behind the unrivalled success of Brugal and Orsoni today. They serve as a powerful reminder that every great journey starts with a bold step forward, driven by the courage to pursue one's dreams.

II. MASTERY OF CRAFT

'Mastery of Craft' is a shining testament to the level of expertise and creativity required to transform everyday raw materials - fire, sugarcane, wood, sun, and molten glass - into exquisite works of art. These six bottles feature intricate mosaics that capture the essence of the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into every step of the process. Brugal's expertise in cask mastery ensures that only the smoothest, highest-quality rum is produced. While each bottle’s iconic net wrapping, delicately hand-applied to this day, makes Brugal 1888 instantly recognisable around the world. Meanwhile, Orsoni's ancient Byzantine mosaic traditions have remained carefully guarded and passed down by the Orsoni family for centuries. The pieces illustrate the unique mastery of these time-honoured techniques, entrusted exclusively to the eyes and sensibility of both cask and furnace master to ensure the perfect blend of rum and smalti in each piece.

III. OUR DOMINICAN FAMILY

Our 'Dominican Family' is a heartfelt tribute to Brugal's roots, its warm and welcoming spirit, and the brand's profound ties to the island that has been its home for over a century. Each of the six bottles tells a story of how homeland and family has shaped Brugal – from the music that fills its streets to the lush landscapes that provide the rum’s raw ingredients. Brugal’s dedication to bringing out the best of its communities is matched only by the generosity and warm hospitality of its people – whether it's a tour of the distillery, a tasting experience, or simply sharing a glass of rum with friends, Brugal creates an environment that is inviting and inclusive, making everyone feel like part of the family. This dedication and warm approach has made a profound impact on the history of this small, but mighty island, shaping the country's reputation for producing some of the world's finest rums. These bottles embody the beauty and complexity of this land and its people, and of Brugal's deep connection to both.

IV. LEGACY

Our 'Legacy' theme encapsulates the deep respect for heritage that both Orsoni and Brugal have strived to impart to each successive generation. Each of the four bottles in this represents a unique aspect of the two brands’ legacies, told through the artistry of hand-cut Venetian mosaic. The legacy of family is a cornerstone of this theme, with each generation of the Brugal and Orsoni families passing down their passion, dedication, and love for their craft to the next. The legacy of giving back is also highlighted, with Brugal's commitment to bringing out the best of its island and its people, paralleled with the Orsoni family's tradition of teaching the ancient craft of mosaic to inspire future generations of artists. The community of people who make up both brands are also celebrated, as they have woven together their expertise and passions to create something that continues to be enjoyed and marvelled from every corner of the world. And, of course, the legacy of each brand's respective precious material, Brugal 1888 rum and 24K gold leaf mosaic, are showcased in stunning detail. These pieces are a testament to the enduring history of both brands and serves as an inspiration to all of us to cherish our heritage, give back to our communities, and celebrate the people and traditions that make us who we are.

I. Brave Beginnings

2- A tribute to andres and angelo bottle

Where it all Began

1888

The enduring legacies of Brugal and Orsoni intertwine in 1888, a tribute to the year that witnessed the birth of two illustrious brands. 1888 was the year that Brugal’s founder, Don Andrés Brugal, first founded Brugal & Co. His passion for bringing out the best in every cask and blend has since been passed down through five generations of Brugals, meticulously perfected over time. 5,000 miles away in Venice, family patriarch Angelo Orsoni founded his mosaic workshop, perfecting age-old techniques that 135 years later define Orsoni as one of the most prestigious mosaic studios today. Orsoni's hand-cut Venetian gold tesserae brilliantly reflects light off the surface of the bottle, a result of the intricate process of combining glass, colour, and 24k gold leafing. Shades of gold mimic the rich amber hues of natural rum with the year 1888 emblazoned in deep red and blue hues, a nod to two brands’ signature colours. This art piece stands as a true testament to the enduring dedication and passion of Brugal and Orsoni, one that generations of families have kept alive through a deep respect of craftsmanship, passion and heritage.

