Don Papa Rum is the small batch Rum proudly made in Bago City, Negros Occidental, Philippines.
Don Papa Rum: A Product of Negros Occidental
I have always been fascinated with things that have a cultural origin. So when we got an invitation to the Don Papa Rum private party at The Ruins in Talisay city, I did not hesitate even though it was already a late party for our standards.
That starry night had the romantic lighted Ruins on the background. A live band was playing, with foreigners and locals mixed in lively conversations. The party was powered, of course, by cocktails made with this locally made rum.
Hubby and I were happy to get away for a bit and just enjoy ourselves for the night. Just some of the things we do to keep the spark alive in our marriage.
About Don Papa Rum
The idea about making this specialty rum originated from the home of Msgr. Gigi Gaston one fine afternoon. He he invited the two gentlemen, Stephen Carroll and Andrew Garcia, over for a laid back lunch.
They were talking about sugarcane, the Negrense lifestyle, and the lack of a Negrense-made premium rum. Msgr. Gigi said that the following year, the men came back with a plan to start their own small batch rum.
Inspired by Papa Isio
The name “Don Papa Rum” was inspired from the known Negrense rebel, healer, and shaman named Papa Isio in Hiligaynon. In English, his name translates to “Isio the Pope”.
His real name was Dionisio Magbuelas and he was the leader of a group of babaylans in Negros during the late 19th century. Because of his popularity among the people, he played a role in the Philippine Revolution as Filipinos revolted against the Spanish rule.
In a parallel thrust, Don Papa Rum revolutionizes rum drinking. It embodies the spirit of independence, bravery, and impartiality. These are the magnanimous traits of Papa Isio.
“Don Papa is a premium aged small batch rum from the isle of Negros (Occidental), the Philippines. Distilled from some of the finest sugar cane in the world, Don Papa is first aged 7 years in oak barrels in the foothills of Mount Kanlaon before being blended to perfection.” This information was quoted from the company website.
Why Negros Occidental
The makers of Don Papa Rum chose Negros Occidental primarily because of the abundance of sugarcane in the province. You see, Negros Occidental is the sugar capital of the Philippines, if you don’t know yet. Despite increasing real estate developments, we still have acres upon acres of sugarcane fields.
For centuries, sugarcane production has been the main industry in the island. That is because of its geography, climate, and fertile soil from Kanlaon volcano.
Negros sugarcane, mixed with a variety of local flavors and then aged to perfection in oak barrels, resulted in the smooth and richly textured Don Papa Rum. Some of the natural flavors that were combined with sugarcane are honey, vanilla, as well as candied fruits.
Aside from the classic Don Papa Rum that’s seven years old, they also have the Don Papa Rum 10. It is aged for 10 years, so it has a darker color and a deep woody taste.
Cocktail Mixes
At the event, mixologist Kathryn Eckstein showed the audience that the rum can be mixed for various cocktail drinks.
Its global brand ambassador, the rock star turned mixologist Matthias Cadéac d’Arbaud encouraged everyone to mix their drinks using with Don Papa. He also sang several songs that night to the delight of the audience.
Founder Stephen Carroll said that they have already launched the product in different countries in Europe. These include the UK, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Belgium, and Scandinavia.
We tried the Ka-pag Serious Ka (which literally means “when you’re serious”) mixed drink, which we found sweet and refreshing. If I wasn’t on medication that time, I could have downed so much more. Below is the recipe, which was taken from the company website, www.donpaparum.com.
Ka-Pag Serious Ka
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Don Papa Rum
- 1 Tbsp. freshly chopped up ginger (Julienned)
- 3 slices calamansi
- 1 Tbsp. fresh calamansi juice
- 20 ml honey
- 3 ice cubes
Procedure:
Muddle for 10 seconds, add 3 large ice cubes, and shake. Pour everything out into a low ball glass and top it off with soda water. Stir and enjoy with good company.
Bacolod Pasalubong
When you are in Bacolod and you like to drink rum, don’t miss Don Papa Rum and Don Papa 10. You can get them at Shirmarro’s Wine Center at 13th-Lacson Streets. It’s also available at Zeller’s Wine Gallery at the Azotea, Mandalagan, Bacolod City.
Furthermore, you can bring them home as Bacolod pasalubong. But you just might have to check about bringing them through airport. 😀
Also, celebrate the MassKara Festival in Bacolod with Don Papa Rum!
- Related: Bacolod City Guide
Contact Details
For more information on Don Papa Rum, you can send an email to:
brand@bleedingheartrum.com or trade@bleedingheartrum.com
Follow them on Facebook for updates: DonPapaRum
LONDON:
17, Kensington Hall Gardens,
Beaumont avenue
London W14 9LS
MANILA:
1651, Dian Street
Barangay San Isidro
Makati, Manila
I only drink rum when it is coupled with coke hahaha… I can’t drink it as it is as I find it too strong. It’d be interesting to try Ka-Pag Serious Ka though, I think that one I can drink because it’s cocktail. 🙂
It’s really good sis. Try making it at home. 😀