In 2011, Don Papa Rum emerged from Stephen Carroll's fascination with Negros, Philippines—a place teeming with sugarcane, beaches, and intriguing history. Seeking to revamp the Philippines' rum scene, inspired by the island's charm, Carroll, a former Remy Cointreau exec, crafted a premium, imaginative rum. Named after Dionisio Magbuelas, known as Papa Isio, a pivotal figure before the Philippine Revolution, Don Papa embodies his leadership essence. Distilled at the base of Mt. Kanlaon using top-tier sugarcane, it undergoes a 7-year aging process in American oak barrels, resulting in a sweet, caramel-vanilla profile—a standout as the country's premier sipping rum. Its distinctive packaging, reminiscent of an island odyssey fused with Alice in Wonderland, serves as a creative nod to the Philippines' colonial past. Crafted globally—from France, Portugal, and Italy to New York—the bottle showcases Don Papa, adorned with a gecko, concealing 49 other animals, including the iconic tarsier. This design won gold at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and earned the title of product innovation at the 2013 Paris Cocktail Spirits Show.
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