A Tribute to Andrés and Angelo

Founding Legends

Founding Legends captures the passion, perseverance and craftsmanship of Brugal and Orsoni’s larger-than-life founders. Tiny pieces of smalti come together to form the portrait of Andrés Brugal, a pioneer, visionary, and master distiller whose passion for crafting exceptional rum would inspire generations of his family to carry on his legacy. After landing in the Dominican Republic, Andrés revolutionised the rum production process to develop a smoother, deeper rum that he believed would one day be the world's finest. A young Angelo Orsoni was driven by that same fervour and dedication in his quest to become a master of glassmaking and coloured mosaics. Angelo’s presence in this piece is felt in the precise gestures used to create this stunning mosaic - a testament to his remarkable skills. This piece features the most intricate and technically demanding mosaic work of the collection, requiring over 150 hours of skillful craftsmanship by Orsoni's master artisans. The varying shades of smalti used to depict Andrés's portrait were individually selected, cut and applied by hand with expert precision, achieving a life-like quality and impressive three-dimensional effect.

A Journey to New Horizons

Voyage of Discovery

An abstract mosaic of an old-world sailing ship captures the adventurous spirit that fueled the early expeditions of two trailblazers, Andrés Brugal and Angelo Orsoni, both in pursuit of new opportunities and perfecting their craft. Originally born in Spain, Andrés’s entrepreneurial spirit took him to Cuba and later to the Dominican Republic, where he revolutionised the rum production process in his own unique way to unlock the very best of the spirit and wood to produce a smoother, lighter rum with complexity. Each successive generation of Maestros Roneros continued this legacy, taking Brugal to the world and bringing the lessons of the world back to Brugal, all rooted in a desire to be inspired and inspire others. This same spirit of discovery inspired a young, talented glass artisan from Murano, Angelo Orsoni, to showcase the noble art of mosaic-making at the 1889 Paris Universal Exposition. With a bold idea and a multi-colored panel made of smalti and gold mosaic tiles, Orsoni demonstrated that mosaics deserved a place of distinction among the most avant-garde art expressions. The intricate design, composed of coloured smalti and Venetian gold, depicts a ship sailing through vast seas. Variations in colour create a mesmerising effect of movement to the piece.

Centuries of Perfecting the Craft

Tears of Mastery

Tears of Mastery is a celebration of ancient artisan skills passed down through centuries. This piece pays homage to the exceptional mastery, devotion, and painstaking precision required to perfect the art of rum and mosaic-making. Brugal has been pushing the boundaries of rum-making for more than 135 years, perfecting its double-ageing process in the finest bourbon and sherry casks, resulting in the rum’s signature rich and complex flavours. Orsoni, a true master in the art of creating molten glass, has likewise set the standard for expertly blending colours with glass to create its world-renowned smalti. For this piece, Orsoni was inspired by the delicate “tears”, or droplets, of rum that flow down the inside of a glass of Brugal 1888 when swirled. The mosaicists paralleled this natural phenomenon to the drip-like impressions when glass blends with colours inside the crogiolo – the heart of Orsoni’s ancient furnace. The crogiolo, or crucible, is a clay container used to forge glass with colourants at extremely high temperatures, leaving an indelible trace of overlapping colour tonalities, overlapping with each new passage in the furnace. The resulting fluid and dynamic mosaic symbolises Brugal and Orsoni’s commitment to the pursuit of creative excellence.

II. Mastery of Craft

The Finest Ingredients Forged By Fire

Molten Black Gold

Molten Black Gold embodies the ancient alchemy of using fire to elevate humble raw ingredients – sugarcane and molten glass — into a work of art. Deep-coloured smalti cascades down the bottle, evoking the sticky-sweet drip of molasses — the key ingredient and the heart of Brugal's rum-making process. Molasses, derived from Dominican sugarcane, is boiled down to concentrate its natural sugars, adding depth and complexity to the final product and earning it the nickname "black gold". The drip-shaped smalti simultaneously represents molten glass forged by the fierce flames of the Orsoni furnace, where it is later hand-blown into sbruffo, a beautiful thin glass bubble that is cut and fused with 24k gold leaf to create Orsoni’s signature Venetian gold tiles, which encase this very bottle. Molten Black Gold is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of fire, the beauty that emerges from simple raw materials, and a testament to the unmatched skill and creativity of the artists that make up Brugal and Orsoni.

