Tanduay enters an ‘Iconic Era’ with Andrea Brillantes as 2026 Calendar Girl

Tanduay, the world's number one rum, introduced Andrea Brillantes as its 2026 Tanduay Calendar Girl at a glamorous media event hosted at The Elements at Eton Centris, honoring not only a new face, but also a revitalized spirit of confidence, authenticity, and empowerment.

For decades, the Tanduay Calendar Girl has been an annual highlight in local pop culture, noted for combining glamor, artistry, and empowerment.  Every calendar contains mirrored the changing image of the Filipina as confident, self-assured, and multifaceted.

The 2026 edition, themed "Iconic Era," upholds the tradition while reimagining it for a new generation.  Instead than emphasizing allure, this year's campaign highlights uniqueness and honesty, attributes that both the brand and its newest muse possess.

“When I found out, I was honestly shocked. Like, ha? talaga ba? Growing up, I’d always see the Tanduay Calendar Girls as these strong, confident, iconic women, so to actually be one now feels surreal. It’s such an honor and definitely a huge milestone for me. It really took a lot of preparation, both mentally and physically. I had to be disciplined with my meal plans and make sure I felt good inside and out. I also studied each concept with the team because I wanted every photo to show a different side of me. Being a Tanduay Calendar Girl is about being real and confident. You have to embrace who you are, including your flaws, strengths, everything. Whether I’m soft, strong, playful, or fierce. That’s all me, and I’m proud of that. People have watched me grow up, and now they’re seeing me as a woman. “I’m more sure of myself, more intentional with the things I do, and more confident to take control of my career. Hindi na siya about proving anything. It’s about enjoying where I am and celebrating how far I’ve come. I’ve made mistakes, learned from them, and now I know myself better. Mas marunong na akong pumili. Whether it’s people, projects, or where I put my energy. I’ve learned to protect my peace, trust my gut, and stand by my choices. I feel stronger and more grounded now. Perhaps, people feel that energy because I try to stay authentic. I grow, I learn, I change, but I stay true to myself. I leave it up to them to see me as I am.” ~Andrea Brillantes, Tanduay Calendar Girl 2026

The Making of an Icon

Brillantes admitted that becoming a Tanduay Calendar Girl required more than physical preparation.

Every layout in the 2026 calendar conveys a story about progress, strength, and transformation.  The images, which range from gentle and introspective pictures to flamboyant, fashion-forward imagery, are intended to depict Andrea's progress as well as the brand's theme of confidence through self-awareness.

Andrea Brillantes is now stepping into her career with a renewed sense of maturity. Her new role as Tanduay's ambassador appears to reflect the brand's own transformation from a long-standing local distillery to a globally acclaimed name that continues to innovate while remaining faithful to its roots.

For Andrea, entering her Iconic Era entails remaining loyal to her core.  Tanduay sees this new chapter as a continuation of its commitment to recognize not only beauty, but also strength and originality, principles that have guided the brand for over 170 years.

As the night came to a conclusion and images from the Iconic Era calendar appeared on the screen, the message was clear: Tanduay and Andrea Brillantes are both committed to change, progress, and authenticity.

Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri Captures the Easy, Effortless Lifestyle of the New Generation

With the advent of home drinking culture and a demand for convenience, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails have gained popularity among today's youth.  Tanduay Flavored Mixes in Daiquiri taste are one of the most popular RTDs on the market today.

“Drinking culture is changing, and Millennials and GenZ are driving that change. They want something effortless without sacrificing taste, and Tanduay has responded to this demand with our RTD products like the Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri. They want something relaxing when catching up or celebrating. Their home becomes the new bar, and Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri blends with this new lifestyle.” ~Janno Gironella, Jr., Tanduay R&D Head

Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri tastes like fresh, juicy lemonade, with overtones of cherry and almond cake.  It boasts tempting smells of juicy cherry, lemon, and candied almonds.

With a 15% ABV, it provides the perfect amount of refreshing kick.  Gironella stated that, while younger drinkers are more creative with flavors, they are also more conscious of their alcohol consumption.

