This Don Papa rum is a powerful one. Matured slowly in the foothills of Mount Kanlaon, it was aged in ex-Bourbon American oak casks which had been re-charred, allowing for a darker, bolder rum. It’s dark in color, with an ABV of 43%.
Rich and smooth on the nose, it has notes of raisins and dates, and polished oak, with hints of cinnamon, clove, and freshly sliced vanilla pods. It’s smooth and complex on the palate, with notes of dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans, and hints of spice, mango, toasted vanilla, and muscovado sugar. It finishes long and lingering, with finishing notes of oak and chocolate.
A bold rum like the Don Papa 10-Year Aged deserves to be enjoyed neat, sipped slowly in a small glass, as you warm it with your hands. You can add a splash of water to it, to bring out more of its flavor. If you prefer it cold, a simple large ice ball would suffice.
If you want to try your hand at cocktails, use this in your Mai Tais, Daiquiris, and of course, the classic Old Fashioned.
The island of Negros is colloquially known as Sugarlandia, and it is here that we find the story of Papa Isio, one of the unsung heroes of the Philippine Revolution. He was a foreman in a sugar cane plantation, and joined the fight for the country’s independence in the 1890’s, leading his fellow Filipinos in battle. Renowned throughout Negros, he was a revolutionary and a shaman, and the inspiration for “Don Papa.” Embodying the spirit of Sugarlandia—passion and grit, Don Papa honors Papa Isio with the sugar canes he once worked with.
Store your bottle upright in a cool, dark place, ideally between 12 and 15°C. Unopened bottles can last for an indefinite amount of time, but the closer you get to the bottom third of the bottle, please consume quickly to prevent oxidation and taste alteration.