Don Papa Gayuma

Don Papa is made by the Bleeding Heart Rum Company on the Philippine island of Negros, and Gayuma is one of its quirkier expressions. The molasses spirit rests in ex-bourbon wood, and the result veers away from the soft tropical sweetness of the core range toward something smoky and whisky like, sweetened in the house manner and bottled at 40%.

The nose carries grilled wood, a peaty edge, chocolate and vanilla, and the palate stays smoky and woody with orange weaving through to a charred finish. Time in bourbon barrels shows in the toasted vanilla and fruit, while the underlying dosage keeps everything rounded and dessert friendly. It is an honest curiosity: anyone who enjoys peated whisky finishes and does not mind a sweet edge will find a smoky after dinner sipper here, and it takes happily to cola for those who want it longer.