Don Papa Rum Unveils Limited Edition Port Casks With Virtual Dinner By Chef Victor Magsaysay

Don Papa Rum, the premium single-island rum from the island of Negros in the Philippines, is to launch its newest expression, the Port Casks—a limited edition, super-premium rum commemorating the quincentenary of the earth’s first circumnavigation, an epic voyage ultimately leading to the landing by the Spanish in the Philippines.

To launch this exquisite limited edition, Don Papa hosted a virtual dinner last September 8 featuring a tasting menu by Chef Victor Magsaysay and cocktails made with its new Port Casks named Two Worlds and San Lázaro. 

The Port Casks virtual launch kit was placed in a handwoven bag by Zacarias 1925. The collaboration with this Filipino brand resulted in a design that is boat-shaped to represent the galleon ships that took Magellan's expedition around the world 500 years ago. Within the kit was a Don Papa Port Casks bottle, Port Casks plates, Portuguese-style glasses, dinner by Chef Victor, and cocktail ingredients. Guests were instructed to have the kit ready for the virtual dinner event, together with 2 big glasses for the cocktails and ice.

Distilled on the mystical and fertile island of Sugarlandia (the local name for Negros) and aged in the unique volcanic climate surrounding the foothills of the active volcano Mt. Kanlaon, this intensely full-bodied expression (bottled at 40% ABV) has developed an additional layer of complexity. Initially aged two years in ex bourbon casks, the rum was then transferred into rich, ruby-hued Port Casks for an additional five years. 

The result is a rum of a dark, spicy character with a warming, lingering fruitiness, bringing to life the majestic Port Casks. Deep notes of liquorice, polished oak, dark chocolate and muscovado sugar, followed by zesty blood oranges, ripe red berries and a subtle note of fresh vanilla, give this rum its unique taste profile. At the foundation is the pure, original Negros sugarcane, with a rich-textured finish.

Five hundred years ago, the Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, was commissioned by King Charles I of Spain to embark on an expedition in search of the Spice Islands. It was an odyssey over the edge of the world that would forever change the course of maritime navigation and history. The Port Casks limited edition is inspired by this epic story, ultimately connecting the old world with the new.

The Port Casks is presented in an intricately detailed surrealist design, reflecting aspects of the ardous three-year odyssey undertaken by Magellan; depicting the kaleidoscopic range of creatures found on Sugarlandia and the irreverence of Papa Isio, the revolutionary hero who inspired the Don Papa name.

The new Port Casks Rum brings another dimension to the Don Papa drinking experience with its growing portfolio including the original Don Papa 7 year old, Don Papa 10, Rare Cask, Sherry Cask, Sevillana Cask, and last year’s Rye Aged release.

A bottle of Don Papa Port Casks (70cl) makes for a perfect Christmas gift—either for yourself or someone you care about. It retails for Php 3,210 at Boozy.ph and can also be purchased at Ralph's Wines & Spirits.