Don Papa, owned by Diageo since 2023, unveils a new expression for the end of the year: Don Papa Gayuma, a Filipino rum that continues the brand's legacy, with work primarily focused on blending and cask finishes, notably including a rather remarkable passage through ex-Islay whisky casks.
A three-stage aging process
Gayuma undergoes a triple cask aging process:
- first in bourbon casks,
- then in Rioja red wine casks,
- and finally a finish in Islay whisky casks.
This journey imparts a rather accessible aromatic palette: a light woodiness, a hint of smoke, and notes of cocoa and vanilla, in line with the (very!) indulgent profiles that Don Papa has accustomed us to.
A rum designed to accompany the end of a meal
The brand positions it as a nightcap, that small, late-evening drink meant to extend dessert without being over the top. Served neat or lightly chilled, it is intended to be approachable and suits lovers of sweet rums looking for something simple to share at the end of dinner.
Visually, the bottle adopts a darker style, inspired by the mists of Sugarlandia, Don Papa's signature universe, without any particular extravagance.
A homemade cocktail: The Don Fashioned
For those who prefer the cocktail version, Don Papa offers its variation of the Old Fashioned, the Don Fashioned, a minimalist recipe where the rum remains at the center of the glass:
- 6 cl of Don Papa Gayuma
- 1.5 cl of sugar syrup
- 3 dashes of bitters
- 2 orange peels
Price and availability
Don Papa Gayuma (70 cl, 40%) will be available from wine merchants for €63, placing it within the usual range for the brand's editions.
