Produced in the Philippines, this expression builds on a molasses-based rum from Negros Island, with a secondary maturation in sherry-seasoned casks used to shape the final profile. The style reflects a modern, flavour-driven approach, combining tropical ageing with cask finishing to emphasise richness and sweetness. Fermentation begins with molasses derived from locally grown sugarcane. The wash is fermented under controlled conditions to produce a relatively clean base, with limited development of heavier congeners. Distillation is carried out in column stills, resulting in a light and refined spirit intended for ageing and blending.
Initial maturation takes place in oak casks, typically ex-bourbon barrels, under tropical conditions. The warm climate accelerates the ageing process, promoting rapid extraction of oak compounds such as vanilla, caramel, and light spice. This stage establishes the base structure of the rum. The defining step is the finishing period in sherry casks, often previously used for sweet styles such as Pedro Ximenez or Oloroso. These casks contribute concentrated notes of dried fruit, raisin, and a deeper sweetness, along with a darker colour and a more rounded texture. The finishing duration is carefully controlled to avoid overwhelming the base rum.
Additional sweetness is typically present, either from residual cask influence or added sugar, resulting in a richer and more dessert-like profile. This places the rum closer to a modern, sweetened style rather than a dry or traditional expression. Blending is used to ensure consistency and balance between the base rum and the cask finish. Dilution is carried out using purified water to achieve bottling strength while maintaining clarity. The overall style is full and sweet, with strong influence from the sherry casks. It prioritises richness, smoothness, and accessibility over fermentation complexity or dry structure.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Rich and sweet, with raisin, fig, and dark fruit. Notes of vanilla, caramel, and light spice sit beneath.
Palate:
Full and rounded, with flavours of toffee, dried fruit, and sweet spice. The texture is soft, with a pronounced sweetness and gentle warmth.
Finish:
Medium to long, with lingering dried fruit and caramel. A soft spice and light oak dryness provide some balance to the sweetness.
