Negros Island aged Don Papa Rum
I recently attended an event by Don Papa Rum set in a beautiful garden spot with the classic Ruins of the Mariano Ledesma Lacson Mansion at the backdrop and the night sky and glittering stars above us. Don Papa Rum or the Don, sat on the cocktail tables, looking at home in the island of Negros. And it should be because the rum traces its roots in this very land, the sock-shaped island of Negros in the Visayas part of the Philippine archipelago.
The facade of the Ruins
Another angle of the Ruins.
The left side of the Ruins.
Foreigners and locals gathered at the event held in Talisay City. But the single question that seemed to be lingering in everyone’s mind was “Who is Don Papa?” Apparently, Don Papa Rum got its name from known rebel, healer, and shaman — Papa Isio (“Isio the Pope” in Hiligaynon language), or Dionisio Magbuelas, who was also the leader of a group of babaylanes in Negros. He played a role in the Philippine Revolution in the late 19th century to the early 20th century as he revolted against the Spanish rule.
The fountain near the entrance of the Ruins.
The terrace arches.
A closer look of the arches.
Don Papa Rum, on the other hand, revolutionizes rum drinking as it embodies the spirit of independence, brazenness and impartiality of Papa Isio. According to its site, “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.”
Don Papa Rum and Don Papa Rum 10.
Don Papa Rum 10.
For those who are not familiar of our province, Negros Occidental, which occupies the western half of the Negros Island, it is the sugar capital of the Philippines. Sugar cane production has been in existence for centuries in this island because its geography, climate and fertile soil from Kanlaon volcano make it suitable for the plant to flourish. By the way, you can definitely enjoy a vacation in Negros as there are cheap flights and affordable hotels & resorts in the province.
Aged in the foothills of Mount Kanlaon, Negros Occidental, Philippines.
Cool designs.
From this sugar cane product, mixed with flavors like honey, vanilla, and candied fruits, comes the smooth, rich-textured Don Papa Rum. Apart from the classic Don Papa Rum, there’s also Don Papa Rum 10, which is aged for 10 years. The rum can be mixed for various cocktail drinks and Don Papa has enlisted young mixologist Kathryn Eckstein, along with its global brand ambassador, Matthias Cadéac d’Arbaud, for recipes using Don Papa Rum. Don Papa Rum’s founder Stephen Carroll was also present at the event. They have already launched the rum in different countries in Europe – UK, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, and Belgium, as well as in Scandinavia.
Don Papa Rum founder Stephen Carroll (2nd from left), Managing Director for Asia Pacific Andrew Garcia (3rd from left), and global brand ambassador Matthias Cadéac d’Arbaud (rightmost).
Guests wait for the their mixed drinks.
Don Papa is the highlight of the night.
During the cocktail gathering, I tried the Ka-pag Serious Ka (literally means “when you’re serious”), which was soothing to the taste with a bit of tang to keep you wanting for more. Below is the recipe, which can be found in Don Papa’s website.
Mixolologist Kathryn Eckstein prepares my Kapag Serious Ka drink.
Ka-Pag Serious Ka
- 40ml Don Papa Rum
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped up ginger (sliced Julienne)
- 3 sliced calamansi
- 1 tbsp fresh calamansi juice
- 20ml honey
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.
The ingredients of my cocktail drink.
Kathryn shakes the ingredients.
Our dinner.
After the cocktails at the garden, we gathered inside the Ruins for a sumptuous dinner as we were serenaded by a group of locals. Don Papa Rum ambassador Matthias, who is also the former guitarist of French indie rock band Rock&Roll and now a mixologist, gave us a sample of his musical skill as he jammed with the local band.
The local band.
Matthias jams with the band.
It was a night to remember. A night that gave pride to Negros. A night that brought the local taste to the international scene with the collaboration of local and global experts in rum drinking. And so, the spirit of Don Papa lives on in us all.
Warm your nights with Don Papa Rum.
The spirit of Don Papa lives on.
For more info on Don Papa Rum, contact:
brand@bleedingheartrum.com or
trade@bleedingheartrum.com
http://www.donpaparum.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DonPapaRum/
LONDON:
17, Kensington Hall Gardens,
Beaumont avenue
London W14 9LS
MANILA:
1651, Dian Street
Barangay San Isidro
Makati, Manila
32 thoughts on “Negros Island aged Don Papa Rum”
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Want some spice to accompany your rum? The inspiration for this rum—Negros haciendas, Philippine revolution, and folk healers—can also be found in my Sugar Sun romance series: http://bit.ly/sugarsun
Thank you for sharing this. 🙂
I don’t really like the taste of rum, I think it’s too powerful but it sure would be nice to attend a lovely event such as that. The Ruins is such a lovely place, it’s really amazing!
It is strong but when mixed with juices and the like, it tastes better. 🙂
looks good but no idea about run, i dont drink!
I don’t drink that much either, but the mix they did that I tasted was awesome. 🙂
What a beautiful location. I’ve never heard of this rum and sadly I have very bad experience with local alcohol. Or maybe I just can’t hang with big boy drinks!
Hahaha! I was surprised that it tasted good when mixed as a cocktail drink. 🙂
Absolutely marvellous! The ruins, the music and the Rum – this is a killer combination.
It was! The night was enjoyable and I was surprised to learn new things about rum making.
Oh my! I should visit Negros soon. I wanna have a taste of that rum, and of course visit the Ruins. Damo nga salamat for this post.
Come and enjoy Negros! 🙂
The view of the ruins is just majestic. The event looks really fun and the Don Papa Rum looks like a great drink.
The Ruins is simply spectacular at night. 🙂
Wow, this place is beautiful!! I would have loved to be there! I’m sure it really was a night to remember. 🙂
Yes, we had a great time. 🙂
What a lovely place to have an event like this! And who wouldn’t want to sample some fine rum? 🙂
You’re right! The cocktail drink I tried was surprisingly tasteful.
Stunning place. The rum is quite a treat! I’m sure you had a ball of a time!
You’re right, it was a night to remember. 🙂
I really admired The Ruins when we visited Bacolod a couple of years back. But we saw it at high noon. Your nighttime photos are indeed beautiful, they lit it up so well.
It has a different ambiance at night. Very romantic and grandoise. 🙂
I’m not a big fan of rums. Actually I’m not an alcohol drinker but the presentation of this entices me to drink.
The packaging is really intricate and elegant. The design caught my eye instantly as well.
Wow such a glitzy and classy event to taste the rum. The setup and everything is so glamour.
Yes, glamorous and historical. Quite a combination, making the whole thing seem so vintage and classic.
Heard of Don papa rum. The packaging & designs look great. Btw for ruins the place is maintained very well..
I’m glad that you know Don Papa Rum! I think next to the Philippines, they launched it after in the UK.
Recently got to know about this place and it looks wonderful. Loved that ambience at night when it is all lit up.
The Ruins was the perfect setting for the Don Papa Rum event because both share a touch of elegance and heritage.
The ruins are beautiful to look at in the dark. They reminded me of the Kellie’s Castle in Malaysia though… You can try to google and check it out!
I’ll surely check it out. 🙂