Tanduay has long been known for its rich heritage and its place in the country’s drinking culture. Since the 1800s, it has produced bottle after bottle of rum that has become part of both big and small celebrations.
Beyond the product, however, the iconic Filipino brand has also been investing in something that is just as important: education, craftsmanship, and the next generation of hospitality leaders.
"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
Elevating Rum Education Across the Philippines
One of Tanduay’s cornerstone initiatives in spirit education is the Tanduay Rum Masterclass.
"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."
— Jake Alano, Resident Bartender of Tanduay
Alano recently spearheaded the latest session at the University of Perpetual Help Las Piñas, where over 100 freshmen and sophomore students preparing for careers in the hospitality and beverage industry attended. He was assisted by the Band of Young and Outstanding Bartenders (BYOB) and Soilo Productions, who led hands-on discussions covering bartending fundamentals and signature Tanduay cocktail mixing.
The Evolution of the Masterclass
Tanduay has been hosting rum masterclasses since 2016, with its earliest documented session held at the Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST Manila).
What began as a foundational product seminar has evolved into a comprehensive, multi-faceted learning program. Today, the curriculum covers:
- 🌾 Sugarcane & Craftsmanship: Understanding raw sourcing, aging, and blending.
- 🍹 Practical Bartending & Flairtending: Hands-on cocktail mixing techniques and bar efficiency.
- 🍷 Sensory Analysis: Evaluating rum color, aroma, body, taste profile, and finish.
"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," Alano shared.
What Makes the Tanduay Rum Masterclass Unique?
The masterclass seamlessly blends foundational bartending skills with cultural heritage and sensory exploration:
- Heritage & Storytelling: Connecting world-class Filipino craftsmanship to global rum appreciation.
- Interactive Sensory Tasting: Guiding participants through distinct notes, aromas, and age profiles.
- Creative Mixology: Teaching students how to utilize local rum profiles in contemporary mixology.
Promoting Responsible Service & Consumption
Throughout every session, Tanduay reinforces the critical importance of responsible drinking and service ethics:
"Participants are reminded that alcoholic beverages should be consumed responsibly and only by individuals of legal drinking age. The masterclass also emphasizes the responsibility that future hospitality professionals have when serving alcoholic beverages to guests."
— Jake Alano
Investing in the Craft: Why Spirit Knowledge Matters
For Alano, a 15-year industry veteran, mastering a spirit goes far beyond understanding consumption:
"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."
In addition to the Tanduay Rum Masterclass, Tanduay continues to support the industry through distillery tours, national mixology competitions, and flairtending showcases—ensuring that the heritage of Filipino rum remains vibrant for generations to come.
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