Tanduay has further cemented its position among the world’s top premium rum producers, earning Gold Medals for two of its products at the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards held in Chicago, USA last June 10. Both Tanduay Double Rum and Tanduay Reserve Rum 10 Years achieved an outstanding score of 95 points in the competition, which evaluates spirits based on their performance in actual hospitality settings.
“The awards Tanduay has received over the years prove that Philippine rums can truly compete with the world’s best,” said Roy Kristoffer Sumang, the company’s international business development manager. “What makes these latest wins even more meaningful is that the judging panel was made up entirely of bartenders and hospitality professionals—the people who know exactly which spirits stand out from the shelf to the glass.”
Tanduay Double Rum is crafted by blending rums aged 16 and five years, then maturing the mix for another two years in ex-bourbon barrels, resulting in a well-balanced flavor ideal for drinking neat. Competition judges described it as having aromas of honeysuckle, marzipan and nutmeg, leading to notes of toasted toffee and cacao, with a smooth, long-lasting finish. Meanwhile, Tanduay Reserve Rum 10 Years is an overproof rum at 50.5 percent alcohol by volume, made from a bold blend of rums aged a full decade in oak barrels. Its tasting notes highlighted aromas of honey, dried fruit and spice, a smooth palate with developing candied fruit flavors, and a balanced, lingering finish.
Entries are scored based on mixability, flavor balance, versatility, taste and mouthfeel, as well as packaging design, practicality for bar use, and overall value. Gold medals are awarded for scores between 90 and 95 points, the category both products qualified for. The Bartender Spirits Awards focuses on identifying spirits that succeed in the U.S. on-premise market, helping bars, restaurants and hotels find products with strong commercial potential.
“These international honors reflect Tanduay’s dedication to Filipino craftsmanship and innovation, and motivate us to keep bringing the best of the Philippines to the global stage,” Sumang added. Tanduay products are available nationwide at leading liquor stores and supermarkets, as well as through its official e-commerce site www.shots.ph. Updates on new products and promotions can also be found on the brand’s official social media pages.