Cask & Crogiolo

Vessel of Transformation

In this piece, wood and coloured smalti come together to honour two treasured vessels that are the heart of creating exacting colours and flavours. 85% of Brugal’s award-winning flavours can be traced to our finest hand-picked casks. Brugal 1888 is double-aged in American oak casks followed by a second ageing in European sherry oak casks, intensified by the warmth of the Dominican sun to give the rum its rich, complex flavours. For this piece, skilled Orsoni artisans have seamlessly integrated real pieces of wood with mosaic tiles in warm tones, artfully representing the unique types of casks that are crucial to the creation of our exquisite aged rum. Each cask is carefully chosen based on its wood type, age, and provenance to bring out the best flavours and aromas, resulting in a perfectly balanced and smooth rum. The mosaic draws a parallel between the science and art of combining the exact types of casks with the expert practice of producing coloured glass from the furnace’s crogiolo, or crucible, the vessel used to mix the glass colour. Known by master mosaicists as “tirare al coloure” (“drawing out the colour”), the process requires controlling the molten paste just so to obtain the exact desired colour out of infinite shades and graduations.

A Symphony of Colours and Flavours

Library of Inspiration

Library of Inspiration represents the extensive cataloguing and preservation of Brugal's casks and Orsoni's coloured smalti, two of the most essential components in the creation of both exceptional rum and intricate mosaic artworks. In this piece, brightly coloured tiled pieces are arranged in a meticulously crafted pattern, showcasing the incredible range and depth of colours one would find at Orsoni’s colour library in Venice, a veritable treasure trove of wooden shelves housing more than 3,500 colours of smalti. The library is where mosaic artists can explore, experiment, and discover new colours and textures that go on to grace some of the most iconic locations in the world. Interspersed among the vivid hues are various shades of browns and ambers, reminiscent of Brugal's extensive cask library in the Dominican Republic. Maestro Roneros carefully select the best casks based on their unique characteristics, with each type of wood imparting its distinct flavour and aroma to the rum. This work of art pays tribute to centuries of time, effort, and expertise required to record and preserve these treasured raw materials.

Bringing it all Together

The Art of Blending

This piece draws inspiration from the time-honoured tradition of blending raw ingredients to create something greater than its parts. The art of Orsoni’s mosaic-making technique lies in the unique know-how of its master mosaicists to blend hundreds, sometimes thousands of small pieces of glass, carefully cutting different shapes, sizes, and colours of smalti like puzzle pieces to create intricate patterns and designs that, when one steps back, reveals a harmonious masterpiece. The mosaic is made up of alternating rich brown shades that come together to embody the unmistakable blend that is Brugal 1888 rum. Crafted from our finest quality casks aged in the warm Caribbean sun, our Maestros Roneros carefully select and blend the distinct flavours of aged rums to achieve the perfect balance. The process is a true art form, entrusted exclusively to our Maestros Roneros’ trained eyes and sensibilities, ensuring consistent quality with every bottle.

Hand-woven Heritage

Net of Protection

Net of Protection reinterprets the iconic hand-woven netting that encases each bottle of Brugal 1888, a symbol of the brand’s heritage and history. The lattice-like design is a tribute to the Dominican Republic’s seafaring culture, where nets have been used for centuries to protect precious goods on voyages at sea. The story of Brugal’s netting dates back to the 1940s, when the second generation of Maestros Roneros embarked on a journey around the world in search of inspiration. In India, the family discovered that premium goods were often presented in net bags for protection. Over time, the netting became synonymous with Brugal rum and has remained a hallmark of the brand's packaging ever since. Today, the nets are still hand-wrapped around each bottle of Brugal 1888 by skilled craftsmen, adding a touch of authenticity and craftsmanship to every bottle. In similar fashion, each tesserae, or small pieces of glass, is hand-applied with techniques dating back centuries.

