How Tanduay Is Shaping the Future of the Bartending and Hospitality Industries Through Its Rum Masterclass

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.

Tanduay's Embasssy Whisky: A Quiet Kind of Chill

A Quiet Kind of Chill

There’s something about quiet evenings where the music is turned low, the lights are dimmed just right, and having the easy company of your closest confidantes. No rush, just chill vibes. That’s the kind of energy where the right spirit fits into, not loudly but like it was meant to be there.

 

One brand in particular has found its way into those moments -- Embassy Whisky. Smooth enough to sip neat and likewise great to mix in a cocktail without losing itself, this Tanduay product has become a quiet favorite among those who value good taste without the noise. No frills and flash, just a well-made pour that feels like it is part of the night and not its centerpiece.

 

Crafted with Whiskies Aged and Distilled in Scotland

 

Embassy is the kind of whisky you notice not because it demands attention, but because you realize how effortlessly it fits into your rhythm. One sip and the mood is chill. It opens with a nose of gentle smokiness layered with ripe banana, woody undertones, and subtle hints of peat. On the palate, it carries a smooth, balanced, and light sweet body, revealing flavors of malt, wood, banana, and faint notes of honey and vanilla.

 

“Embassy Whisky is made by blending neutral grain spirit with whisky that is distilled and aged in Scotland, bottling it at 65 Proof to achieve that light and easy-to-drink profile. The whisky blended into Embassy is made only from malt whiskies matured for at least three years in oak casks to preserve their oak-influenced character and subtle peat notes that root it in Scotch tradition,” said Janno Gironella, head of Tanduay’s Research & Development.

 

With its relatively light body, sweet and fruity notes, and lower alcohol content at 32.5% alcohol by volume or ABV (standard ABV for whiskies is 40%), it caters to those that want an easy-drinking spirit that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed and those who are trying whisky for the first time.

 

“You can sip it neat to appreciate its sweet malt, banana, and vanilla notes, or try it on the rocks to mellow the sweetness and bring out more of the woody and mild peat tones. Because of its lighter body and 32.5% ABV, it also works well as a mixing whisky by pairing it with soda water or cola. For those new to whisky, starting with a simple highball (whisky and soda with ice and a citrus juice) would be an ideal way to enjoy Embassy without overwhelming the palate.” Gironella recommended.

  

A Tribute to the Quiet Strength of the Filipino

 

The kind of chill that Embassy Whisky brings is something Filipinos embody. It’s the calm confidence that comes from overcoming daily challenges, of steadfastly putting in the hard work despite the obstacles along the way, and celebrating the small wins in the company of the most genuine circle of friends.

 

“Embassy Whisky is crafted with the hardworking Filipino in mind — a tribute to the people who carry the weight of everyday life with quiet strength. It reflects the spirit of the Philippines: resilient, grounded, and always finding time to share moments of ease,” said Gem Leonard Boy, Brand Manager at Tanduay.

 

“It brings a sense of comfort and belonging. It is a whisky that welcomes you at the end of the day and makes simple moments feel more deserved,” he added.

Embassy Whisky is a product of Tanduay Distillers, Inc. It is available in stores nationwide and online through www.shots.ph, and its official stores on Shopee and Lazada.

Tanduay Asian Rum Silver Wins Gold at Miami Global Spirits Awards

Tanduay’s premium rums were awarded five medals at the inaugural Miami Global Spirits Awards (MGSA), with Tanduay Asian Rum Silver receiving a gold medal and being declared the Best White/Aged Under 6 Years Rum. Silver medals were awarded to Tanduay Asian Rum Gold, Tanduay 10-Year Old Rum, and Tanduay Double Rum, and a bronze medal to Tanduay Especia Spiced Rum.

“As we expand our presence in different parts of the world, these awards serve as an affirmation of the quality and craftsmanship that go into every bottle of Tanduay. We are proud to showcase Filipino excellence wherever we may be in the world, and we remain committed to producing rums that reflect our heritage and innovation,” said Tanduay International Business Development Manager Roy Kristoffer Sumang

The MGSA, held for the first time this year in Sunny Isles, Florida, brought together industry experts to evaluate a wide range of spirits from across the globe. The panel of judges included distilled spirits professionals, journalists, trade experts, and influential buyers who did a double-blind judging process to ensure impartiality.

With Tanduay’s multiple medals, the brand further reinforces its position as one of the top rum producers in the world and highlights the increasing international recognition for Philippine-made spirits. 

Tanduay’s continued success in international competitions also mirrors its growing footprint outside of the Philippines. The company currently has presence in major markets around the world, including Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, People’s Republic of China, Peru, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, United States, and United Kingdom. Recently, it was also declared the World’s Number 1 Rum for the eighth consecutive year.

“Each award serves as a motivation for us to raise the bar even higher and continue making rums that Filipinos can be truly proud of. We may have been in the industry for more than a hundred years now, but our journey is far from over,” Sumang said.

Show Off Your Hidden Talent at the Tanduay Bacolod Rhum Festival with the #NatatagongGaling Online Challenge

Get ready to shine! 

Tanduay is calling on all singers and dancers, whether you’re from Bacolod or beyond, to join the #NatatagongGaling Online Challenge, part of this year’s Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival happening this August 28-31 in celebration of global Rum Month.

Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed his excitement for the initiative: “The Rum Festival is not only a celebration of Bacolod’s world-class rum, but also of the creativity and talent of our people. I encourage everyone -- young and old, here in Bacolod and beyond -- to take part in the #NatatagongGaling Challenge and be part of this exciting celebration.”

Joining is easy:

1. Pick your best song or dance—just make sure it’s in the Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok music libraries. (Singers, we recommend using instrumental or videoke tracks.)

2. Record your 30-second to 1-minute video and give it your all!

3. Post on your socials as a reel or video, tag @Tanduay Rum Festival, and don’t forget the hashtags #NatatagongGaling and #TanduayBacolodRumFestival.

The best entries will be invited to perform LIVE at the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival Music Fest Night on August 30 -- your chance to hit the big stage and vibe with the festival crowd.

“This challenge is all about discovering raw, authentic talent,” said Edzel Ty, Brand Manager, Tanduay Brands International. “We know so many out there have amazing voices and moves just waiting to be seen. The Bacolod Rum Festival is the perfect stage to let that hidden talent shine.”

The Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival was launched in 2019 in partnership with the City of Bacolod to celebrate the city’s sugarcane heritage and its close link to rum-making. Now an annual tradition, the festival brings together food, music, artistry, and mixology in a vibrant showcase of Bacolod’s culture and creativity. Held every August to mark Rum Month worldwide, the event has grown to become one of the city’s most anticipated celebrations, highlighting Tanduay -- recognized as the World’s Number 1 Rum--and its deep connection to Bacolod and Negros Occidental.

Don’t just scroll—get in the groove, hit record, and show the world your #NatatagongGaling.

Follow @Tanduay Rum Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates.