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The company said Tanduay Double Rum and Tanduay Reserve Rum 10 Years each received Gold Medals with scores of 95 points at the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards held in Chicago on June 10.
The awards recognize spirits that perform well in real-world hospitality environments, with judging conducted exclusively by bartenders and other industry professionals.
Why it matters
Recognition from hospitality experts carries added weight because it evaluates products based not only on taste but also on usability in bars and restaurants, helping brands gain credibility in the competitive US on-premise market.
“The awards Tanduay has received throughout the years show that Philippine rums can truly compete with the world’s best,” Tanduay International Business Development manager Roy Kristoffer Sumang said in a press statement.
“And what makes our latest wins at the Bartender Spirits Awards even more special is that it was judged by a panel composed exclusively of bartenders and hospitality professionals. These are the people who know what spirits truly shine from shelf to glass,” he added.
Tanduay Double Rum is crafted from a blend of 16-year and 5-year-old rums that undergo an additional two years of aging in ex-bourbon barrels. Judges described it as having aromas of honeysuckle, marzipan and nutmeg, followed by toasted toffee and cacao notes with a soft, lingering finish.
Meanwhile, Tanduay Reserve Rum 10 Years, an overproof expression at 50.5 percent ABV, was praised for aromas of honey, dried fruit and spice leading to a smooth palate with balanced candied fruit notes.
The big picture
The Bartender Spirits Awards evaluates entries on taste, balance, mixability, packaging and value, with Gold Medals awarded to products scoring between 90 and 95 points.
The competition aims to identify spirits with strong commercial potential for bars, restaurants and hotels across the United States.
“These international awards reflect Tanduay’s commitment to Filipino craftsmanship and innovation, and they inspire us to continue showcasing the best of the Philippines on the global stage,” Sumang said. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
