Tanduay Raises the Bar for Philippine Rums Anew with Two Gold Wins in the U.S.

Tanduay's position as a leading producer of premium rums was strengthened when two of its products received Gold Medals at the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards, which took place on June 10 in Chicago, USA.

Tanduay Double Rum and Tanduay Reserve Rum 10 Years both received 95 points in a contest to determine how well spirits perform in real-world hospitality settings.

“The awards Tanduay has received throughout the years show that Philippine rums can truly compete with the world’s best. And what makes our latest wins at the Bar-tender Spirits Awards even more special is that it was judged by a panel composed ex-clusively of bartenders and hospitality professionals. These are the people who know what spirits truly shine from shelf to glass. These international awards reflect Tanduay’s commitment to Filipino craftsmanship and innovation, and they inspire us to continue showcasing the best of the Philippines on the global stage.” ~Roy Kristoffer Sumang, Tanduay Interna-tional Business Development Manager

Two of Tanduay’s Finest Premium Rums

Tanduay Double Rum is a blend of 16 and 5 year-old rums that are aged an additional two years in ex-bourbon barrels. This aging process enhances the award-winning rum's flavor harmony from start to finish, making it an excellent sipping rum.

According to the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards’ tasting notes, Tanduay Double Rum’s “aromas of honeysuckle, marzipan, and nutmeg lead to a palate of toasted toffee and cacao, culminating in a soft, long, and very pleasant finish.”

Tanduay Reserve Rum 10 Years, another internationally recognized product, is a bold blend of rums aged in oak barrels for a decade. It is an overproof rum with an ABV of 50.5%.

In the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards, its tasting notes were “aromas of honey, dried fruit, and spice” that “lead to a smooth, approachable palate with evolving candied fruit notes and a balanced, lingering finish.”

How Products Are Scored

Spirits are evaluated based on their mixability (how well they blend or combine in cocktails), balance and versatility (flavor and aroma), and taste, mouthfeel, and finish. They are also judged on their packaging, creative design, la-bel quality, label details, back-bar appeal, and functionality (including shape, size, weight, and ease of pouring), as well as their value, or how much they cost and what value they offer.

Bronze Medals are given to spirits who score 80-84 points, Silver to those who score 85-89 points, Gold to those who score 90-95 points, and Double Gold to those who score 96 or more points.

More About the Bartender Spirits Awards

The Bartender Spirits Awards seek to identify products that perform well in the United States' on-premise market, assisting bars, restaurants, hotels, and hospitality venues in discovering spirits with high commercial potential. 

The competition is judged entirely by hospitality professionals, and the winning spirits are recognized for their quality and practicality in real-world beverage programs.

Learn more about Tanduay’s products and latest events and promotions by following its  official social media accounts. Tanduay products are available via its official e-commerce site, www.shots.ph, and from leading liquor stores and supermarkets nation-wide.

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 No. 1 Rum by Drinks International magazine. Tanduay will hold this title for nine 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’s Especia Spiced Rum Wins Gold and Best in Category at New Orleans Spirits Competition

The recent New Orleans Spirits Competition recognized Especia Spiced Rum with a gold medal and Best in Category honors. Judged by a group of distinguished specialists, the competition honors premium libations and spirits from world-class producers.

A gold medal signifies that Especia Spiced Rum excelled in several areas, including flavor, balance, aroma, and finish. An heirloom sugarcane product, Especia Spiced Rum is infused with exotic spices and tropical fruits. It has been Tanduay's most awarded product in recent years.

“Tanduay’s victory at the New Orleans Spirits Competition not only showcases our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and quality; it also solidifies the brand’s standing as a leader in the premium spirits industry.” ~Roy Kristoffer Sumang, Tanduay International Business Development Manager

In addition to Especia Spiced Rum, several other Tanduay rums received medals.

Tanduay Asian Rum Gold and Tanduay Double Rum each took home bronze medals, but Tanduay Asian Rum Silver took home a silver medal.

Tanduay Asian Rum Silver is another award-winning product. It is aged for up to five years in bourbon barrels and tastes like green, ripe fruits with subtle notes of vanilla, mandarin, and burnt sugar. Its unique and pure flavor makes it ideal for mixing into cocktails or for sipping on its own.

Meanwhile, the highly praised Tanduay Asian Rum Gold is a dark rum with notes of vanilla, tropical fruit, coconut, and nutmeg, and a decent balance of sweetness and alcohol content. It is kept in bourbon barrels for up to seven years.

Tanduay Double Rum, another well-received product, is a mixture of rums aged for 16 and 5 years, mixed for two years in bourbon barrels. Its unique flavor, which is enhanced by the aging process, makes it a smooth-drinking rum with a pleasing balance of flavors throughout.

As the rum brand commemorates its 170th anniversary this year, Tanduay's victory at the New Orleans Spirits Competition represents yet another noteworthy accomplishment.

The Tales of Cocktail Foundation hosts the New Orleans Spirits Competition. Prominent figures in the industry, award-winning distillers and bartenders, celebrated beverage writers, and industry professionals comprise the judging panel.