From House Parties to Quiet Wind-Downs

RTDs are popular not only because they are convenient, but also because they reflect how people live today.  People would rather meet at home than in crowded settings.

Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri is also a cocktail that you may easily pack for a weekend break with close friends.  It's also an excellent choice for relaxing peacefully on your own.

Affordable Without Compromising on Taste

Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri provides the popular brand's signature sipping experience without costing extra.  It's ideal for those on a tight budget who want a tasty cocktail that takes little time to make.

It's as easy to enjoy as it is to buy. Simply visit www.shots.ph or Tanduay's official stores on Lazada and Shopee to browse the brand's extensive selection of rums, RTDs, and other items. You may also find them in major supermarkets and liquor stores.

Tanduay Bar at New PAL Mabuhay Lounge Offers a Taste of Tanduay’s Premium Rums

Tanduay has opened a custom bar for visitors at the recently opened Philippine Airlines (PAL) Mabuhay Lounge of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City, elevating the airport experience.

The 1,200 square meter PAL Mabuhay Lounge was created by Atelier Almario. area and can accommodate 294 people in seats. Before boarding their international flights, travelers can take advantage of this location for some relaxation and delicious food. It is only available to Business Class passengers flying with PAL who have a daytime boarding pass and to Mabuhay Miles Elite, Premier Elite, or Million Miler members who have a daytime flight scheduled.

Tanduay Bar x PAL Mabuhay Lounge

Tanduay Bar x PAL Mabuhay Lounge

A Place to Relax Before Boarding

The PAL Mabuhay Lounge has a seating area where passengers can enjoy plane spotting and a panorama of the suburban Manila skyline, a quiet area for relaxation, an exclusive room for Million Milers, work stations, and a dining area serving delicious Filipino and international dishes.

With the addition of the Tanduay Bar inside the lounge, guests are given the unique opportunity to enjoy exceptional spirits before takeoff at no extra cost. All the drinks are free.

The Tanduay Bar Experience

“The Tanduay Bar offers a selection of drinks that include some of the brand’s premium rums. Tanduay's products are well-known among our guests, including our foreign passengers. So, having the Tanduay Bar helps further elevate the dining experience at the Mabuhay Lounge. We believe in providing an oasis for travelers, and the Tanduay Bar perfectly aligns with our vision. We offer them moments of relaxation amid the hustle and bustle of travel. Many passengers want to try the Double Rum because it is uncommon for them. They are amazed at its taste, and some of them would even ask us where they could buy a bottle of the Double Rum.” ~Ms. Emalyn Lira, Manager for Lounge Services at PAL

Ms. Emalyn Lira, Manager for Lounge Services at PAL

She has been with PAL for 39 years and currently oversees its domestic airport lounges.

Among the cocktails available at the lounge are the Captain’s Punch made with the Tanduay Superior Rum; Planters’ Punch, Cuba Libre, and Long Island made with the Tanduay Asian Rum Gold; and Mojito made with the Tanduay White Rum.

Tanduay Bar x PAL Mabuhay Lounge

Tanduay Bar x PAL Mabuhay Lounge

Tanduay Bar x PAL Mabuhay Lounge

PAL Mabuhay Lounge Bar Supervisor Jennifer Escaño shared that, among all the Tanduay products available at the bar, the Tanduay Double Rum is the most popular.

Cocktails, which are created using Tanduay rums, are also popular among passengers.

“Natutuwa po ang mga passengers sa dami ng mga products sa Tanduay Bar at nasasarapan po sila sa mga cocktails (Passengers are delighted to see the many product offerings at the Tanduay Bar, and they really enjoy the cocktails). Nagtatanong po sila kung paano inumin, kung masarap po ba pag neat or may halo (They would ask how it is best enjoyed, whether neat or mixed). It’s a good feeling to see that they are enjoying their drinks. From the premium rums to the cocktails, the drinks cater to the diverse tastes of discerning travelers. Passengers can now indulge in the flavors of an iconic Philippine rum while enjoying the comfortable ambiance of the Mabuhay Lounge, giving them an elevated journey that begins well before boarding.” ~Mr. Reymond Galang, Mabuhay Lounge Senior Bartender

Mr. Reymond Galang, PAL Mabuhay Lounge Senior Bartender

Galang added that most passengers are curious about the Tanduay Double Rum.

