MANILA — Tanduay continues to reinforce its standing among the world’s leading makers of premium rums as two of its products were awarded Gold Medals at the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards in Chicago, USA held last June 10.
Tanduay Double Rum and Tanduay Reserve Rum 10 Years both scored 95 points to earn the much-coveted honors in a contest that evaluates spirits based on how they perform in real-world hospitality settings.
“The awards Tanduay has received throughout the years show that Philippine rums can truly compete with the world’s best,” said Roy Kristoffer Sumang, Tanduay International Business Development Manager. “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.”
Two of Tanduay’s Finest Premium Rums
Tanduay Double Rum is made from a blend of rums aged 16 and 5 years, which are then combined in ex-bourbon barrels for another two years. This aging process contributes to the award-winning rum’s harmony of flavors from start to finish, making it a great sipping rum.
According to the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards’ tasting notes, Tanduay Double Rum’s “aromas of honeysuckle, marzipan, and nutmeg lead to a palate of toasted toffee and cacao, culminating in a soft, long, and very pleasant finish.”
Another internationally recognized product, Tanduay Reserve Rum 10 Years is a bold blend of rums aged in oak barrels for a decade. It is an overproof rum with a 50.5% alcohol by volume (ABV).
In the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards, its tasting notes were “aromas of honey, dried fruit, and spice” that “lead to a smooth, approachable palate with evolving candied fruit notes and a balanced, lingering finish.”
How Products Are Scored
Scores are awarded to spirits based on their mixability or how well they are blended or combined in cocktails; balance and versatility or their flavor and aroma; and taste, mouthfeel, and finish. They are also judged on their packaging, its creative design, label quality, label details, back-bar appeal, and functionality (including shape, size, weight, and ease of pouring), as well as their value, or how they are priced and what value they offer.
Bronze Medals are awarded to spirits that score 80-84 points; Silver to those that score 85-89 points; Gold to those that score 90 to 95 points; and Double Gold to those that score 96 points and above.
More About the Bartender Spirits Awards
The Bartender Spirits Awards is focused on identifying products that perform successfully in the U.S. on-premise market, helping bars, restaurants, hotels, and hospitality venues discover spirits with strong commercial potential.
The competition is judged exclusively by professionals actively working in hospitality, and winning spirits are recognized not only for quality but also for their practical value in real-world beverage programs.
“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.
