🥃 Tanduay

Tanduay is a Philippine rum brand with history going back to 1854, often described as one of the biggest rums in the world. It is produced by Tanduay Distillers, which has been controlled by businessman Lucio Tan since 1988. The line includes Silver, Gold and Double. The brand often claims to be the largest rum by sales volume, but such comparisons depend on the method used.

History. According to Difford's Guide, the company Ynchausti y Compania was founded by the Ynchausti family in 1854, and the original distillery was built on Tanduay Island in Manila in 1860. In May 1988 Lucio Tan bought the brand and the distillery. The company reports the largest distillery in the country, with a capacity of 24 million litres and more than 120,000 oak barrels.

How it is made. Sources disagree on the raw material: Difford's Guide names molasses, while The Tasting Alliance writes about Philippine sugar cane. The rum is aged in charred oak barrels in the hot climate of the Philippines. Silver matures up to five years, Gold up to seven years in ex-bourbon barrels, and Double blends 5- and 16-year-old rums.

Rankings and ownership. The title of the world's largest rum depends on the indicator and the year, so older descriptions could place Tanduay second. Check the current owner on the producer's website.

Why it matters to you. In the EU, rum must have at least 37.5% ABV. The age on the label refers to the youngest rum in the bottle, not to the whole blend. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.