Galang, who has been working at PAL’s Mabuhay Lounges for seven years, shared that it is always great to see passengers having a good time with the drinks they prepare at the new Tanduay Bar.

Tanduay International Business Development Manager and Senior Brand Manager Marc Ngo said they wanted the bar to mirror the brand’s quality and excellence.

Tanduay is a sister company of PAL under the Lucio Tan Group, Inc.

About Tanduay 

Tanduay is one of the most-awarded rum brands in the Philippines, receiving various local and international citations. In 2017, it was declared the World’s Number One Rum by Drinks International magazine. Tanduay will hold this title for six consecutive years. 

Tanduay started out as a distillery in Hagonoy, Bulacan, a province in the island of Luzon known for its heroes and craftsmen. It changed ownership throughout the decades and has been under the Lucio Tan Group (LT Group) of Companies, Inc., one of the biggest conglomerates in the Philippines, since 1988. 

Even as the years passed, Tanduay has consistently maintained its product quality, ensuring that Filipinos and foreigners alike will enjoy the same taste and aroma of a Tanduay product wherever they are in the world.

About Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the Philippines’ flag carrier and only full-service network airline, as well as the first commercial airline in Asia. 

PAL's fleet of Boeing, Airbus, and De Havilland aircraft operate scheduled nonstop flights out of hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to 33 destinations in the Philippines and 39 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East. 

Known for its hallmark heartwarming and gracious Filipino service, PAL also supports the global economy through air cargo and charter services, while serving the travel needs of overseas Filipinos as well as businesspeople, tourists and families from all over the world.

Stock Up on Your Favorite Tanduay Products in Time for the Holidays

 

Don’t wait for the holiday rush to stock up on your liquors. Head to www.shots.ph to purchase your favorite Tanduay products. Shop without the hassle with just a few clicks or taps. To make your shopping even easier, the official e-commerce store of Tanduay offers several product deals that you won’t find elsewhere.

• Assorted Bundles

Tanduay’s Asian Rum Gold and Silver are two of its most-awarded products. It has been recognized in numerous international wines and spirits competitions. With the Asian Rum Bundles, you can purchase these products along with add-ons. The bundles are available from PhP1,200 and up.

Asian Rhum Bundle #1

Asian Rhum Bundle #2

Asian Rhum Bundle #3

Asian Rhum Bundle #4

Asian Rhum Bundle #5

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your rum-loving friends and colleagues, you’ll never go wrong with the Tanduay Asian Rum Gold and Silver in a specially designed packaging by Kenneth Cobonpue. It also comes with a rock glass designed by the renowned Filipino artist.

Asian Rhum Gold & Silver Kenneth Cobonpue Edition

Asian Rhum Gold & Silver Kenneth Cobonpue Edition

Other rum bundles that come with assorted freebies such as chips, ginger ale, and rock glasses are also available. There are bundles for whiskey lovers, too.

• Not Just Rum

Not only does www.shots.ph carry Tanduay’s most popular and awarded spirits, it also offers premium Tanduay merchandise. Visit the merchandise page (https://shots.ph/collections/merchandise) for apparel, bags, and collectibles that would be the best gifts for the family.

The Theo, Philo & Tanduay Infused Chocolate is also available in the online store. This specially crafted bar combines Theo & Philo’s famous chocolate flavor with the Tanduay Asian Rum Gold’s oak and honey-like taste with hints of almond and vanilla.

Explore the website to learn more about the latest available products.

• Available for Pickup and Delivery

Pickups are available from Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Pickup locations include the Shots PH Headquarters in Kapitolyo, Pasig; the Tanduay Sales offices in Pampanga, Cebu, and Laguna.

