Rum as tribute to the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade

Don Papa Rum, the internationally-loved rum proudly made in Negros, has just launched its latest expression, the Don Papa Sevillana Cask.

Don Papa is generally aged in American oak, ex-bourbon barrels. For their rum innovations, they add another dimension to the aging process. For example, for the Don Papa Rare Cask, they transferred the rum from ex-bourbon barrels to specially “shaved, toasted and roasted” barrels “to bring out the flavor in a barrel,” communications director Monica Llamas explained.

In the case of the Rare Cask, the procedure brought out stronger woodsy notes, giving a whiskey finish to the rum. Last year, they also launched the Sherry Cask, which was transferred to casks that held sherry wine like Pedro Jimenez after being aged in the ex-bourbon barrels.

For the Don Papa Sevillana—a blend of 4 to 12-year-old rums distilled from 100-percent Negros Island sugar cane—after being aged in the American ex-bourbon barrels, it spends three years in two different types of Spanish barrels: Oloroso sherry casks and Andalusian Vino De Naranja (orange wine) casks. The Vino De Naranja casks were used to flavor a local Seville orange spirit.

The Sevillana has a beautiful nose with Don Papa’s signature vanilla notes plus boosts of orange rind flavors. On the palate, it is smoky and velvety but it also has a long tangy finish.

This innovation is a tribute to Spain, inspired by the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. In their words, “The brand re-imagines this historic encounter for modern-day pundits to better appreciate and keep the memory alive through its newest innovation.”

As the Sevillana was inspired by this Manila-Spain connection, Don Papa flew in Spanish chefs Ferran Tadeo and Miguel Ojeda of La Ramba in Hong Kong for the Manila launch of the brand.

The chefs paired jamón ibérico and sour cream-filled churros with a Don Papa Kingston Negroni, described by Don Papa brand ambassador Lloyd Misagal as “an aromatic bevvy with subtle hints of nut.”

The Spanish chefs also brilliantly incorporated Don Papa rum into apahap or Philippine sea bass.

My favorite of the dishes they served, however, was the lamb and mushroom paella that had bits of liver. This was so good and perfect with Sevillana on the rocks.

The evening ended on a sweet note with chocolate from CMV Txokolate by Christian Valdes. This is an excellent luxury chocolate brand using South Cotabato dark chocolate. Sticking to the theme, the chocolate truffles were infused with Valencia oranges.

Be sure to drink moderately, though, as Don Papa Sevillana is bottled at 40-percent alcohol by volume (ABV).

Be sure to purchase as soon as possible. There are only 66 bottles that will be available in the Philippines. If you’re still looking for a Christmas gift for the man who has everything, this is it.

Don Papa Sevillana Cask Finish (70cl) is available in Duty Free, Boozy.ph and select premium bars and restaurants.