Beyond the Bottle: Discovering Tanduay Through Rum Education

When it comes to Philippine rum, Tanduay is a name closely associated with tradition, celebration, and a long-standing heritage. Since the 19th century, the brand has been producing rum that has become a familiar part of Filipino drinking culture and has been enjoyed during both everyday get-togethers and special celebrations.

Yet there is more to Tanduay than the rum itself.

“Tanduay is very active in building appreciation for rum through grassroots engagement and education. It is our way of investing into the future, as students and young professionals are the next generation that will be shaping not just the rum industry, but the bartending, hospitality, and tourism industries as well.” ~Gem Leonard Boy, Tanduay Brand Manager

Alongside its long history of production, the brand has been exploring ways to promote greater appreciation and understanding of rum. One of these initiatives is the Tanduay Rum Masterclass, which offers participants an opportunity to learn more about the world of rum and gain a better appreciation of what goes into every bottle.

“The Tanduay Rum Masterclass was developed to introduce and deepen students’ appreciation and excitement in the bar and beverage industry and understanding of rum, not simply as a beverage that is part of the subject but as a product shaped by Filipino heritage, craftsmanship, sugarcane, aging, blending, and innovation. To date, we have catered to many schools and universities, including private and state universities, and training schools in and around Metro Manila, North and Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and the Bicol Region. We have also conducted masterclasses in mobile bars, and as part of company activities and private sessions. We usually facilitate masterclasses for a minimum of three institutions per month. For schools in particular, we want to reach future hospitality professionals early in their careers and give them an educational experience that complements what they learn in the classroom. What makes the Tanduay Rum Masterclass different is its combination of education, Filipino rum heritage, sensory appreciation, and practical bartending application. Participants are given the opportunity to understand where rum comes from, how it develops its character, how to appreciate its different qualities, and how it can be used creatively in cocktails. For future bartenders and hospitality professionals, knowledge of the product allows them to make better recommendations, create better cocktails, communicate with guests, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind what they serve. They particularly appreciate learning how to identify differences in aroma, flavor, body, and finish, and discovering that rum can be appreciated in much the same way as other premium spirits. Students also enjoy the interactive components, particularly tasting and cocktail demo and return demonstration, hands-on cocktail mixing, art of flairtending, because they can connect what they learn in the classroom with actual beverage-industry practices as well as prizes and freebies. We want them to leave with greater appreciation for Filipino rum and with knowledge that they can carry into their future careers in bartending, hospitality, and the beverage industry.” ~Jake Alano, Resident Bartender of Tanduay

More than 100 first- and second-year students at the University of Perpetual Help Las Piñas recently got a closer look at the world of bartending and rum during the latest Tanduay Rum Masterclass led by Alano.

Designed for students preparing for careers in the hospitality and beverage sectors, the session covered essential bartending skills and cocktail preparation. Alano was supported by the Band of Young and Outstanding Bartenders (BYOB) and Soilo Productions, who helped introduce participants to bartending basics and the art of mixing cocktails with Tanduay.

How the Masterclass Began

What is now known as the Tanduay Rum Masterclass started years ago as a simple educational session.

Tanduay has been conducting its rum education program since 2016, with Alano identifying the earliest documented class as one held at the Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST) Manila.

Originally called a Tanduay class, the program gradually grew and evolved into the Tanduay Rum Masterclass that participants know today.

The sessions feature Tanduay products while introducing participants to essential bartending and flairtending techniques. Beyond mixing drinks, the program also explores the fundamentals of rum appreciation, including how to assess a rum's color, aroma, body, taste, and finish.

Participants are likewise introduced to rum tasting and cocktail mixing, giving them a more comprehensive understanding of the spirit and how it can be used in different drinks.

From the Sensory Appreciation of Rum to Learning Basic Bartending Skills

Participants in the Tanduay Rum Masterclass get a well-rounded introduction to the world of rum through lessons on bartending fundamentals, rum education, tasting, and product appreciation. The sessions also include practical applications and discussions on responsible drinking.

Alano said the goal is to create an experience that goes beyond simply learning the basics, making each masterclass educational, interactive, and enjoyable for participants.

Emphasizing the Importance of Responsible Drinking

According to Alano, responsible drinking is a key message consistently reinforced during the Tanduay Rum Masterclass. The organizers take time to remind participants about responsible alcohol consumption as they learn about rum, bartending, and cocktail preparation.

Why Rum Education Is Important

With 15 years of experience in the industry, Alano believes that appreciating a spirit goes beyond knowing how it is consumed. For him, understanding its story, character, and craftsmanship is an important part of truly appreciating what is in the glass.

This philosophy is reflected in Tanduay's wider approach to rum education. Aside from the Rum Masterclass, the brand organizes distillery tours, mixology and flairtending competitions, and other activities that give students and industry participants opportunities to learn more about rum.

The encouraging feedback from masterclass participants has also been a source of motivation for Alano and the team.

Ultimately, the goal is to help students develop a deeper appreciation for rums, particularly Tanduay, and recognize it not simply as something to drink, but as a product that represents Filipino heritage, craftsmanship, and creativity.