Delivery is available in Metro Manila and select areas of Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Albay, Laguna, Cavite, Cebu, and GenSan (only in areas without a liquor ban).

For more information, you may leave a message through Shots by Tanduay’s Facebook page or through Viber message at 09171330786.

Barrel-Aged Ginto Capturing Millennials in Growing PH Gin Market

 

With their more flexible preferences and openness to new experiences in drinking, millennials are the main market who are driving the switch to the newly launched Ginto, the barrel-aged gin from Tanduay Distillers, Inc. 

“Ginto is a product for today’s adventurous drinkers, and those who have tried it have commended its unique taste compared to other gin products that are either non-aged or simply flavored. It is also a product that is proudly Filipino, and its name speaks for the gold standard that we always aim for at Tanduay. The result of young Filipinos who see the category as a trendy alternative to the traditional vinous spirit’. Right now, our logistics arm and online sales platform are very essential to our business. They are the ones that bring Ginto and our other products to our customers. So, despite the challenges, Ginto is performing really well. We have also been receiving good feedback from stores and in social media. There were inquiries from abroad as well since we came out with the product.” ~Lucio Tan III, Tanduay President and COO

The young Tan, who is himself a millennial, introduced Ginto during the first half of the year as the company’s way of capturing a share of the country’s growing gin market. 

Despite a decline in global sales, gin continues to be a top product among drinkers in the Philippines. Citing Euromonitor, Drinks International Magazine in its 2021 issue of The Millionaires Club, said that gin even surpassed brandy as the country’s most popular spirit in the past year.

Drinks International is among the most prestigious publications that hands out the yearly World’s Number 1 award for different spirits categories. It collects data on 155 million-case brands from public company reports and requested results. It then calculates growth from the actual volume data supplied.

Tanduay, which has been declared the World’s Number 1 Rum by the magazine for four consecutive years now, is aiming to have a share of the country’s gin market through its new product, Ginto.

Ginto is currently available in Luzon, which is a predominantly gin market. It is also available in select areas in Visayas and Mindanao. Ginto is priced at a very affordable PhP120 suggested retail price (SRP).

Tan admitted that while Luzon is a very challenging region for liquor, they are hopeful that they can capture a good slice of the island’s gin business as it is known to be more open to different types of drinks.

The pandemic has made it even more challenging for businesses, and Tan is thankful to have a strong team that knows how to hurdle the obstacles that come their way.

Tanduay is known for its expertise in barrel-aging, a process that gives spirits a classic aged flavor like caramel, oak, vanilla, and smoke. If the barrels were previously used for other spirits, the gin also takes the flavor of that spirit.

The company owns aging facilities that house 200,000 oak barrels with a capacity of approximately 40 million gauge liters

Tan noted that while taste preference is quite difficult to pinpoint, Ginto offers a product that gives a new flavor and a new experience in gin drinking.

Ginto offers today's adventurous drinkers a new flavor and an exciting experience in gin drinking. Launched during the first half of the  year, it is currently available in Luzon and select areas in Visayas and Mindanao.

Ivana Cools Down With the Tanduay Mango Rhum

Ivana revealed that she has always been fond of Philippine mangoes, which are considered the best in the world. With mangoes cut in cubes, 30 ml of Tanduay Rhum, lime juice, sugar, salt, seltzer, and ice cubes — you can recreate Ivana’s favorite Mango Rhum.

Ivana Alawi, revealing one of her most-loved cocktail mixes using Tanduay Rhum. Among her favorites is the "Mango Rhum", which she said reminds her a lot of summers. She represents the modern Calendar Girl — strong, hardworking, has a heart for helping others, and knows when to relax and have a good time.

