Fernando Fernandez
From Freepedia
Fernando Fernandez (c.1850-1940), born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, was the founder of the oldest rum manufacturing company in Puerto Rico, which would eventually become "Edmundo B. Fernandez, Inc.".
Fernando Fernandez was born in the Hacienda Santa Ana (Santa Ana Plantation), located in Bayamon, land which was granted to his grandfather (whose name was also Fernando Fernandez) by the Spanish Royal Crown in 1797. Fernando's grandfather was a naval captain who fought against pirates and English merchant ships. The Spanish Royal Crown granted him this land in recognition of his service to Spain. The elder Fernando planted sugar canes and raised cattle.
In 1804, the elder Fernando used a mixure of sugar and honey to process and distill rum. He aged his product in special barrels which were imported from Europe. The rum he produced was only for his and his family's private use. In 1827, he had 127 slaves and ordered them to build an enormous windmill shaped like a tower. The windmill helped to extract the juice from the sugar canes. He would resort to the use of manpower, whenever the wind wasn't strong enough for the to operate the windmill.
In 1846, Fernando's father, Manuel Fernandez, inherited the plantation. Manuel developed the land which consisted of over 2,400 acres (9.7 km²). Manuel brought much of the property surrounding his land and became the richest man in Bayamon.
In 1880, Fernando Fernandez, became the owner of the plantation. Fernando imported a still from Europe and started to produce rum with the sugar and honey from his land. Fernando developed three different formulas for his rums. He used the same barrels which his grandfather had used before. He believed that the rum's unique flavor would be contained in these barrels.
Soon afterward, the word spread about Fernando's rum and many friends and nearby families would visit the Santa Ana Hacienda and "sample" the rum. People started calling Fernando's rum "Ron del Barrilito" (Rum from the Barrel). In Puerto Rico, families began switching from "brandy" and "cognac", to "Ron del Barrilito". Fernando also produced "Alcholado Santa Ana" which is a product derived from alcohol and eucaliptic leafs. This product is greenish in color and unlike pure alcohol, it does not sting. It is used basically for rub downs and to refresh the body.
Fernando Fernandez great-grandson, organized the company which is now called "Edmundo B. Fernandez, Inc." and continues to distribute three brands of "Ron del Barrilito" and "Alcholado Santa Ana" worldwide. The company's main offices are still located in the Hacienda Santa Ana with manufacturing facilities in Puerto Rico and in the Dominican Republic. Edmundo's office is located in the windmill tower built by his ancestor.
In 1942, a single barrel, which is stored in the "cellar" was put aside with orders that it should only be opened when Puerto Rico becomes a free and independent nation. When and if that ever happens, the cask (barrel) will be brought to the town square in the center of Bayamon and its contents will be offered free to all those who wish to drink from it. So far that barrel is 62 years old.
Fernando Fernandez died in the City of Bayamon, Puerto Rico in 1940.
