From the Philippines to Jerez: a journey between two traditions
Williams & Humbert continues to expand the ORIGEN saga, a series of limited annual editions in which some of the world’s finest rums travel to Jerez to complete their ageing in our historic casks. Following the launch of Dos Maderas Thailand, a new expression joins the collection, this time from the Philippines.
Dos Maderas Philippines originates at Finca Luisita, in the Philippine province of Tarlac, where the sugar cane is grown and the rum is distilled. There it rests for six years in bourbon barrels before setting off on its journey to Jerez, to the historic Williams & Humbert bodegas.
The Amontillado imprint: six months of ageing in venerable casks
It is at Williams & Humbert that its ageing continues for six months in 80-year-old American oak casks that previously held Amontillado.
Amontillado, made from the Palomino grape, is a dry Sherry that combines an initial period of biological ageing under a veil of flor with a subsequent oxidative ageing. This dual ageing gives it characteristic notes of hazelnut and nuts, a subtle complexity and a dry, lingering finish. The nuances that remain in the casks are passed on to the rum during its final ageing, lending it depth and finesse while preserving its original personality and fruity character.
This balance between aromatic expression, structure and finesse is also reflected in its 42.7% ABV, perfectly integrated, which preserves the delicacy of the whole and allows both the character of the original rum and the nuances of its final ageing in Amontillado casks to shine through.
Ripe fruit, fine tannins and freshness: the sensory profile of Dos Maderas Philippines
Dos Maderas Philippines shows an attractive deep amber colour with mahogany highlights and golden rims, and slow, dense tears in the glass. On the nose it unfolds an enticing combination of ripe banana, pear, caramel, toffee, candied orange, hazelnut and toasted coconut, over a saline background with subtle iodine hints.
On the palate it is round and enveloping, with notes of tropical fruit, vanilla, honey, mild coffee and nuts. Its polished tannins and subtle acidity bring balance and freshness. The finish is warm and lingering, with hints of caramelised banana, walnut and toasted wood.
Reverse Finishing: the art of finishing where others begin
With the ORIGEN series, Williams & Humbert applies the same ageing technique that defines the rest of the Dos Maderas range: REVERSE FINISHING. In other words, the art of finishing where others begin.
A philosophy that consists of bringing these rums from their places of origin to Jerez to complete their ageing in our bodegas. The influence of our historic Sherry casks, together with the unique setting of the Marco de Jerez and the century-old facilities of Williams & Humbert, is key to creating exclusive rums in which the personality of their origin meets the singularity of Jerez ageing.