“I love preparing this cocktail because it’s so easy. But more than that, it tastes really great. You can have it any time of the day to give you a taste of summer. You can really taste the difference when you try out varieties from other countries. There’s something distinctly Filipino to it like the Tanduay Rhum. During these times when there’s a lot going on in the world, it’s important to be kind to others and to ourselves. Find time to chill and relax, whether by yourself or with your loved ones.” ~Ivana Alawi, Tanduay Calendar Girl 2021

All you need to do is blend the mangoes, lime juice, sugar, and salt in a blender. Once it has been properly blended, put the mixture in a glass. Add the Tanduay Rhum and stir. In another glass, put the cubes of ice then pour the mixture in. Add the seltzer, stir, and enjoy your very own Mango Rhum!

Ivana said that this cocktail mix is the perfect summer drink to have while you relax during the weekends or your virtual gatherings via Zoom with friends and colleagues.

To see how Ivana’s favorite Mango Rhum is done, scan the code below.

Beginner’s Guide to Rum from Derek Ramsay

There are different varieties and flavors of rum. The best way to learn more about rum is to drink it. 

Actor and Tanduay Rum’s long-time endorser Derek Ramsay can give you a tip or two to learn more about one of the biggest-selling spirits in the world.

Rum can be mixed as a cocktail, enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, or on the rocks. 

• White rums are usually used for cocktails, while dark and golden rums are enjoyed neat or with ice. “I like my rum on the rocks! I usually enjoy a drink before I call it a day,” said Ramsay.

How they’re made determines their taste. 

• There are different kinds of rum in the world, and the ingredients, distillation, and aging process play a huge role in how they taste. In other countries, they are made from raw sugarcane or distilled in a wood-fueled fire. For its Philippine-made rums, Tanduay uses first-syrup molasses that are extracted from the initial boil of quality sugarcane. They are then fermented for 24 to 32 hours prior to distillation after which they are stored in Kentucky bourbon barrels. A master blender, who serves as the guardian of the company’s rum formulas, along with rum specialists will then check the rums for consistency before approving them for bottling and packaging. “Where it came from, who are its makers. Knowing these will assure you of the quality of the rum. Personally, I’d like to get to know my drink of choice,” he explained.  

Dark rum is aged five years or longer, while gold rum is aged at least three years. 

• The former has a heavier body with hints of caramel and tropical fruits, while the latter has a rich taste with hints of vanilla spice. “I prefer the bold flavors and woody notes of dark rum when I find myself in a more pensive mood. When I feel like celebrating with my best buddies, I bring out the gold rum,” he revealed.

White rum is light-bodied with a sweet and spicy taste.

• This makes it perfect for cocktails such as mojitos and daiquiris. “When I feel like spending a cozy afternoon with friends or when hanging out with them in clubs, you can start the fun with a choice of mojito or daiquiri,” he suggested.

Premium rums are sipping rums.

• Some enjoy it neat, while there are those who have it with ice or water. You can also add lime or citrus to it. “Eventually, as you develop a liking for rum, you explore the premium rums. Like the Tanduay CLX Rum, you’ll get hints of chocolate and vanilla, tropical fruits, and orange zest. It’s a different experience altogether,” revealed Ramsay. 

Try different rum varieties.

• Before you get your hands on premium rums, which are the most expensive rum variety, try out the more affordable ones first to determine the ones you like and how you want to drink them. “Lastly, don’t be afraid to explore. Find the rum that best fits your taste for as long as you get to the one,” Ramsay concluded. 

About Tanduay 

Tanduay is one of the most-awarded rum brands in the Philippines, receiving various local and international citations. In 2017, it was declared the World’s Number One Rum by Drinks International magazine. Tanduay will hold this title for three consecutive years. Tanduay started out as a distillery in Hagonoy, Bulacan, a province in the island of Luzon known for its heroes and craftsmen. It changed ownership throughout the decades and has been under the Lucio Tan Group of Companies, Inc., one of the biggest conglomerates in the Philippines, since 1988. Even as the years passed, Tanduay has maintained the traditional way of distilling its rums, a practice that started in its now decommissioned Manila distillery. It has likewise consistently maintained its product quality, ensuring that Filipinos and foreigners alike will enjoy the same taste and aroma of a Tanduay product wherever they are in the world. 

