Tanduay Gold

Tanduay Gold is a Filipino rum carrying a seven-year statement, matured in ex-bourbon casks and aimed squarely at the mixing end of the market. It is the kind of soft, value-focused rum the Philippines turns out in volume, built for the glass with a mixer rather than for slow neat drinking.

The nose shows fruity, spicy and oak notes with some dried fruit, the palate runs spice, chocolate and a dark, oily character, and the finish is alcoholic, bitter and a touch thin. There is a mild sweetness and a hint of caramel and chocolate, but the overall impression is rather light and slightly rough. It does its best work in a Cuba Libre or Dark and Stormy, where the mixer carries it; as a neat pour it is honestly forgettable, a serviceable budget mixer rather than a sipping rum.