Don Papa - Single Island Rum - 40%
Don Papa is an iconic brand of Philippine rum, renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality and rich history. The name Don Papa pays tribute to Dionisio Magbuelas, a Filipino revolutionary also known as Papa Isio. This charismatic man, a foreman on a sugarcane plantation and respected healer, played a key role in the fight for Philippine independence against Spanish colonizers. The brand belongs to the Bleeding Heart Rum Company, founded in 2012, and its rum is carefully crafted at the Bago Distillery, a historic facility operating since 1902. Behind this creation is Stephen Carroll, a recognized expert with extensive experience working with major players such as Diageo, Seagram, and Rémy Cointreau. The rum is distilled from sugarcane grown on the island of Negros Occidental, often nicknamed "Sugarlandia," in traditional copper column stills. The molasses used comes from one of the island's 11 sugar mills, dating back to the 1920s, which operates autonomously thanks to its boiler powered by bagasse, the fibrous residue of sugarcane, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly process. The plantations are ideally located at the foot of the majestic Kanlaon volcano, offering a unique and fertile terroir that promotes the development of noble and excellent quality sugarcane. While the classic Don Papa rum delights with its vanilla sweetness thanks to the addition of vanilla liqueur, the limited and special editions are aimed more at connoisseurs, featuring drier and unfiltered expressions reserved for lovers of refined and authentic rums.
Don Papa Single Island is an exceptional aged molasses rum, carefully matured in American oak barrels as well as Spanish oak barrels from the prestigious Rioja region. This exclusive version offers a more balanced and less sweet flavor profile than the famous Small Batch version, making each tasting rich in deep and harmonious aromas, ideal for enthusiasts seeking a traditional and refined Philippine rum.