Casa Eminente in Paris Embraces Clumsies Takeover

The following article, extracted from The Spirits Business, highlights the captivating takeover of Casa Eminente in Paris by Nikos Bakoulis, co-owner of Clumsies and Line in Athens. 

In a captivating fusion of cultures, Casa Eminente in Paris has once again opened its doors to a new guest takeover. This time, it is Nikos Bakoulis, the co-owner of Athens’ renowned Clumsies and Line, who has taken up residence in the vibrant Cuban rum brand’s temporary home. Following in the footsteps of London’s Tayēr + Elementary, Bakoulis will grace the bar with his presence until its closure on July 19.

Casa Eminente, a multi-storey sanctuary nestled in the heart of Paris, has been imaginatively transformed into a haven for the esteemed Cuban rum by Moët Hennessy. The space boasts a bar, restaurant, and four exclusive bedrooms accessible only by invitation. Inspired by the enchanting paladares—Cuban family-owned restaurants and bars—Casa Eminente strives to capture the essence of modern Cuban culture.

Bakoulis enthusiastically expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “Casa Eminente is a truly thrilling endeavor that epitomizes Cuban vibes and culture. During my collaboration with Casa Eminente, guests will be treated to a delightful fusion of Caribbean and Mediterranean flavors over the next month.”

Drawing inspiration from his own Athens-based bar, Line, as well as the Caribbean heritage of Eminente, Bakoulis has crafted a trio of exquisite drinks exclusively for the bar’s patrons. Among them is the tantalizing El Casa Punch, featuring Eminente Ámbar Claro, hazelnut butter, thyme honey, and more. El Afrutado, also based on Eminente Ámbar Claro, boasts a delightful combination of kumquat cordial, pomegranate juice, and cherry soda. Meanwhile, El Melocotón expertly blends Eminente Reserva with ingredients such as white port, dried peach, and tonka.

Since its opening in February, Casa Eminente has welcomed a stellar lineup of guest bartenders, including Monica Berg and Alex Kratena from Tayēr + Elementary, Matteo di Ienno from Locale Firenze in Florence, and Lucass Maraton from Symbiose in Bordeaux. During a recent visit by The Spirits Business, Raki Sillah and Arun Punavendran from Berlin’s Kink Bar & Restaurant showcased their creative prowess, presenting a trio of drinks that included an innovative twist on the classic Old Cuban cocktail called Young Croco. This refreshing concoction blended Eminente Ambar Claro, spiced honey syrup, lime, huacatay distillate, spirulina, and champagne.

The remarkable bar itself was designed by Lucas Madani of Hauvette & Madani, while the artistic curator Laura Salas Redondo is responsible for the captivating Cuban-inspired art and design that adorns the premises. Nestled behind two grand wooden doors in Paris’ 4th arrondissement, Casa Eminente is open to the public and available for private events. On weekends, masterclasses on Cuban rum and cocktail craftsmanship are offered to further immerse guests in the spirit of the Caribbean.

A Celebration of Cuban Culture in Europe

As a collaborative effort between Moët Hennessy and the Cuban government, it is fitting that this temporary home away from home for the Eminente brand finds its place in the heart of Paris. By bringing together the cultures of these two nations, Casa Eminente aims to make elements of Cuban culture more accessible to a European audience.

“It’s not always easy for people to travel to Cuba, so the idea was to create a home away from home and provide an authentic Cuban experience through a Parisian lens,” explained Max Helm, the international brand, market, and national account manager for Moët Hennessy.

Eminente Rum is the remarkable result of Moët Hennessy’s expertise in crafting dark spirits and Cuba’s longstanding tradition of rum production. Maestro ronero César Martí draws inspiration from 19th-century Cuban rum production, with a particular focus on aguardiente—the more flavorful component of the country’s rums.

“He aims to resurrect the ancient concept of aguardiente and its significance in Cuba’s past, where it held a prominent position. That truly sets us apart from the other rums currently in Cuba,” noted Helm.

Moreover, Eminente Rum distinguishes itself by focusing on the distinctive style of rum found in the central Cuban province of Villa Clara—a delightful blend of mixable rums from Havana and sipping rums from the eastern side of the island.

The Eminente range currently consists of two remarkable rums: Eminente Reserva and the exclusive on-trade offering, Eminente Ámbar Claro.