Tanduay rum is indeed made in the Philippines. Specifically, it is produced in the province of Negros Occidental, which is known as the sugar capital of the country. This region is home to vast sugar cane fields, as well as the largest sugar millers and refineries in the Philippines.
The process of making Tanduay rum begins with the cultivation of sugar cane in these fields. The warm and tropical climate of Negros Occidental provides the ideal conditions for sugar cane to thrive. As the sugar cane grows, it absorbs nutrients from the rich soil, resulting in high-quality cane with a high sugar content.
Once the sugar cane is fully matured, it is harvested and brought to the sugar millers and refineries. Here, the cane is crushed to extract the juice, which is then boiled to separate the sugar crystals from the molasses. It is this molasses that serves as the base for Tanduay rum.
The A-grade molasses obtained from this process is carefully selected for its superior quality. Tanduay has unique access to this A-grade molasses due to its close proximity to the sugar millers and refineries in Negros Occidental. This ensures that only the finest ingredients are used in the production of Tanduay rum.
The molasses is then fermented using yeast, which converts the sugars into alcohol. This fermentation process takes place in large vats or tanks, allowing the yeast to work its magic and create the desired flavors and aromas.
After fermentation, the liquid is distilled to separate the alcohol from any impurities. Tanduay uses a traditional copper still for this process, which helps to refine the flavors and remove any unwanted elements. The distillation process is carefully monitored to ensure that only the best and purest alcohol is retained.
The distilled alcohol is then aged in oak barrels, allowing it to develop its unique character and flavor profile. The aging process can range from a few years to several decades, depending on the desired end product. During this time, the rum absorbs the flavors and characteristics of the oak, resulting in a smooth and complex spirit.
Once the aging process is complete, the rum is carefully blended and bottled, ready to be enjoyed by rum enthusiasts around the world. Tanduay takes pride in the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every bottle of their rum, ensuring that each sip delivers a memorable experience.
Tanduay rum is proudly made in the Philippines, specifically in Negros Occidental. The access to high-quality A-grade molasses from the sugar cane fields in this region, coupled with the careful fermentation, distillation, and aging processes, contribute to the unique and exceptional flavors found in Tanduay rum.