Tanduay Rum Masterclass builds future hospitality talent

Insider Spotlight

• Tanduay uses its Rum Masterclass to build rum knowledge among students and young hospitality professionals
• The program combines Filipino rum heritage, sensory appreciation, responsible drinking and practical bartending skills
• Tanduay has conducted masterclasses since 2016, typically facilitating sessions for at least three institutions a month
  
  
  
  

Tanduay is strengthening its investment in the Philippines’ future bartenders and hospitality professionals through a rum education program that takes students beyond the basics of mixing drinks.

The Tanduay Rum Masterclass introduces participants to rum production, Filipino craftsmanship, tasting, cocktail preparation and responsible service, complementing the education of students pursuing careers in hospitality, tourism, culinary arts and the beverage industry.

Grassroots engagement

“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,” Tanduay brand manager Gem Leonard Boy said in a press statement.

The latest masterclass at the University of Perpetual Help Las Piñas drew more than 100 freshmen and sophomore students. Tanduay resident bartender Jake Alano led the session, assisted by the Band of Young and Outstanding Bartenders and Soilo Productions.

Bartending fundamentals

Tanduay traces its Rum Masterclass to 2016, with the earliest documented session held at the Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology in Manila. The program eventually expanded to private and state universities, training schools, mobile bars, companies and private sessions across Metro Manila, North and Central Luzon, Calabarzon and the Bicol Region.

The sessions cover bartending fundamentals alongside rum color, aroma, body, taste and finish. Students also learn cocktail mixing and the importance of serving alcohol responsibly and only to people of legal drinking age.

Filipino rum heritage

“What makes the Tanduay Rum Masterclass different is its combination of education, Filipino rum heritage, sensory appreciation, and practical bartending application. Participants are given the opportunity to understand where rum comes from, how it develops its character, how to appreciate its different qualities, and how it can be used creatively in cocktails,” Alano said.

Future careers

Tanduay also supports rum education through distillery tours, mixology and flairtending competitions and other industry activities.

“We want them to leave with greater appreciation for Filipino rum and with knowledge that they can carry into their future careers in bartending, hospitality, and the beverage industry,” Alano emphasized. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma