Ron Don Papa
The history of Negros Island, known affectionately as Sugarland, sees the sweetness of sugar blend with the vibrant character of rum. Since the middle of the 18th century, this small paradise in the Philippines has been the heart of the nation’s sugar industry, generating almost 50% of sugar in the Philippines. Its fertile, rich, volcanic soil is the secret to one of the sweetest and most delicious sugar canes in the world. So, it comes as no surprise that a fascinating drink like Don Papa rum emerged in this tropical paradise, where sugar once influenced everything.
The process of making Don Papa starts by carefully selecting this exceptional sugar cane whose molasses, known as the ‘black gold’ of Negros Island, are famous around the world for their high sucrose level. This prized ingredient is distilled and then lovingly aged at the foot of impressive Mount Kanlaon. The rum is matured for seven years in oak barrels, absorbing the complexity of the soil and the wisdom of local traditions. It is then filtered with coal to purify it before it is finally blended. This process produces a rum with an unbeatable softness and aromatic depth.
But, why is it called Don Papa? The name was inspired by Dionisio Magbuelas, known as ‘Papa’ Isio, a healer, shaman, and rebel leader during the 19th century Philippine Revolution, and Don Papa embodies the spirit of freedom and resistance. Papa Isio was instrumental in liberating Negros Island from Spanish rule, and this rum celebrates his legacy and the indomitable spirit of the island.
Each variety of Don Papa tells part of this intriguing story. For example, Don Papa 7 years has a drier and more elegant recipe. It is matured in former bourbon and Rioja barrels, giving its flavour intense notes of fruit, vanilla cream, and black coffee, followed by lasting echoes of toasted oak, and it has long, soft finish. Meanwhile, if you are looking for an even deeper experience, Don Papa Baroka combines citric and vanilla aromas with caramelized tropical fruit notes, and it has a soft finish with hints of raisin.
The range also features premium and limited editions, such as Don Papa 10 years, which represents a full decade of craftsmanship. This dark amber spirit is aged in toasted American oak barrels and has rich notes of cocoa and nuts, and delicate hints of oak. Don Papa Sherry is another masterpiece that is first aged in former bourbon barrels and then refined in Jerez sherry barrels, producing a soft, fruity rum with plum, dark chocolate and ripe fig notes.
Finally, Don Papa’s Rye Aged Rum is a special edition that is aged in rye whiskey barrels. It has a vibrant, spiced character with notes of ground black pepper, salted caramel, and fresh hints of mint and mature cedar, resulting in a deep and intense flavour.
Each bottle of Don Papa pays tribute to the rich sugar-producing and revolutionary past of Negros Island, and invites you to savour the history and culture of this fascinating region of the Philippines, sip by sip.
