Don Papa Rum

Don Papa Rum is one of the most popular and beloved premium rums in the world today. Named after one of the most influential figures in the Philippine Revolution, Don Papa Rum was created to honour the spirit of freedom, independence, and celebration of life that he embodies. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, production, and characteristics of Don Papa Rum.

History

Don Papa Rum was created in 2012 by the Bleeding Heart Rum Company. The company was founded by Stephen Carroll, a former absinthe marketer, and Vicente G. Garcia Jr., a local sugarcane farmer and distiller, with the aim of producing the finest and most luxurious rum in the world. The inspiration for the brand came from the legendary hero of the Philippine Revolution, Dionisio Magbuelas, also known as Papa Isio or Don Papa.

Don Papa was a “Babaylan” and leader of the resistance movement against Spanish colonial rule in the 1890s. He was known for his magical powers, selfless leadership, and unyielding resolve to fight for the freedom and independence of his people. In honour of his legacy, the makers of Don Papa Rum sought to create a spirit that embodied his spirit of freedom, celebration, and joy some of their all time best are don papa rare cask, rye cask aged don papa and sevillana cask don papa

Unveiling the Diversity of Don Papa Rums: A Collection of Exquisite Expressions

1. Sherry Cask:
   Don Papa Sherry Cask is a limited edition release that undergoes a double aging process. After aging in American oak barrels, it is finished in Spanish sherry casks, resulting in a harmonious blend of rich flavors. This expression exudes notes of dried fruits, nuts, and a delicate sweetness, with a velvety texture that lingers on the palate.
2. Rare Cask:
   Crafted in small batches, Don Papa Rare Cask showcases the brand’s dedication to exceptional quality. The rum is aged for several years in carefully selected American oak barrels and finished in a unique cask that previously held wines or spirits. This imparts complex layers of flavor, delivering a rich, full-bodied profile with hints of spice, vanilla, and oak.
3. Don Papa 10 Year Old:
   As the name suggests, this expression is aged for a decade, allowing the rich flavors to develop and mature. Don Papa 10 Year Old exudes a luscious sweetness with notes of caramel, dried fruits, and honey. The extended aging process creates a velvety smoothness and a long, indulgent finish.
4. Rye Cask Aged:
   Don Papa Rye Cask Aged is a distinctive expression that takes traditional rum-making to new heights. The rum is aged in American oak barrels with a unique twist – a secondary maturation in rye casks. This process adds a bold, spicy character to the spirit, infusing it with flavors of black pepper, cloves, and subtle maltiness.
5. Sevillana Cask:
   Inspired by the picturesque region of Seville in Spain, Don Papa Sevillana Cask undergoes a meticulous double aging process. After initial aging in American oak barrels, the rum is finished in casks that previously held locally produced Don Guido Pedro Ximenez Sherry. This imparts a deep, caramelized sweetness, with hints of dark fruits, orange peel, and a velvety mouthfeel.
6. Small Batch Don Papa:
   Small Batch Don Papa Rum embodies the essence of small-scale, expert craftsmanship. Each limited release is carefully curated, using only the finest sugarcane from the Philippines. This expression offers a balance of tropical fruit flavors, hints of vanilla, and a delicate sweetness that can be savored neat or enjoyed in a variety of cocktails.

Production

Don Papa Rum is made from the finest sugarcane grown on the island of Negros Occidental, in the Philippines. The sugarcane is carefully selected and harvested by local farmers who have been working on the land for generations. Once harvested, the sugarcane is crushed using a traditional iron press to extract the juice, which is carefully fermented for up to seven days to create the base for the rum.

The fermentation process is followed by distillation, which takes place in a copper pot still. Don Papa Rum is distilled in small batches, using a pure and natural water source, to create a unique and complex flavor profile. The rum is then aged for up to seven years in American oak barrels, which have been charred on the inside to impart flavors of vanilla, caramel, and spice.

Characteristics

Don Papa Rum has a distinctive color, aroma, and flavor that sets it apart from other rums. It has a rich and golden color, which is a result of the long and slow aging process in specially selected American oak barrels. The aroma is complex and redolent of caramel, vanilla, and fruit, with a hint of floral notes.

The flavor profile of Don Papa Rum is complex and elegant, with a fruity and sweet taste that is balanced by the subtle notes of oak and spice. The sweetness is derived from the natural flavor of the sugarcane, which is enhanced by the aging process and the charred oak barrels. The finish is smooth and warm, with a hint of sweetness and a touch of spice.

Don Papa Rum is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a wide variety of cocktails. It is the ideal choice for those who appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of premium spirits and the history and culture of the Philippines.