Don Papa Rum is an aged spirit produced in the Philippines from molasses derived from local sugarcane. It has a minimum aging period of seven years and is bottled in distinctive collectible canisters.
History
Don Papa was founded by Stephen Carroll, a former Rémy Cointreau executive, after discovering the quality of sugarcane in Bacolod. The rum is named after Papa Isio, a religio-political rebel leader from the Philippine Revolution in the 1890s. Bleeding Heart Rum Company established production in Negros, the sugarcane capital of the Philippines, launching Don Papa in Bacolod in 2012 before expanding to Manila and international markets.
Production
Don Papa Rum is made from molasses called 'black gold' derived from an old strain of sugarcane milled in Negros. The fermented molasses is aged for at least seven years in casks. The production process has faced controversy among rum enthusiasts regarding the use of additives such as glycerin, vanillin, added sugar, and caramel color, with some questioning whether it should be classified as 'Rum'.
Packaging
The brand is known for its distinctive canister packaging, with 40 different designs released since its launch. These canisters are considered art pieces and valuable collectibles, featuring themes such as Papa Isio, Sugarlandia, and various limited editions including Baroko, Masskara, and special aged releases.