III. Our Dominican Family

From Our Island to Your Glass

Dominican Republic

This brightly coloured mosaic emotes a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and endless possibilities of the Dominican Republic, the birthplace of Brugal rum. The small Caribbean island has remained a source of inspiration for five generations of master rum makers who maintain an unwavering commitment to using only the finest local ingredients and the traditional craftsmanship of its people to create Brugal’s world-renowned rum. The mosaic is crafted with bold tropical colours, arranged in the shape of the island, taking inspiration from its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warmth of its people. The motif is backdropped by Orsoni’s signature 24k gold leaf mosaic tiles, the result of an ancient Byzantine artisan recipe handed down through centuries of combining glass and colour with 24K gold leaf. For over a century, the Brugal family has proudly called this country home, striving to showcase its unique and authentic flavours to the world.

Brugal’s Dominican Home, Crafted in Paradise

Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata is a love letter to the picturesque city on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, known for its breathtaking beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. Named after the shimmering effect of the sun on the water, “Silver Port” is where the magic of Brugal’s ageing process takes centre stage under the warm Dominican sun. Orsoni mosaicists were inspired by the enchanting allure of Puerto Plata during a visit to Brugal’s warehouse, where they witnessed first-hand how the Maestros Roneros meticulously nurtured every stage of the rum-making process before bestowing their personal seal of approval upon the final product. The mosaic invites the viewer to feel the movement of this special city - from the scenic Puerto Plata cable car to the famous Fort San Felipe to the azure seaside backdropped by lush mountains.

La Maestra Ronera

Jassil Villanueva

This piece was inspired by a walkthrough and tasting Orsoni mosaicists had with Jassil Villanueva, a fifth generation descendant of the Brugal family and the Dominican Republic’s first female Maestra Ronera. Jassil has brought a fresh perspective to her role as Maestra Ronera, embracing progression of the craft while honouring the traditional methods that have made Brugal rum beloved around the world. She is a proud ambassador for the Dominican Republic and has embodied the pursuit of excellence that has defined Brugal for over a century. Like the Maestro Roneros that came before her, Jassil plays an important part in carrying on the Brugal legacy and passion for rum to the next generation. The master mosaicists sought to capture the treasured experience with an abstract depiction of Jassil, capturing her warm nature, trailblazing spirit and the pride she holds for the country and brand that defines her family’s legacy.

The Golden Sun of Brugal

Miguelito

This piece is a heartfelt interpretation of Miguel Ripoll, or Miguelito, as he is affectionately known. A fifth-generation member of the Brugal family and a Maestro Ronero, Miguel has followed in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, presiding over the entire rum-making process, from harvesting and fermenting the sugarcane to distilling and ageing the rum to perfection. Miguel holds a deep understanding of the science and art of rum-making as well as a refined palate for identifying the unique flavours and aromas of each batch. The Orsoni team was most struck by Miguel's sunny disposition and humble demeanour during their visit to Brugal’s distillery. His humorous and generous presence allowed the artists to see the world of Brugal through his eyes: wondrous and alive with colour. Orsoni artists recreated Miguelito’s playful smile with a depiction of the sun sparkling in 24K gold leaf tiles, peeking through a kaleidoscope of brightly coloured tesserae. This mosaic brings to life the infectious joy and positivity that Miguelito brings to the world of rum-making and to the legacy of the Brugal family.

Sound in Colour

Music

Music is an ode to the songs and sounds that capture the spirit of the Dominican Republic. An unmistakable rhythm that flows through sun-drenched streets – hummed by workers moving throughout their day, drifting out from local restaurants or pulsing from passing cars on their way to the beach. With each sip of pure Dominican rum, one can almost hear the soundtrack of timbales, guitars, congas, bongos, and maracas coming together to tell the history of this small but mighty island. An energetic mosaic of an oscillating sound wave depicts the music of the island using a range of hues from the Orsoni colour library - each colour representing the sounds of songs, people, sea, food, cities, and mountains that threads the island together and captures the essence of what makes this country so special. This piece inspires the viewer to use colour to feel the sounds and energy depicting the love and passion Dominicans have for their people, culture and country.

