Rum is a spirit with rich history, but only a handful of rum producers are over 150 years old. Tanduay Asian Rum is one of the few who can stake that claim, having started 168 years ago in the Philippines in 1854. Now well-known throughout the world for their distinctive rums, Tanduay captures the essence of the islands through their signature distilling and ageing process in a way that is distinctly Filipino yet undeniably global.
What started as a small distillery has expanded and grown to be one of the most successful spirits brands in the Philippines; The company owns and operates the largest distillery in the nation, with a capacity of 24 million liters, and holds over 120,000 oak barrels. The first half of 2022 has been going strong. Lucio Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer says, “Our local and international business are both doing well, and we hope to continue this performance for the rest of the year.” Available in over ten countries and in about a dozen US states, the brand’s reach is continuing to expand, with several new markets in sight for this year and beyond.
Tanduay truly shines at its aged rum production. What starts as heritage sugarcane is distilled into a base rum full of flavor. Their process imparts a distinct character, born from five-year aging in charred oak barrels in the hot, wet tropical climate of the Philippines. This allows the liquid to interact with the barrels, absorbing flavors and creating the signature taste profiles. Tanduay Asian Rum Gold is mellow with expressive flavors of tropical fruit and nutmeg. It’s aged for up to 7 years in ex-bourbon barrels, imparting vanilla, honey, and coconut notes to the golden liquid. Tanduay Double Rum takes this up a notch with a blend of 5- and 16-year aged rums that are then married in ex-bourbon barrels for an additional two years. It tastes of caramelized pineapple and toasted nuts, and is sweet and fruity with a round mouthfeel. Both of these rums are excellent drank neat, to appreciate all of their nuances and flavor subtleties.
Tanduay also produces flavors that come in at a lower ABV great for drinking on the rocks. Boracay Rum Coconut is white rum with added flavors of coconut, for a creamy and delicious with the taste of coconut milk and macaroons. Boracay Rum Cappuccino has flavors of coffee and fudge, with a sweet and rich finish. Tanduay Asian Rum Silver, a perfect base for rum cocktails, and the newly launched Tanduay Especia Spiced rum, with notes of cinnamon, ginger, and caramel round out the collection, truly providing a product for every occasion.
Always looking to turn new audiences onto their rum, they’ve engaged in partnerships with several NBA teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, and latest champions the Golden State Warriors. They’re raising the brand’s awareness and even opening bars at arenas to quench fan’s thirst with their signature cocktails.
Speaking of cocktails, Tanduay’s rums are perfect in a variety of styles. Leaning into their location in the tropics, shake up a Daiquiri, try a Mai Tai, or mix with fresh juices of guava, pineapple, or coconut. Or lean into classic cocktail culture by swapping out a base spirit for rum in a Negroni or Old Fashioned. If all that sounds too complicated, keep it simple by mixing with seltzer, ginger beer, or cola.
Learn more at global.tanduay.com