Tanduay Rum Awarded Medals in Spirits Awards Belgium

 

Dubbed “The United Nations of Fine Spirits”, the international competition rewards spirits from across the globe. It has a panel of internationally renowned experts assessing and classifying whiskies, cognacs, brandies, rums, vodkas, and gins, among others.

Tanduay products continue to gain recognition from prestigious spirits competitions abroad. Most recently, Tanduay Asian Rum Gold and Tanduay Asian Rum Silver were both awarded silver medals at the Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial in Brussels, Belgium.

“There are many fine spirits around the world, and we are honored that our products have been chosen as two of the best. We accept this recognition with both pride and humility, and we thank all our people for their hard work and dedication in continuous-ly crafting quality products that are proudly Philippine-made.” ~Paul Lim, Tanduay Distillers, Inc. Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing

The Tanduay Asian Rum Gold is one of the company’s most-awarded products. Aged in used Bourbon barrels for seven years, it is silky smooth with elegant flavors, almonds, dried dark fruits, and island spices. 

The Tanduay Asian Rum Silver has also received several recognitions throughout the years. It is aged in used Bourbon barrels for five years and had hints of dried tropical fruits, vanilla, and toasted coconut.

This year, Tanduay continued to expand its international presence when it inked deals with top wines and spirits distributors from several U.S. states. Its U.S. presence now encompasses Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, Wisconsin, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California, Tennessee, and Michigan, and the territory of Guam.

Tanduay has also expanded its market in China and entered Singapore. The company is likewise working on its distribution in Europe.

Tech Savvy Lucio Tan III Leads Tanduay’s Continued US Market Growth Amid Pandemic, Eyes Europe Distribution in Q4

Tanduay Distillers’ Inc. president and chief operating officer Lucio Tan III, a software engineer, has been aggressive in bringing the Filipino rum to more customers worldwide, making it available not just through traditional marketing and selling but tapping into online channels as well.

Now headed by Lucio Tan III, the third-generation scion to one of the Philippines’ biggest conglomerates, Tanduay continues to successfully enter new international markets. Most recently, it inked deals with the largest US wines and spirits distributors, Johnson Brothers and General Beverage.  The third-generation scion to one of the Philippines’ biggest conglomerates is at the forefront of bringing the Filipino rum to more customers worldwide.

Even as most businesses are reeling under the effect of the pandemic, Filipino rum maker Tanduay’s growth continues on an upwards trajectory. A software engineer, Tan’s direction for the 165-year-old Tanduay business is to bring it to more customers worldwide, making it available not just through traditional marketing and selling but tapping into online channels as well.

Tanduay can now be found in Hawaii, Nevada, Wisconsin, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California, Tennessee, and Michigan, and in the territory of Guam. It is also available in China and Singapore and will be available in Europe by the end of the year. Tan's direction for the 165-year-old Tanduay business is to push toward a more visible international presence using traditional marketing strategies and tapping into tech-driven or digital channels as well.

“Even before the pandemic, we were already working on making Tanduay available through tech-driven channels. Last June, we launched an online selling site for our Filipino customers, shots.ph. In the US, we have partnered with Caskers and Flaviar, and we are also available through the online sites of our distributor-partners. When we market Tanduay internationally, we are also highlighting the craftsmanship of the Filipino. Tanduay is a product that we can proudly say is Philippine-made—from the sugarcane, it uses to the unique distilling process it undergoes. These are all products of the Filipino’s hard work and ingenuity. We’re combining our traditional practices in rum-making with new ways of marketing our products.” ~Lucio Tan III, Tanduay Distillers’ Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer, a Software Engineer, a Graduate of Stanford University

Tanduay takes pride in delivering the highest quality products by ensuring its sugarcane source and maintaining its efficient distillation process. As one of the biggest and most recognizable brands in the country, it pays homage to Filipino craftsmanship as it dominates the global market.

