Destileria Limtuaco Releases Bonifacio Rum, A First for the Philippines
The craft spirits scene in the Philippines has a new contender. On August 18, 2025, Destileria Limtuaco, the country’s oldest distillery, introduced Bonifacio Rum at an event at The Spirits Library in Makati.
The distillery makes this new spirit, the first local rum crafted entirely from molasses in pot stills, using Filipino sugar and traditional distillation methods. This process produces a spirit with a more pronounced and layered character.
A Nod to History and Technique
The company named the rum after its founder, Don Bonifacio Limtuaco, who established the distillery in 1852. While the company has worked on rums since 2008 using a reclaimed Cognac pot still, it blended those earlier versions with other products. The company now presents Bonifacio Rum as its first standalone, unblended spirit.
By using the pot still method, the rum retains a higher concentration of compounds known as esters and congeners. These compounds are responsible for creating the fruity and floral notes found in the final product.
A White Rum with a Strong Profile
According to Aaron James Limpe Aw of Destileria Limtuaco, the rum underwent years of development. The flagship White Rum is bottled at 55% ABV (alcohol by volume). It has a noticeable character and a full-bodied taste, intentionally moving away from the very smooth profiles common in the market.
The spirit is designed for both sipping on its own and for use in cocktails, giving bartenders a new profile to experiment with.
Where to Find Bonifacio Rum
Bonifacio Rum is not yet available for retail purchase. For now, it is being served at a select group of bars and restaurants in Manila, including:
- The Spirits Library
- Fat Cat
- Big Fuzz
- Metiz
- OTO
- Raion
- Eraya
- ReCraft
- AKA
Destileria Limtuaco’s strategy is to introduce the rum through established cocktail venues before a wider release.
Destileria Limtuaco’s Legacy of Spirits
The release of Bonifacio Rum comes after a successful year for the distillery. The company’s Philippine Craft Spirits line received recognition at the World Drinks Awards 2025, with awards for its Manille Liqueur de Calamansi, Amadeo Coffee Liqueur, and Cocohogo Coconut Cream Liqueur.
Bonifacio Rum continues this tradition of developing new Filipino-made spirits for the local and international market.
What kind of cocktail would you make with this new rum? Let us know in the comments.
More…
- https://www.spot.ph/eatdrink/the-latest-eat-drink/bonifacio-rum-destileria-limtuaco-a3284-20250826-dyn?ref=home_feed_1
- https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/food-and-drink/bonifacio-rum-from-the-fields-to-the-glass-flavor-is-freedom-a8118-20250822-lfrm
- https://www.spot.ph/eatdrink/the-latest-eat-drink/bonifacio-rum-destileria-limtuaco-a3284-20250826-dyn?ref=home_wgt2-sections1-eat-drink_4Â
- https://www.overheremanila.com/new-llaollao-brioche
