A unique story is unfolding in the vast sugarcane fields of Tarlac. With roots in the historic Hacienda, Luisita Rum, the Philippines’ only single-estate rum, is more than another craft spirit. Its deep connection to the land gives it a distinctive identity in the world of rum-making, telling the story of Filipino craftsmanship, history, and innovation in every bottle. Here’s how this homegrown rum brings a unique Filipino flavor to the world.
Luisita Rum’s story begins at Hacienda Luisita, a historic estate in Tarlac founded in 1881 by the General Tobacco Company of the Philippines. Initially named after the wife of its founder, the Marques de Comillas Antonio Lopes, the estate originally focused on tobacco cultivation. However, recognizing the land’s ideal conditions for sugarcane, the estate shifted its focus, leading to the establishment of Central Azucarera de Tarlac in 1927—becoming the first and only remaining integrated sugar mill in the Philippines. This shift laid the groundwork for the creation of the Tarlac Distillery Corporation (TADISCO) in 1958, tasked with alcohol distillation for the estate, which had since been acquired by the Cojuangco family. The estate’s sugarcane fields provided the foundation for rum production, making it a natural extension of their operations. s. Using its iconic 1920s still, TADISCO became a key supplier of distillates for well-known brands like La Tondeña Rum and Tanduay, contributing to the country’s rum industry well into the 1980s and 1990s.
In 2016, Luisita Rum emerged from a vision to create a truly authentic, premium Philippine rum. Embracing a single-estate approach, Luisita uses sugarcane grown exclusively on the family estate, allowing complete control over every step of the process. Paco Cojuangco, known as the “Farmer Behind the Brand,” highlights the significance of this method: “Being a single-estate rum means we oversee everything from the ground up. It’s not just about making rum—it’s about being stewards of the land.” This dedication to both craft and sustainability sets Luisita Rum apart. Notably, the brand embraces a “soil-to-bottle” philosophy, emphasizing regenerative farming practices and community collaboration to ensure the sugarcane is cultivated sustainably.
What sets Luisita Rum apart is its commitment to authenticity and quality. While mass-produced rums dominate the market, Luisita focuses on crafting small batches with a distinct flavor. Using molasses derived from sugarcane grown and harvested exclusively on the Luisita estate, it is the only single-estate rum in the Philippines. This connection to the land gives it a distinctive identity in the world of rum-making. The rum undergoes fermentation and distillation, followed by aging in oak barrels, which contribute to the rum’s rich, complex flavor profile.
A standout characteristic of Luisita Rum is its signature flavor, often described as reminiscent of turon, a beloved Filipino snack made of caramelized banana wrapped in pastry, which has become a defining characteristic of the brand. This flavor, along with notes of oak, vanilla, coconut, and toffee, sets Luisita Rum apart in a crowded market.
Luisita Rum debuted with its Single Barrel Series, bottling just one barrel at a time at cask strength. The limited releases, such as the Single Barrel Series 2020 (Barrel 2066), Sherry Cask release in 2021, and Barrel 2140 (2022), exclusively selected for Whisky Live Manila 2022, have sold out.
Their flagship blend, Luisita Oro, aged for at least two years in bourbon barrels, has gained popularity for its well-rounded flavors and accessibility. Known for its signature caramelized banana note, it balances sweetness with robust, earthy tones and a touch of spice, all without any added coloring or sugar.
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Luisita Rum has earned international recognition, with its Single Barrel 2066 and Luisita Oro receiving silver medals at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC). These accolades place it alongside some of the best rums from the Caribbean and South America, cementing its status as a world-class Filipino spirit.
But Luisita Rum offers more than exceptional spirits—it invites guests to explore the entire journey behind its creation with immersive estate tours. Visitors get an insider’s look at the brand’s “soil-to-bottle” production process, touring the distillery, seeing vintage machinery in action, and learning firsthand how this award-winning rum is made. The tour also highlights Hacienda Luisita’s rich history, a cornerstone of the region’s agricultural legacy. Depending on the season, guests may witness sugarcane harvesting, watch trucks unload fresh cane, see brown sugar cascading through the mill, and even sample fresh brown sugar and molasses—the key ingredients of Luisita Rum.
As part of the tour, guests visit the distillery, where they can view the stills used in production, taste distillates, and meet the team behind the brand. Paco often shares personal stories about the estate’s legacy, providing a deeper connection to Luisita’s history. Visitors also get a behind-the-scenes look at the aging process, with the chance to sign a rum barrel—a unique touch to the experience. Along the way, guests sample Luisita Rum, offering guests a closer bond to the craftsmanship and land that make it special. While the tours aren’t always available year-round, interested guests are encouraged to contact the distillery to arrange visits as slots open.
Luisita Rum continues to grow, thanks to its dedication to small-batch production, terroir, and tradition. While it operates in a niche premium market, the brand is gaining traction both locally and internationally. Yet, even as they aim for global markets, they remain committed to heritage and sustainability. From its roots in Tarlac’s rich soil to its modern-day craftsmanship, Luisita Rum is putting Filipino ingenuity on the global stage, one bottle at a time.
Follow Luisita Rum on Facebook and Instagram. Visit their website for more information and contact them via [email protected] or +63 919 065 4711 to inquire about the tours.
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