Tanduay’s push toward a more visible international presence started in the 2000s. Its more recent initiatives in the US included a partnership with the Golden State Warriors, making it the first Philippine brand to sponsor an NBA team. It had naming rights to the Tanduay Club in the Oracle Arena, and Tanduay Rum can be found at retailers in the Golden State Warriors’ blue and gold “Strength in Numbers” collectible boxes in California. Tanduay currently has its own branded bar at the Chase Center, the Golden State Warriors’ brand-new arena in San Francisco’s Bay District which opened in 2019.

Tanduay also became the official rum of the Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets. It has been a Presenting Sponsor of the 40/40 CLUB and an Associate Sponsor of the arena's Brooklyn Show platform. Tanduay also made a foray into entertainment by being one of the sponsors of the Emmy Awards, the first for any Filipino brand.

The company credits its international partnerships and aggressive marketing efforts for its domination of the international rum category. For three years now, Tanduay has been declared the World’s Number One Rum by Drinks International magazine. It has sold millions of cases worldwide, even outselling more popular international rum brands.

Tanduay mainly sources its sugarcane from Bacolod in the Visayas, which is a place known for its long history of sugarcane farming. The island is home to the country’s 100-year-old sugar milling company.

Founded in 1854, Tanduay uses the same distillation process that is employed in its now decommissioned distillery in Manila. A Master Blender, who serves as the guardian of Tanduay’s formulas, checks on the consistency and quality of the rums before they are sent for bottling and packaging.

About Tanduay 

Tanduay is one of the most-awarded rum brands in the Philippines, receiving various local and international citations. In 2017, it was declared the World’s Number One Rum by Drinks International magazine. Tanduay will hold this title for three consecutive years.

Tanduay started out as a distillery in Hagonoy, Bulacan, a province in the island of Luzon known for its heroes and craftsmen. It changed ownership throughout the decades and has been under the Lucio Tan Group of Companies, Inc., one of the biggest conglomerates in the Philippines.

Even as the years passed, Tanduay has maintained the traditional way of distilling its rums, a practice that started in its Manila distillery. It has likewise consistently maintained its product quality, ensuring that Filipinos and foreigners alike will enjoy the same taste and aroma of a Tanduay product wherever they are in the world.

Tanduay Rums Bag Ultimate Spirits Challenge Award in US

 

Tanduay has been dominating spirits competitions and awards in recent years. Once again, three of its products gained international recognition, this time from the prestigious Ultimate Spirits Challenge in the US.

 

This June, Tanduay was declared once again the world’s best-selling rum by Drinks International. Early this year, Tanduay won five medals from the Beverage Testing Institute. Tanduay Asian Rum Gold topped the list with a gold medal. Silver medals, meanwhile, were awarded to Tanduay Asian Rum Silver and Boracay Cappuccino Flavored Rum. Tanduay Double Rum and Boracay Coconut Flavored Rum both received bronze medals.

The Tanduay Double 16 Years Old Aged Rum was a finalist for the rum category, receiving a rating of 94 and was adjudged excellent and highly recommended. Tanduay Asian Rum Gold, meanwhile, received a 92 rating and was also adjudged excellent and highly recommended. With a rating of 88, Tanduay Silver Asian received a strong recommendation and was deemed very good.

 

Tanduay takes pride in delivering the highest quality products, ensuring its sugarcane source and efficient distillation process. 

 

• It’s Starts with the Quality of the Sugarcane

Tanduay sources its sugarcanes from Victorias, Negros Occidental, where planting begins just as the rainy season is about to start and harvesting done by the summer of the following year.

“Tanduay has always been committed to creating the best rum possible. From the sugarcane we use to our distillation process, we make sure that each product that comes out of our plants have gone through our stringent quality checks. At Tanduay, we only use first-syrup molasses, which are extracted from the initial boil of the sugarcanes. It contains a high sugar content and is valued for its unique taste. Our skilled blenders would then take over. We owe much to them for creating the Tan-duay flavors that the world has come to love. Tanduay uses two aging processes. In the single-barrel method, rums mature in individual barrels for a set amount of time. The solera aging process, meanwhile, channels the rums through a series of Kentucky bourbon barrels that are never empty, which helps create and sustain the flavors contained there for generations. Creating a Tanduay product requires hard work and dedication, so we are deeply honored every time we would receive an award. Most of all, we are thankful for the loyal patronage of Tanduay consumers who now comprise not only our fellow Filipinos but people from other countries as well.”  ~Paul Lim, Tanduay SVP for Sales and Marketing

 

The canes would then find their way to Tanduay’s sugar mill, where they are carefully cleaned, stripped of their leaves, cut, and refined. From these canes will come the mo-lasses, the key ingredient to making rum.