IV. Legacy

From Past to Future Generations

A Legacy Continued

A Legacy Continued embodies the most profound source of inspiration and connection felt between Orsoni and Brugal: their deep appreciation for family heritage. Through each generation, the passion, dedication, and love that these families feel for their craft has been passed down from father to son, mother to daughter — imbuing every drop of rum and every shard of smalti with their enduring legacy. The Brugal family has spent over 135 years nurturing the art of rum-making, with each generation of Maestro Roneros adding their own unique touch to the family recipe. The Orsoni family is equally devoted to passing down the torch of tradition. Today’s mosaicist masters are all trained under the guidance of Angelo’s great grandson and mosaic Maestro Lucio Orsoni, who was instrumental in the creation of this very collection. The bottle features a stunning mosaic design of five parallel blue lines, representing each generation, intersecting with five oak-coloured lines, symbolising the unique contributions and innovations gifted to the brand by each generation. Backdropped by shimmering 24K gold tesserae, this piece inspires us to celebrate our own families and the importance of passing down traditions and values to future generations.

Bringing out the Best in our Communities

The Art of Giving Back

This piece illustrates Brugal’s long-standing commitment to honouring and giving back to their beloved island homeland. The Brugal Foundation's dedication to bringing out the best of its land and people is reflected in its ongoing environmental and community initiatives, which aim to improve the lives of thousands of Dominicans. As pioneers of philanthropy in the Dominican Republic, the Foundation's work is widely recognized and celebrated through the annual Brugal Cree en su Gente Awards, which have supported hundreds of charity institutions in making their projects come true. Brugal's dedication to education is at the core of their mission, demonstrated through its university scholarship program and the construction of the Centro Educativo George Arzeno Brugal Fe y Alegría school, providing education to underprivileged children. In the same spirit, Orsoni gives back to the community by teaching the ancient craft of mosaic and inspiring the next generation of artists to discover the possibilities of this beautiful art form. Inspired by a similar mural at the school depicting the Caribbean Sea, Orsoni mosaic artists added vivid yellow birds to symbolise the children's soaring aspirations to explore the world and blaze their own trail. This mosaic reminds us of the power of generosity, dedication, and perseverance in creating a brighter future for all.

Coming Together as One to Create a Masterpiece

Fabric of Community

This patterned mosaic celebrates the vibrant threads that make up the fabric of these two timeless brands: their people. The tapestry is a symbol of the countless employees, artisans, and supporters who have played a vital role in crafting Brugal 1888, as well as the very mosaic that adorns it. These individuals have carefully woven together their passions and expertise to create a masterpiece that embodies the essence of both brands. For this piece, Orsoni artists, like skilled weavers, have arranged each colour to represent the various shades of community that make up the fabric of these two crafts. Each mosaic smalti piece is meticulously crafted, with no two tiles alike, just like the distinct qualities of individuals that blend together to form a unified team. Each thread symbolises the importance of coming together, of working as one, of recognizing that we are all part of a larger fabric. The piece reminds us that the strength of the Brugal and Orsoni communities lies in their diversity and their collective spirit.

A Precious Elixir to Savour and Treasure

Liquid Gold

An explosion of gold tesserae perfectly captures the essence of Brugal’s treasured liquid residing within the bottle: pure, smooth Brugal 1888 rum. The award-winning flavour, perfected over time through a careful double-ageing process, creates rich and inviting notes of vanilla, toffee, red fruits, and cocoa, balanced to perfection with natural oak spice. Orsoni artists used their own precious material, Venetian gold tesserae, to highlight the distinctive features of Brugal's "liquid gold." These tesserae are created by meticulously blending glass, colour, and 24K gold leaf. This ancient Byzantine artisan recipe, carefully guarded by Orsoni since 1888, gives the mosaic its unique luminosity and a depth of colour. Orsoni illustrates the rum's gradation of colour, from light caramel to deep shades of browns, which shimmers like pure gold when held to the sunlight. When you sip on a glass of Brugal, you're experiencing the result of centuries of tradition and expertise, all distilled into one exquisite product.