rum in the Philippines

[Mika J]

Hello again all,

Having been in the Philippines a few times I had the pleasure of getting to know some of the rum (or rhum as it is spelled there) made in the Philippines. Interestingly, although Philippines is listed as one of the larger rum consumer markets, local people seemed to have little respect for the spirit, preferring tequila or whisky over rum any given time.

Tanduay, probably the largest local producer, has in my humble opinion some very interesting rums available. Their "standard" flagship, the 12 yo, has a very unique taste which makes me truly wonder what sort of cask it was matured in amongst other things. Its colour alone is that of antique copper, a definite orange hue present. Does anyone know more of these rums and care to share their information kindly please?

I was fortunate enough to get 3 bottles of their "100 years of Philippines independence 1898 - 1998" 26 yo single barrel rum, bottled in 1 litre casks. This is the best Tanduay product I have tasted by far. Was this rum available in USA for example? I am in the understanding that not so much of this product was made due to a limited amount of produce.

Sincerely,

Mika J

mika.jansson@nokia.com

[mickblueeyes]

I have seen Tanduay in at least one US based online shop, so I believe the 12 yr is available here.

[Ed Hamilton]

Tanduay is great rum or rhum, depending on the label, but distribution is poor in this part of the world. During the blending process orange and other essences are added to some of the blends and that will account for some of the color. Wish I had a few of those one-liter casks.