 

 

The molasses is then fermented for 12 hours. This process turns the sugars into alcohol, creating a ferment prime for distillation.

• Distilled and Blended to Perfection

Tanduay’s distillation plants are located in Negros Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and Laguna, and they keep the tradition of Tanduay’s original distillery in Manila, which has already been decommissioned.

 

The country’s humidity and these distilleries’ high elevation contribute to Tanduay rum’s distinct flavors and aromas. It is in these distilleries where the molasses is turned into a clear liquid—ethanol.

 

The liquids are stored in Kentucky bourbon oak barrels, where they will be aged. Tanduay’s Master Blender, who is the guardian of Tanduay’s formulas, will then check the rum for consistency and quality. Once the Master Blender gives the go signal, the rums are sent for bottling and packaging.

 

Tanduay’s Master Blender, who is the guardian of Tanduay’s formulas, will then check the rum for consistency and quality. Once the Master Blender gives the go signal, the rums are sent for bottling and packaging.

 



International Partnerships, Aggressive Expansion Push Tanduay Rhum to Number 1 Spot Anew

 

 

Early this year, Tanduay won five medals from the Beverage Testing Institute. Tanduay Asian Rum Gold topped the list with a gold medal. Silver medals, meanwhile, were awarded to Tanduay Asian Rum Silver and Boracay Cappuccino Flavored Rum. Tanduay Double Rum and Boracay Coconut Flavored Rum both received bronze medals. 

 

Tanduay has maintained its leadership position in the industry, it has been declared the World's Number 1 Rum for the third consecutive year. International partnerships and global expansion contributed to the increase in global sales.

 

The liquor firm is currently working on expanding its product portfolio for both local and international markets. It was in 2018 that Tanduay first dislodged rival Bacardi and other known brands to hold the top spot.

 

 


Tanduay‘s international partnerships and global expansion bolstered its worldwide sales, making it the world’s top-selling rum for the third consecutive year.

 

Tanduay Rhum sold 20.5 million cases in 2019, an increase from its 20.1 million cases in 2018, according to Drinks International magazine which hands out the awards.

“Once again, Philippine giant Tanduay has topped the rum chart, has continued its steady growth above the 20m-case threshold. The brand branched out into Singapore and US territory Guam while, at the same time, nourishing its vast domestic market…”

Tanduay is currently working on expanding its product portfolio for both local and international markets.

 

It was in 2018 that Tanduay first dislodged Bacardi on the top spot of the world’s number one rum list. The following year, the Filipino rum maintained its leadership against 153 other brands in the category. 

“Being declared the World’s Number 1 Rum for the third year is an achievement not just for Tanduay but for the entire country as our products are proudly Philippine-made using materials sourced locally. We celebrate this feast with our fellow Filipinos and we thank our international partners who have helped us market Tanduay globally. At present, we are working toward bringing Tanduay to Europe as rhum sales in the region outstripped gin. The value of rhum in Europe is growing faster than volume, which is very encouraging because that suggests premiumisation leading the industry to long-term growth prospects. Nowadays, drinkers have a more developed taste when it comes to their drink of choice. Aside from rhum, we are also exploring other spirit categories to supply markets here and abroad.” ~Paul Lim, Tanduay Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing

 

Tanduay products are currently available in Florida, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Michigan, and Guam in the U.S, and will be available in Hawaii, Indiana, Nevada, and Minnesota within the year. The company has also successfully entered the markets of China, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Australia.