Sugarlandia is the nickname for Negros Occidental a region on the island of Negros in the Philippines. It’s here that Don Papa sources its sugarcane to create this rum that is reminiscent of a cocktail in a bottle.
If you possess a sweet tooth, this may be the rum for you. Prefer something complex and dry? Don’t reach for this bottle.
Review: Reece Sims
Photo: Reece Sims
Flavor Camps
Overall Rating
Total Score: 27/50
Aroma: 5/9
Taste: 5/9
Finish: 2/5
Distinctiveness: 4/5
Overall Drinkability/Balance: 5/9
Value for Price: 4/8
Appearance: 2/5
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Tawny. The bottle is nice but it wouldn't draw immediate focus on a Rum shelf.
- Aroma: Vanilla and cherry cola (almost a synthetic quality to it), orange, kola nut, overripe (hot climate) tropical fruits and spice, sweet with a creamy Werther's original note.
- Taste & Mouthfeel: There is definitely dosage added to this rum! On the palate it's reminiscent of vanilla, cherry coke, and cream soda or for those who remember the old Moxies Restaurants, the 'swamp water' pop you could get which mixed all the sodas together - not necessarily a bad thing, it's just a choice that's not for everyone.
- Finish: An orange creamsicle. Slight bitterness on the sides of the tongue.
- Distinctiveness: Fairly distinctive but easily forgotten.
- Overall Drinkability & Balance: We think this rum would work in cocktails, but it's a bit too sweet on its own to sip. That being said, if you have a sweet tooth, this may be the rum for you.
Product Details
- Distiller: Bleeding Heart Rum Co.
- Type: Jamaican Rum
- Age: Up to 7 years
- Still Type: Stainless steel column with copper plates
- Cask Type(s): Ex-Bourbon American Oak Barrels
- Origin: Philippines
- Composition: Black Gold Molasses
- ABV: 40%
- # of Distillations: Not Disclosed
- Price: $61.99 CAD in BC (+ taxes)
Additional Rum Specifics
- Fermentation Duration: 4 days
- Dosage: Not disclosed but there's definitely sugar & additives in it
- Ester Only Levels: Not disclosed
- Volatile Compound Levels: Not disclosed
Comments / Conclusions:
We’re unsure as to the rules and requirements of what makes a ‘rum’ a ‘rum’ in the Philippines. As far as we can find, it simply needs to be a distilled spirit derived from sugarcane without much else required.
- Crushable / Daily Drinker
- Cocktail Worthy
- Special Occasion Sipper Only
- Weird & Wonderful
- Skip It
Food Pairing Recommendations: Parmesan/Asiago, Citrus-based foods and drinks.
Cocktail Recommendation: Blue Hawaiian – let the sugar rush commence!