Don Papa Alon

Don Papa Alon comes from the Bleeding Heart Rum Company in the Philippines, and it sits well outside classic rum territory. Built on a molasses base and bottled at a gentle 40%, it is heavily sweetened and flavour forward, reading much more like a tropical liqueur than an aged sipper, so it is fairest to call it a sweet spirit drink.

The nose is all coconut, ripe fruit, pineapple and caramel, and the palate doubles down with coconut, sweet caramel and a little chili heat before a coconut and perfumed, lightly synthetic finish. The clear references are pina colada, Raffaello and Malaga ice cream, which tells you exactly the kind of sweet, creamy experience on offer. Taken for what it is, it makes a playful base for tiki style cocktails or an easy summer pour for a sweet tooth, but it will not satisfy anyone after genuine aged rum character.